If you want to know what we believe, listen to our songs
~St. Augustine
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MP3 of Concert by St. Thomas More Parish Choir is now available.
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Vespers will be posted soon!
HOLY CROSS ON YOUTUBE!
...and now Holy Cross School at Mass with school Liturgical Choir
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcdGm8QHs_8
...and Cardinal Mooney High School Liturgy and Liturgical Choir
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV-BOje72QY8
see and hear
VIDEOS with DIGITAL AUDIO
two with the renowned E. & G.G. Hook reaching out to the world!
...and Holy Cross School
and two more of Cardinal Mooney liturgies.
NEXT:TBA
MUSIC IN THE 21ST CENTURY CHURCH
Judged by the standards of the contemporary American culture it might seem that the music we use to carry our praise at Holy Cross is "old." Since the Church does not judge or value our music in the same way as the secular culture it becomes clear that we are actually in the "mainstream" of current trends. One example from the GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL (GIRM-Latin 2002, English 2003) tells us in article 41 "All other things being equal, Gregorian chant holds pride of place because it is proper to the Roman Liturgy." Over the course of the year at Holy Cross Church, we make use of a limited amount of Gregorian Chant which is not enough for some, and more than enough for others. This would seem to place us in the "middle of the road," an appropriate place for us, I believe.
Another example is the use of various instruments. The GIRM directs us in article 393, "While the organ is to be accorded pride of place, other wind, stringed, or percussion instruments may be used in liturgical services in the dioceses of the United States of America, according to longstanding local usage, provided they are truly apt for sacred use or can be rendered apt." At Holy Cross, in addition to our fabulous organ, we often celebrate major solemnities with the use of brass and percussion. Various percussion instruments, bells, guitar, or piano are used when they better suit the music they accompany. They are also used for smaller liturgies where the piano may serve as more appropriate or effective as is the case at some weekday liturgies.
Various styles of music used in the liturgy continue to be much-discussed in the Church at-large and this often heated debate is known as the "worship wars." In order to avoid these negative and often judgmental diversions from our true mission, Holy Cross Church, Marine City, continues to follow a "middle-of-the-road" approach: We sing and hear liturgical music which includes a little bit of everything and is shaped by the statements of the Catholic Church. This may not satisfy everyone in their personal expectations, but this is intended to assist the entire community in remaining faithful to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
For liturgical music there is no "perfect" balance of the various styles present in our contemporary and increasingly secular age. At Holy Cross we continue to seek a balance which holds to a faithful teaching of Church doctrine, is appropriate for the people in this place by maintaining what is already known, and includes an ever-increasing amount of the truly new. The discussion of what IS actually new is more complicated than it might seem at first. I hear comments and complaints at times about our music and so far they balance various viewpoints: Too old, too new; too loud, not loud enough; too much Latin, not enough Latin. This would seem to suggest that we are in search of the right balance between these diverse, sometimes strongly held, opinions. ~DJS
WHY DO WE SING?
from the composer Olivier Messiaen:
My faith is the grand drama of my life. I'm a believer, so I sing words of God to those who have no faith. I give bird songs to those who dwell in cities and have never heard them, make rhythms for those who know only military marches or jazz, and paint colors for those who see none.
Dietrich Bonnhoeffer writes in LIFE TOGETHER:
ON THE SONG OF THE CHURCH
Why do Christians sing when they are together? The reason is, quite simply, because in singing together it is possible for them to speak and pray the same Word at the same time; in other words, because here they can unite in the Word.
There should be singing, not only at devotions, but at regular times of the day or week. The more we sing, the more joy will we derive from it, but, above all, the more devotion and discipline and joy we put into our singing, the richer will be the blessing that will come to the whole life of the fellowship from singing together.
It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing together. It is not you that sings, it is the Church that is singing, and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song. Thus all singing together that is right must serve to widen our spitirual horizon, make us see our little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and help us willingly and gladly to join our singing, be it feeble or good, to the song of the Church.
(excerpts from the Parish Bulletin, October 9. 2005)
SINGING is one of the most human and natural things we can do...
When we limit it, a part of us suffers both physically and psychologically. In this way it is very much like physical exercise; we need it. Besides, IT'S FUN TO SING!!! Our culture increasingly devalues personal participation in singing, instead replacing it with spectator music. We may enjoy listening, but like watching sports on TV, it does little for our physical health. Singing not only makes us healthier (those who sing, live longer, really!) it also nurtures our soul and spirit. It is necessary that we pass it on to our children for the health of the Church and our society.
We have hundreds and hundreds of fine singers in our parish who can do a good (and fun!) bit of mission work by supporting the ministry of the Church through music. We want you and your God-given voice! God does not make junk. He provides us with voices to use in his honor and the least of us can make a solid contribution to the outreach of the Church by making a noise. Come, let's make a noise together with all generations! ~Daniel Susan
"Let everything that breathes, praise the Lord!"
