Dear St. Noel Family:

Thank you all again for your enthusiastic response to the New Mass Survey! You contributed over 275 responses and gave honest and very helpful input. It's further proof of what our liturgical celebrations mean to this community and I find that a source of great joy!

While all five settings averaged a score of at least 3.0 out of five, two clearly stood out. Of those, one consistently ranked highly among all four sample acclamations: Setting Four, Sarah Hart's Mass of St. Mary Magdelene. This very new setting of the Mass is the first by Sarah Hart, one of the most prominent and beloved contemporary Catholic composers today (born in Lancaster, OH, BTW!).

We'll begin phasing in this setting on September 4 with the Gospel Acclamation, and wrap up with the Glory to God on October 2. As always, my door is always open for your experience of this setting and all aspects of our worship life, so don't hesitate to let me know how it's going.

If you'd like to get a head start on the Mass of St. Mary Magdelene:

• You'll find it in the Music Issue, beginning at number 933.
• You can also listen to the complete setting via YouTube! Choose Christ 2020: Mass of St. Mary Magdalene
• For the record, we'll use the following acclamations:
  • Glory to God
  • Alleluia
  • Holy
  • We Proclaim Your Death
  • Amen
  • Lamb of God

As "at home" as I feel here at St. Noel, I'll well aware of how much I've yet to learn about this community. It means so much to me that you were willing to take time out of your lives to collaborate with me on this decision! I look forward to praying this setting and all our sung prayer with you.

Peace be with you,

Tony