And the winner is....

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/30/22

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, ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT : June 29, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/29/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

No lengthy article this week, just a few notes and reminders for you! July 4 Mass

All are welcome to join me in Music Ministry for our Independence Day Mass at 9:00 am. We'll warm up and prep at 8:30. Music selections can be ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT : June 22, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/22/22

THINK PAST THE INK

Dear Partners in Ministry,

Imagine you’ve paid what it takes to see a touring Broadway hit. After fighting traffic, shelling out a parking fee, hiking from that distant lot to the theater, and making your way into the house, you find there is no set. ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: June 15, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/15/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

I had planned on writing a deep dive into choral technique this week, but I am exhausted! Some of you already know that I am a lifelong Cubs fan (I know, '16) and, naturally, I have passed this love on to my kids. While ... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: June 8, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/08/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

Welcome to Summer (at least, in the liturgical sense)! Despite a lull in our rehearsal schedule, things will be hopping in Music Ministry in the next few months, from a long-overdue cleanup and organization to a new Mass setting you'll help choose. ORDINARY TIME RETURNS

... Read More »

THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: June 1, 2022

Posted by Tony Ward on 6/01/22

Dear Partners in Ministry,

How is it JUNE?! We are just days away from completing our first Easter season together and moving into that summer stretch of Ordinary Time. End-of-Year details and a big favor below. LAST REHEARSAL TOMORROW

A last reminder that tomorrow is our final weekly rehearsal ... Read More »