~Psalm 150
"All generations shall call me blessed"
~Canticle of Mary
...and why do we keep silent?
Thomas Merton writes in NEW SEEDS OF CONTEMPLATION:
Let there always be quiet, dark churches in which people can take refuge...Houses of God, filled with his silent presence. There, even when they do not know how to pray, at least they can be still and breathe easily.
The Psalmist sings:
"Be still, then, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth." ~Psalm 46:11
and
For God alone my soul in silence waits;
from him comes my salvation. ~Psalm 62:1
November 14, 2008
Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, a revision of MUSIC IN CATHOLIC WORSHIP, was developed by the Committee on Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). On November 14, 2007, the Latin Church members of the USCCB approved these guidelines. These guidelines are designed to provide direction to those preparing for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy according to the current liturgical books (in the ordinary form of celebration).
August 4, 2008 - Upcoming new English translation of The Order of Mass I
http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/missalformation/OrdoMissaeWhiteBook.pdf
GATHER: COMPREHENSIVE: Second Edition is the hymnal in the pews, on our bedstand, and in our hearts. This book is new but contains most of the songs and hymns we have sung for many years as well as new items not available in our former "throw-away" hymnal. By praying with a book that is not discarded every year we will practice good stewardship. As we introduce occasional new songs and liturgical settings, including those from various cultures, we will better express and experience the depth of God's love visible in the great diversity of the Church. The Holy Spirit has given us words and music from many times and places. GATHER enriches our expressions of prayer and praise while keeping us rooted in the timeless Gospel of Jesus Christ.
HYMNS & SERVICE MUSIC updated:7/3/09
selections for HOLY CROSS SCHOOL & CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH SCHOOL follow the HOLY CROSS CHURCH section; please scroll down
Holy Cross Church
Service music: Ordinary time: starting June 21
Gloria in Excelsis: John Bell (not in Gather); Gospel: 266; Sanctus, Mem. Accl, Amen: 293,4,5; Agnus Dei: 165
6/21 ORDINARY 12-B service music changes today; see above
587 How firm a foundation; Psalm Response: 978; 738 As we gather at your table;
775 O Sanctissima/O most virtuous; 545 Now thank we all our God
6/28 ORDINARY 13-B
560 Lord of all hopefulness; Psalm Response: 909; 583 We walk by faith;
806 Eat this bread (response); 663 City of God
7/5 ORDINARY 14-B
622 I heard the voice of Jesus say; Psalm Response: 994; 617 There is a balm in Gilead
579 Faith of our Fathers; 872 America the beautiful
7/12 15-B
666 Go make of all disciples (Aurelia); Psalm Response: 951; 799 I come with joy;
671 Here I am, Lord; 666 Go make of all disciples (4)
7/19 16-B
7/26 17-B
8/2 18-B
8/9 19-B
8/16 20-B
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
Friday Mass at Holy Cross during the school year.
First Fridays end with Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration.
When a Holy Day of Obligation falls on a weekday, both schools attend as marked below
Service music:
CARDINAL MOONEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Wednesday Mass at Holy Cross during the school year
Service music:
CHOIRS ...opportunities for all ages to join in the mission of the Church!
HOLY CROSS 9.30 CHOIR updated: 7/3/09
REHEARSALS: HAVE STOPPED FOR THE SUMMER
BUT PLEASE JOIN CHOIR FOR WEEKEND LITURIGES (any of them)
WE STILL GATHER TO LEAD
SUNDAY WARM-UP: 9.15 AM (but you're encouraged to arrive earlier!)
This choir of men and women leads the singing at most 9.30 am Sunday liturgies as well as other holy days. It is open to all, High School age or older. Weekly rehearsal: Tuesday, 7 pm from September to June. Sunday warm-up 9.15 am on the choir landing. It is not necessary to read music to sing in this group, but it is helpful. Holy Cross Choir always welcomes new members. Although we do not rehearse during the summer months, many singers continue to gather at 9.15 am on Sundays (or at ANY Holy Cross weekend liturgies) to lend support to the singing of the assembly and occasionally sing additional anthems.
UPCOMING CHOIR DATES
LAST REHEARSAL May 26
CHOIR PARTY TBA (but soon!)
Anthem Schedule subject to change; all are Sundays unless otherwise noted
Complete service music details above at LITURGICAL MUSIC AT HOLY CROSS
ALL-GENERATIONS SATURDAY CHOIR updated: 11/4/08
We usually (BUT NOT ALWAYS) take the first Saturday of the month OFF!
We lead singing at most Saturday, 5.30 pm liturgies and we meet in the choir loft at 5 pm to prepare and warm up. For now, we do not have a mid-week rehearsal. The Holy Cross SCHOLA CANTORUM (see below) may occasionally sing at the Saturday evening Mass. A schedule will be posted here and on the bulletin board at the foot of the choir loft steps. CHECK IT OUT!
