Dear Partners in Ministry,
I’m starting this Wednesday Report on Tuesday night, while enjoying the Apollo’s Fire concert from the solitude of my office. I thought this as good a time as any to update you on my health and what it means for the near future.
As many of you already know, I’ve struggled for years with anxiety and depression; in the last year or so, the frequency and severity of these struggles— insomnia, panic attacks, irritability, increasing isolation— have reached intolerable levels (this is why I’m in my office instead of in the church right now), taking an increasingly significant toll on my physical health and ability to fulfill my callings as a husband, father, minister, and friend. Earlier this month, I reached a critical point in which I needed to admit to myself that I have to address these issues directly, before I reach a stage in which I could no longer continue in this ministry.
So, in order to continue doing what I do best, I need to do what I do worst— namely, to rest. To that end, Fr. Terry has graciously agreed to let me take a short leave of absence from St. Noel in the first weeks of 2025. I will leave after Masses on Sunday, January 5 (the Epiphany of the Lord) and return to the office on Tuesday, February 11 (the day after our wedding anniversary). In that time, I intend to let go of all things ministry and devote my time to reflection, prayer, and recuperation (with the aid of therapy and my doctor).
Anxiety and depression are, in one sense, much like hyperthyroidism: an imbalance of chemicals produced by a vital organ which causes its malfunction and has negative effects on the entire body. In other words, mental health is health. I cannot express how grateful I am that Fr. Terry and my colleagues have understood this and supported me in this decision as thoroughly as if I were recovering from surgery or a serious injury.
During these weeks:
* You’ll be in terrific hands. Richard Gullion, one of my fantastic predecessors in this position, will be at the piano for three of the five weekends I’m gone. Carolyn Clerget (our Gaudete accompanist and daughter of the Pelleys) will take this role for the other two Sundays; I’m still working on the 5:00 Masses for those two weekends but am confident that we’ll have these wrapped up very soon.
* Several former directors and fellow music ministers are on call for funerals during this time as well, so we’re almost certainly covered there.
* All the music for these weekends is set, and I’m working to prepare all the materials you’ll need before the end of the year.
* The Concert Series is also set: our January 18 concert artists have rescheduled for March 9.
* Parish Choir rehearsals will be suspended. Bell Choir will rehearse as usual.
* I will invite a few liturgical ministers to serve as call to worship speakers, cantor sub coordinators, sound system operators, etc.
* As much as I love all of you, I will insist on not being contacted during this time. I will be logged out of my work email as well. If a serious situation arises, my colleagues on staff will contact me as needed.
For now, everything continues as planned, including the Gaudete concert on the 15th (see below).
St. Noel is such a unique and profoundly wonderful parish, particularly in its collective dedication to love and serve God’s people as Christ commanded us. When I realized that I was struggling to find joy even in such a joyful community, I knew it was time to act. I thank all of you for your understanding, prayers, and terrific ministry in the coming weeks as I do what I can to be the best I can be for you and my family.
Peace be with you,
Tony
NEWS
Gaudete! Concert: Order Set; Final Rehearsals; Contingencies
After considering where we are in preparations for the Gaudete! concert on the 15th, I've created a (mostly) final concert order that should still be doable and even a little easier on everyone. This should be a roughly one-hour concert, with a good deal of familiar singing for the audience and time to move from bells to keys to choir seats as needed.
Scripture Reading
Organ Chorale
Scripture Reading
Parish Choir: E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come
Scripture Reading
Singalong: Comfort, Comfort, O My People
Bell Choir: Pax
Scripture Reading
Singalong: Patience, People
Scripture Reading
Parish Choir: Unexpected and Mysterious
Scripture Reading
Organ Chorale
Bell Choir: He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child (arr. Lloyd Larson)
Scripture Reading
Singalong: Hark! the Herald Angels SIng
Parish Choir: Christmas Day
Singalong: Joy to the World
- I've dropped "Rejoice! Rejoice!" for the choir. We'll turn this in along with all other concert and Christmas pieces after the New Year.
- I am calling an additional choir rehearsal on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 pm, which we need in order to be prepared for Sunday.
- Final rehearsal for the concert is still on for Saturday, December 14 at 12:00 p.
- If any of the remaining rehearsals, including tomorrow night, are canceled due to weather, I think it would be best to cancel the concert entirely.
Reminder: Immaculate Conception Masses Monday, Dec 9
A reminder to all ministers that we are indeed celebrating Monday's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception as a holy day. Masses will be celebrated at 8:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Music Ministry · Reminder: Music Turn-In
If you didnt have a chance to unburden yourself of scores we don't need for now, the turn-in box will be available to you tomorrow night at rehearsal.
DO NOT TURN IN any of these pieces, however, as you'll need them at some point before January:
- 1.001 · Mass of Creation
- 2.013 · Psalm 98 Complete (Ward)
- 3.059 · I Received the Living God
- 3.080 · Taste and See (Moore)
- 3.081 · Here At This Table
- 4.012 · Emmanuel
- 5.100 · Advent and Christmas Hymns
- 5.015 · O Tidings
- Any piece for the Gaudete! concert (Christmas Day; E'en So, Lord; Rejoice! Rejoice; Unexpected and Mysterious)
- Any piece marked TEMP; if its discard date has passed, please recycle it.
