THE WEDNESDAY REPORT: October 22, 2025

Dear Partners in Ministry,

"Thank you, God... life is good."

That phrase found its way into my head several times during every Mass this weekend as we celebrated our Parish Feast Day liturgies. Certainly, this was an extraordinary trio of Masses with the feast and the added elements of the Bellflower String Quartet (who, as I'm sure you would agree, were spectacular) and trumpets on Sunday (bravo to you both, Jeff and Art!). Being able to welcome Fr. George home at the 11 and celebrate his 50 years of priesthood was a genuine joy as well. But what really sparked all that gratitude for me was the recurring realization that the well-celebrated, spirit-filled, and life-giving liturgy happening all around me was a reflection of who we are as a parish family— and an overwhelming joy at knowing how much all of you contribute in nourishing that spirit as you exercise your ministry.

When the attendees of the Second Vatican Council created the foundational document on liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy), they identified Christ as made truly present in four ways: in the ministry of the priest; in the sacrament of the Eucharist; in the voice of God speaking through the proclamation of the Word; and in the singing and prayer of the assembly. Music Ministry fosters and enhances every one of those manifestions of Christ, just by being what it is: a choir of fellow parishioners willing to be vulnerable and faithful enough to lead priest and people in lifting their voices in praise. You accomplish this so well, my friends, consistently and conscientiously, week after week.

This is why we commit to doing the work, coming to rehearsals, practicing at home, giving that tough passage a little extra TLC, waking up early on a Sunday morning (or setting aside the busyness of a Saturday afternoon), and finding the courage to stand before peers and behind mics to lead this assembly in sung prayer. My role here is to help you be the terrific ministers you are, and you make the hard work needed to provide that help a joy and a blessing.

We're in the midst of a busy stretch of our liturgical year, which demands a great deal of energy and dedication from us all. I hope each and every one of you know that I am tremendously proud to serve as your Director, that I'm so very grateful to you and to God for all you are and all you do, and that you have the spiritual stuff required to meet this challenge in abundance. Keep up the good work, support each other along the way, and allow yourself to be as grateful for your presence in this ministry as I am.

Peace be with you,
Tony Ward

NO REHEARSALS THIS WEEK!

THIS WEEK IN LITURGY

OCTOBER 26 · Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

READINGS: Read online at usscb.org
Lectionary for Mass: 150
2025 Workbook: p. 277
Breaking Bread 2025: p. 224
Cantors: Dave R (5:00); Charlie M (9:00); Anthony S (11:00)

MUSIC SELECTIONS:

Gathering: BB 655 · 6.011 · Seek the Lord (O'Connor)
Glory to God: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Responsorial Psalm: BB 625 · JS 829 · The Cry of the Poor (Foley)
Gospel Acclamation: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Preparation of the Gifts: BB 502 · JS 739 · O Beauty, Ever Ancient (O’Connor)
Eucharistic Acclamations: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Holy · When We Eat This Bread · Amen I
Lamb of God: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Communion: BB 309 · 3.081 · Here At This Table (Whitaker)
Sending Forth: BB 571 · JS 680 · Amazing Grace (NEW BRITAIN)

LOOKING AHEAD

NOVEMBER 2 · Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

READINGS selected from options contained in the Order of Christian Funerals:
Is 25:6a, 7–9 · Psalm 16 · Rom 8:31b–35, 37–39 · Lk 7:11–17
Readings will be provided for lectors.
Cantors: Pam P (5:00); Karin O (9:00); Kathy H (11:00)

MUSIC SELECTIONS:

Gathering: WA · 3.077 · Confitemini Domino (Taizé)
Glory to God: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Responsorial Psalm: BB 748 · JS 30 · Ps 27: The Goodness of the Lord (Soper)
Gospel Acclamation: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Preparation of the Gifts: WA · 3.060 · In Your Dwelling Place (Ward)
Eucharistic Acclamations: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Holy · When We Eat This Bread · Amen I
Lamb of God: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Communion: BB 355 · 3.045 · I Am the Bread of Life (Toolan)
Sending Forth: BB 185 · JS 406 · Three Days (THAXTED/Ridge)

NOVEMBER 9 · F: The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

READINGS: Read online at usscb.org
Lectionary for Mass: 671
2025 Workbook: p. 286
Breaking Bread 2025: p. 230
Cantors: Tony (5:00); Kathy P (9:00); Marie P (11:00)

MUSIC SELECTIONS:

Gathering: BB 301 · JS 771 · Our God Is Here (Muglia)
Glory to God: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Responsorial Psalm: WA · TEMP · Psalm 46: The Waters of the River (Ward)
Gospel Acclamation: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Preparation of the Gifts: WA · 3.063 · Hear Our Prayer (Ward)
Eucharistic Acclamations: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Holy · When We Eat This Bread · Amen I
Lamb of God: WA · 1.004 · Mass of Encounter (Ward)
Communion: BB 364 · 3.061 · Take and Eat (Joncas)
Sending Forth: BB 396 · JS 821 · Celtic Alleluia: Sending Forth (O’Carroll/C. Walker)