In addition to singing various liturgical music, the SATURDAY CHOIR will occasionally prepare anthems and other musical offerings.
OPEN TO ALL WHO LOVE GOD, LOVE THE CHURCH, AND LOVE TO SING! ALL AGES!
7.30 CHOIR
If you want to assist in leading the music of the liturgy at 7.30 am, simply come upstairs by 7.15 am and you will be provided with books, music, and direction as needed. Sometimes we meet at 7.30 for additional practice. You are always welcome at the 7 pm Holy Cross Choir rehearsal (held from September to June) at which we begin by singing the hymns and liturgical music used at all weekend Masses.
RESURRECTION CHOIR (sings at funerals)
Meets 15 minutes prior to funerals in the choir loft;
Information is posted here, on the choir loft steps, and by email when a funeral is scheduled.
Sign up for email notice here, or ask to be telephoned.
FUNERAL MASS: posted here when scheduled
CANTORS updated: 10/10/08
Individuals who sing the Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, announce the hymns, and sing other liturgical parts ordinarily done by a choir (as in some Gloria verses).
Cantor Notes - General information for cantors (but useful to all singers)
The CANTOR FOLDER on the music stand on the first landing to the choir loft includes the Cantor schedule and music for the upcoming Psalms and Gospel Acclamations as well as the Gloria, or Mass settings.
Please sign up on the stairway calendar or contact Daniel by email, or phone, (810) 765-3568 ext 14).
SCHOLA CANTORUM updated: 2/10/09
Small ensemble of mixed voices. Leads worship at first Saturday Masses, and occasional liturgies, as announced.
SCHOLA CANTORUM literally means "school for singing" but it is used in the Vatican documents to mean any choir at the liturgy. It also commonly describes a small group singing chant and motets and at Holy Cross that best fits our "SCHOLA". Although most Scholas concentrate on older music, at Holy Cross we also explore more experimental 21st century creations.
Next Schola date: TBA
Details:
FUTURE LITERATURE: have a look!
1. Sicut Cervus ~Palestrina
http://wso.williams.edu/cpdl/sheet/pal-sicu.pdf
2. Exultate Justi ~Viadana
http://wso.williams.edu/cpdl/sheet/via-exul.pdf
MIDI:
Please use this for a rough idea only. There are some neck-wrenching ritardandos that we won't do. The middle section is far too fast as well. Finally, I have not proofed the notes, but I hear some funny harmony here and there that may need fixing!3. Ave Maris Stella ~Grieg (SSA)
http://www.cpdl.org/wiki/images/c/cd/Ave_Maris_stella_-_SSA.pdf
4. Ave Maris Stella ~Alcantar
http://www.cpdl.org/wiki/images/1/1c/Alc_ave.pdf
BOY & GIRL CHOIR (Grades K-8)
Rehearsals: Thursday nights. Time: TBA. Starting date: TBA
CHILDREN'S CHOIR (Grade K-3)
Rehearsals: see ALL GENERATIONS/SATURDAY CHOIR
HANDBELL CHOIR, Diane Bowden, Director updated: 09/17/08
Rehearsal Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Please contact Diane Bowden, call 765-4824, or Email for further details.
Audio Online (click on the title for a new page)
1861 E. & G. G. HOOK Organ (click on the title for a new page)
GLOBAL MUSIC and LITURGY AUDIO LINKS updated 6/10/09
The internet is unfolding as one of the most potent and exciting new communication vehicles through which Christian liturgy is being shared and the Gospel preached. Here are a few sites which offer high-fidelity stereo sound and increasingly, video, of day-to-day worship in the living tradition which the Holy Spirit gives us in liturgy. I listen to as many of these listed below as I am able (and others) and thus learn more and more about the variety, and similarity that Catholic Christians display when they pray together. Although some are taped live and played later with the proper readings of the day inserted in the studio, others are live (like Sunday evening Mass from Notre Dame, Paris). Explore the wonderful, deep and spiritual world of Christian liturgy on the internet! Ours is a small world which is shrinking all the time and the more we learn of each others habits, the more we will have a global approach to mission and the more we can fulfill the Gospel right here in Marine City. ~Daniel
All times are listed in EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME.
ERZABTEI LIVE! Archabbey of St. Ottilien: Germany: schedule & texts presented online
Live audio broadcast of all the daily offices, and Mass, prayed by the monks. When it is not live, the previous office, or previous Vespers is replayed. Psalm texts are available for viewing from each liturgy.
http://www.erzabtei.de/html/Live/live.htm there are occasional issues with the sound ~DJS
Le Jour du Seigneur: "The day of the Lord" a Catholic website related to French Television (France 2)
http://www.lejourduseigneur.com/index.php/jds
Le Jour du Seigneur offers live Sunday Mass from various parishes, cathedrals, seminaries and monastic communities, mostly in France, but occasionally in far flung places (Christmas Eve 2006 was from Montreal, Christmas Day was from Fiji, New Years was from Zagreb). These are now only archived one at at time for one week. The variety of liturgies from the different locations is more representative of the wider Church than some of the sites below which are mostly from large, prestigious cathedrals. I always look forward to seeing where the next Mass will be!