And, as a reminder, pieces on this list that you don't have should be in your folders tomorrow night.
THIS WEEK IN LITURGY
Dec 8 · Second Sunday of Advent
Readings
- Read online at usscb.org
- Lectionary for Mass: 6
- 2025 Workbook: p. 4
- Breaking Bread 2025: p. 33
Music Selections
- Gathering: BB 39 · 5.100-11 · ACH 11 · O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (plainchant)
- Penitential Act: WA · TEMP · Kyrie (Comfort, Comfort) (Ward)
- Responsorial Psalm: WA · TEMP · Come, O Lord, and Set Us Free (Ward) Verses: Psalm 126
- Gospel Acclamation: BB 106 · JS 261 · Christmas Season Gospel Acclamation (Bridge)
- Prayer of the Faithful: WA · JS 268 · O God, Hear Us (Hurd)
- Preparation of the Gifts: BB 60 · 5.100-3 · ACH 3 · Comfort, Comfort, O My People (GENEVA)
- Eucharistic Acclamations: BB 884–889 · JS 248–253 · Mass of Glory (Canedo/Hurd)
Holy · We Proclaim Your Death · Amen · Lamb of God - Communion: BB 337 · 3.080 · Taste and See (Moore)
- Sending Forth: BB 385 · JS 813 · City of God (Schutte)
Dec 9 · Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception · Masses at 8:30 a, 7:00 p
Readings
- Read online at usscb.org
- Lectionary for Mass: 689
- 2025 Workbook: p. 7
- Breaking Bread 2025: p. 35
Music Selections
- Gathering: BB 39 · 5.100-11 · ACH 11 · O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (plainchant)
- Penitential Act: WA · TEMP · Kyrie (Comfort, Comfort) (Ward)
- Responsorial Psalm: WA · TEMP · Come, O Lord, and Set Us Free (Ward) Verses: Psalm 126
- Gospel Acclamation: BB 106 · JS 261 · Christmas Season Gospel Acclamation (Bridge)
- Prayer of the Faithful: WA · JS 268 · O God, Hear Us (Hurd)
- Preparation of the Gifts: Virgin of Love (piano solo)
- Eucharistic Acclamations: BB 884–889 · JS 248–253 · Mass of Glory (Canedo/Hurd)
Holy · We Proclaim Your Death · Amen · Lamb of God - Communion: BB 358 · JS 789 · Taste and See (Kendzia)
- Sending Forth: BB 808 · JS 11 · Magnificat (Farrell)
LOOKING AHEAD
Dec 15 · Third Sunday of Advent · Gaudete! concert, 4:00 p
Readings
- Read online at usscb.org
- Lectionary for Mass: 9
- 2025 Workbook: p. 11
- Breaking Bread 2025: p. 39
Music Selections
- Gathering: BB 39 · 5.100-11 · ACH 11 · O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (plainchant)
- Penitential Act: WA · TEMP · Kyrie (Comfort, Comfort) (Ward)
- Responsorial Psalm: WA · TEMP · Come, O Lord, and Set Us Free (Ward) Verses: Psalm 126
- Gospel Acclamation: BB 106 · JS 261 · Christmas Season Gospel Acclamation (Bridge)
- Prayer of the Faithful: WA · JS 268 · O God, Hear Us (Hurd)
- Preparation of the Gifts: BB 49 · JS 277 · Patience, People (Foley)
- Eucharistic Acclamations: BB 884–889 · JS 248–253 · Mass of Glory (Canedo/Hurd)
Holy · We Proclaim Your Death · Amen · Lamb of God - Communion: WA · 3.059 · I Received the Living God (French carol, arr. Ward)
- Sending Forth: BB 58 · 4.012 · Emmanuel (Angrisano)
Dec 22 · Fourth Sunday of Advent
Readings
- Read online at usscb.org
- Lectionary for Mass: 12
- 2025 Workbook: p. 14
- Breaking Bread 2025: p. 41
Music Selections
- Gathering: BB 39 · 5.100-11 · ACH 11 · O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (plainchant)
- Penitential Act: WA · TEMP · Kyrie (Comfort, Comfort) (Ward)
- Responsorial Psalm: WA · TEMP · Come, O Lord, and Set Us Free (Ward) Verses: Psalm 126
- Gospel Acclamation: BB 106 · JS 261 · Christmas Season Gospel Acclamation (Bridge)
- Prayer of the Faithful: WA · JS 268 · O God, Hear Us (Hurd)
- Preparation of the Gifts: WA · 4.022 · Unexpected and Mysterious (Hampton)
- Eucharistic Acclamations: BB 884–889 · JS 248–253 · Mass of Glory (Canedo/Hurd)
Holy · We Proclaim Your Death · Amen · Lamb of God - Communion: BB 65 · JS 293 · Litany of the Word (Advent Litany) (Farrell)
- Sending Forth: BB 57 · JS 284 · Christ, Circle Round Us (Schutte)
RESOURCES
MUSIC SELECTIONS: Advent and Christmas · Dec 1, 2024–Jan 12, 2025
MUSIC SELECTIONS: Ordinary Time I (Winter) · Jan 19–Mar 2, 2025