Dear Partners in Ministry,
I'm back! I returned to the office on Tuesday and have been treated to wonderful reviews of your ministry in my absence. Being away was a deeply rewarding experience for me, as I had the time and mental space to address my health and well-being head-on, get some much-needed rest, and spend time with Jenny and the kids. I got a lot of (orchestral) writing in, caught up on some reading and podcasts, and visited my favorite bookstore (once temps warmed up a bit). All that said, it's wonderful to be back, and I'm excited to see you all again!
I cannot adequately express my gratitude to Fr. Terry and my collegues on staff for this gift. And, certainly, I'm sending a huge thank you out to Carolyn, Matt, Richard, Tom, and Marc— many, many thanks for keeping things running strong (and doing so very well, from all acounts).
Finally, thanks to all of you for ministering so well and faithfully these last few weeks; whether "the boss" is on site or not, Christ is always present; you always do so well as making Christ known to everyone who gathers here.
Friday (Valentine's Day) marks my third anniversary with you here at St. Noel. And, much like that first Valentine's Day with you, I gotta kick Lent preparations into high gear! We'll start working on repertoire tomorrow night, including the piece we'll sing for Good Friday. Here we go!
Peace be with you,
Tony
NEWS
Rite of Introduction This Sunday
Our first season celebrating the newly issued Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) gets underway this Sunday at 9:00 am, as we welcome Samantha (our catechumen) into our community. This rite, formerly known as the Rite of Acceptance, includes our affirmation of support for her and the Signing of the Cross on her forehead, eyes, ears, shoulders, hands, and feet. As you may recall, there's an acclamation for that; I'll have it ready for you along with a cheat sheet for the Rite on Sunday.
Cantors: Lent Assigments Planned for Tomorrow
One last reminder to cantors: please be sure to visit the Master Schedule and add any availability issues to the list for Lent and Triduum; I plan on tackling assignments tomorrow.
Music Ministry: Rehearsal Agenda, February 13
We're back on for Thursday night rehearsals, everybody... time to start practicing our Lenten rep. And stay tuned for any weather-related updates (we should be okay by then, but this is Cleveland...)
REHEARSAL AGENDA:
- 2.018b · Psalm 19: Lord, You Have the Words (Ward), p. 7
- 6.008 · Bless the Lord (NETTLETON/Ward/St. Noel) I'll share some wonderful news about this piece tomorrow night....
- 1.005 · Kyrie Litany (Rosen)
- TEMP · Psalm 91: Be With Me, Lord (Ward)
- 6.010 · We Adore You, O Christ (Proulx)
- And, if time permits:
- JS 673 · Be Not Afraid (Dufford)—making sure we have consensus on the rhythms of the verses
- JS 696 · In Every Age (Whitaker)— working out the "oo" harmony in the refrain
THIS WEEK IN LITURGY
Feb 16 · Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
RITE OF INTRODUCTION, 9:00 a · Bell Choir, 5:00 p
Readings
- Read online at usscb.org
- Lectionary for Mass: 78
- 2025 Workbook: p. 65
- Breaking Bread 2025: p. 71
Cantors: Rich W (5:00 p), Kathy H (9:00 a), Marie P (11:00 a)
Music Selections
- Gathering: BB 562 · JS 675 · For You Are My God (Foley)
- Glory to God: BB 867 · 1.001 · Mass of Creation: Glory to God (Haugen)
- Responsorial Psalm: WA · 2.018 · Psalm 19: Lord, You Have the Words (Ward), p. 7
- Gospel Acclamation: BB 930 · JS 264 · Celtic Alleluia (O'Carroll/C. Walker)
- Preparation of the Gifts: BB 463 · JS 696 · In Every Age (Whitaker)
- Eucharistic Acclamations: BB 868–870 · 1.001 · Mass of Creation (Haugen)
Holy · We Proclaim Your Death · Amen - Lamb of God: BB 933 · JS 789 · Lamb of God (Kendzia)
- Communion: BB 563 · JS 673 · Be Not Afraid (Dufford)
- Sending Forth: BB 569 · JS 686 · How Can I Keep from Singing (Lowry)
LOOKING AHEAD
Feb 23 · Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings
- Read online at usscb.org
- Lectionary for Mass: 81
- 2025 Workbook: p. 68
- Breaking Bread 2025: p. 73
Cantors: Jerry G (5:00 p), Karin O (9:00 a), Jack G (11:00 a)
Music Selections
- Gathering: BB 548 · JS 593 · Lift Up Your Hearts (O’Connor)
- Glory to God: BB 867 · 1.001 · Mass of Creation: Glory to God (Haugen)
- Responsorial Psalm: BB 653 · JS 532 · Loving and Forgiving (Soper)
- Gospel Acclamation: BB 930 · JS 264 · Celtic Alleluia (O'Carroll/C. Walker)
- Preparation of the Gifts: WA · 6.008 · Bless the Lord (NETTLETON/Ward/St. Noel)
- Eucharistic Acclamations: BB 868–870 · 1.001 · Mass of Creation (Haugen)
Holy · We Proclaim Your Death · Amen - Lamb of God: BB 933 · JS 789 · Lamb of God (Kendzia)
- Communion: BB 354 · JS 776 · Ubi Caritas (Hurd)
- Sending Forth: WA · 3.071 · Sent Forth as Light (Ward)
Mar 2 · Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Bell Choir, 9:00 a and 11:00 a
Readings
- Read online at usscb.org
- Lectionary for Mass: 84
- 2025 Workbook: p. 72
- Breaking Bread 2025: p. 76
Cantors: Anthony S (5:00 p), Greg E (9:00 a), Mary P (11:00 a)
Music Selections
- Gathering: BB 304 · JS 245 · Alleluia! Give the Glory (Canedo/Hurd)
- Glory to God: BB 867 · 1.001 · Mass of Creation: Glory to God (Haugen)
- Responsorial Psalm: WA · 2.022 · Psalm 92: Lord, It Is Good (Ward)
- Gospel Acclamation: BB 930 · JS 264 · Celtic Alleluia (O'Carroll/C. Walker)
- Preparation of the Gifts: BB 566 · 3.058 · O God, You Search Me (Farrell)
- Eucharistic Acclamations: BB 868–870 · 1.001 · Mass of Creation (Haugen)
Holy · We Proclaim Your Death · Amen - Lamb of God: BB 933 · JS 789 · Lamb of God (Kendzia)
- Communion: WA · 3.059 · I Received the Living God (French carol, arr. Ward)
- Sending Forth: BB 396 · JS 821 · Celtic Alleluia: Sending Forth (O’Carroll/C. Walker)
RESOURCES
MUSIC SELECTIONS: Ordinary Time I (Winter) · Jan 19–Mar 2, 2025