“No one ever walks out of Mass humming the homily.” In his keynote for the St. Cecilia Institute, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost shared this quote attributed to Dr. Ed Kaczuk, the late music director and instructor at the diocesan seminaries.
While not downplaying the role of the homily in liturgy, the line speaks to the importance of music and its ability to enhance worship. Bishop Woost delivered his keynote, “The Mysticism of Music,” on the second of a two-day gathering for pastoral musicians of the diocese.
After some brief thoughts on some simple liturgical principles, Bishop Woost shared a video clip from “Score: A Film Music Documentary” that examines the role music in film as a corollary to role of music used in worship. Bishop asked those gathered to think of a liturgical hymn that evokes an emotion. One example he gave was “On Eagles’ Wings,” a popular hymn for funeral liturgies,that often generates fond memories and feelings of remembrance of the deceased. He concluded his keynote by sharing the thoughts of some of the mystics of the Church and their musings on song.
Fr. James Chepponis, diocesan Director of Music for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, spoke to attendees on the role of musicians as missionary disciples. Father wove throughout his presentation both his own words, coupled with short snippets of popular songs to reinforce their importance. Selections included “Memories” (from the musical “Cats”) to note the Church’s rich history of the musical treasury and “If I Only Had a Brain” from “The Wizard of Oz” to emphasize the importance of continuing formation of the Church’s ministers. He concluded with “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” from the musical “Carousel”, reminding all present that we are God’s disciples.
The St. Cecilia Institute for Pastoral Musicians was the part of the inaugural Mary, Mother of the Good Shephard Academy [read story here] held at the Center for Pastoral Leadership. In addition to the keynotes mentioned above, participants prayed together and also attended workshops and masterclasses on various topics including Preparing Liturgy of the Hours, Gregorian Chant, Praise and Worship Repertoire, incorporating multiple instruments, organ and choir directing techniques. Each day ended with some social time to allow the parish musicians and vocalists to network and continue the work begun during the day.
Participants enjoyed their time together and were already looking forward to future gatherings.
“The spirit of the people who participated in this year’s Institute affirmed the great need to continue to gather music ministers together. We look forward to building on this year’s success and expanding its reach in the years to come,” said Mary Hrich, director of the diocesan Office for Worship.
The Institute concluded with Mass for the Feast of the Transfiguration celebrated Bishop Woost with multiple musicians and vocalists providing music for the liturgy, and a blessing of the gathered youth and music ministers.