KTO: Catholic Television (Paris): detailed schedule online http://www.ktotv.com/
The new KTO website is finished. Simply opening the page starts any live video. Daily Vespers from Notre Dame is also broadcast at 11.45 am daily although it is sometimes not live but a "rerun." Archives of many programs and liturgies are listed under the tab "PROGRAMMES." In addition to Sunday evening Mass, most Holy Day liturgies are represented by at least one from Notre Dame, Paris. There are various liturgies from the 2008 World Youth Day archived in video as well as other events and liturgies from the Vatican. Lauds, mid-day prayer, and Vespers are regularly broadcast from St. Gervais, Paris, where the Community of Jerusalem resides. They are a young and vibrant community of both men and women who have been called to live out the Gospel in the city. They sing most of their liturgies unaccompanied and with great devotion and beauty. Skilled instrumentalists offer occasional meditations and often include the very famous and historic organ.
Daily Vespers, Notre Dame, Paris 11.45 am (occasional variations occur)
Sunday Evening Mass 12.30 pm
VATICAN RADIO: offers five channels in many languages; Sunday schedule is different from the brief schedule listed here; detailed schedules are available online and include Masses in many languages throughout the week.
Brief schedule:
Daily Morning Prayer (Lauds) 12.30 am
Daily Evening Prayer (Vespers) 11.00 am Vatican Radio 2
Daily Night Prayer (Compline) 4.40 pm Vatican Radio 1
http://www.oecumene.radiovaticana.org/en1/diretta.asp
RADIOSTEPHANSDOM, Vienna (from St. Stephan's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria)
This site broadcasts classical music, but also includes live liturgies from the Cathedral in Vienna. They often broadcast live Vespers (late morning Eastern Time) on the Eve of, and the afternoon of, Holy Days. The calendar and schedule is particularly clear and informative.
Sunday Mass: 4.15 am often with orchestra
http://www.radiostephansdom.at/
DOMRADIO (from Cologne, Germany) detailed schedules are available online.
Daily Night Prayer (Compline) 4 pm (Saturday from Taizé; PODCASTS AVAILABLE)
Sunday Mass, Cologne Cathedral 4 am includes various choirs from the large & diverse choir program; WITH VIDEO
Sunday Vespers with Bach Cantata 4 pm
http://www.domradio.de/
RADIO NOTRE DAME (Paris): detailed schedules are available online (but not always accurate!).
Brief schedule:
Live Saturday Vespers & Saturday Mass (Monastic Community of Jerusalem, St. Gervais Church, Paris) 12.00 noon
Live Sunday Evening Mass (Notre Dame, Paris) 12.30 pm (sometimes 12.25)
NOTE: KTO-TV (above) has better sound, video, & less commentary. It has more of the Mass than radionotredame
http://www.radionotredame.com/ click on Ecouter, upper left
TRANSLATIONS: http://www.google.com/ offers a free, simple translation service which will (roughly!) translate text in many languages from various web sites .
EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) webcasts all their programming on the internet. Over the course of the year, many Holy Day liturgies from Rome, and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception as well as other locations are broadcast live on the TV network (thus on the Internet as well).
http://www.ewtn.org/
ADDITIONAL MUSIC LINKS: updated: 10/22/08
Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, Musical Offerings . A selection of sacred and classical music in Mp3 format played by teachers and students of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, Rome.
Taizé Community. (Pronounced teh-ZAY) The Ecumenical Community of Taizé, France, is a Christian community of about 100 brothers in Eastern France who work for reconciliation among all people. Every week of the year thousands of young people travel to this remote village to join together in a vital and unique style of sung prayer now known worldwide, especially among young people.
The website is large, well organized, and available in 29 languages. There are numerous photos and various writings about the work of Taizé. A few songs from the community are available for listening online, as well as a seasonal, short service called "Prayers in Taizé" consisting of three songs, a reading, and prayers.
Podcasts of Saturday Evening Prayer and many MP3 files are available.
A collection of photos from the Taizé Community (and a few from nearby Cluny)
http://www.infonature.org/english/cultural_issues/eng-photos_2.htm
Pipedreams from Minnesota Public Radio (listen to the Holy Cross organ here! March 2001)
See and hear the Holy Cross organ played by Daniel Susan on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/user/Dbsusan
SPECIAL MUSIC AT HOLY CROSS AND IN THE ARCHDIOCESE
Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Detroit
