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Newman Catholic Center at the University of Massachusetts

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Join Music Ministry at Newman

"In liturgical music, based as it is on biblical faith, there is, therefore, a clear dominance of the Word; this music is a higher form of proclamation."

Pope Benedict XVI

"Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its faith, music is of preeminent importance...Music should assist the assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith."

Music in Catholic Worship, #23

Won't you consider sharing your gifts and love of music?

CHOIRS:

St. Augustine said it best: "one who sings prays twice!" Consider these options, and assist as you can:

10:30am Mass Choir

This choir sings at the Sunday 10:30am Mass weekly. The 10:30am Mass Choir rehearses in the Chapel each Wed. 8-9pm & Sun. 9:45-10:25am. This choir sings year-round (including when academic semesters are not in session). Drop in as you wish!

7:00pm Mass Choir

This choir sings at the Sunday 7:00pm student Mass. The 7:00pm Mass Choir rehearses in the Chapel each Wed. 8-9pm & Sun. 6:00-6:55pm. This choir only sings during the Fall and Spring academic semesters. Drop in as you wish!

Taizé Choir

If you love a cappella music, Taizé prayer is for you! The Taizé choir is seated amongst those who gather in the beautifully candlelit Chapel on each first Monday of the month. The simple, yet haunting, sung refrains powerfully create a relaxing and uplifting meditative experience. The acoustics of the Newman Chapel are unmatched for this beautiful form of worship. If interested, join with us:

Mon., Oct. 1, '07, 8-9pm (Rehearsals: 9/26: 9-9:30pm & 10/1: 7-7:50pm)
Mon., Nov. 5, '07, 8-9pm (Rehearsals: 10/31 time TBA & 11/5: 7-7:50pm)
Mon., Dec. 3, '07, 8-9pm (Rehearsals: 11/28: 9-9:30pm & 12/3: 7-7:50pm)
Mon., Feb. 4, '08, 8-9pm (Rehearsals: 1/30: 9-9:30pm & 2/4: 7-7:50pm)
Mon., Mar. 3, '08, 8-9pm (Rehearsals: 2/27: 9-9:30pm & 3/3: 7-7:50pm)
Mon., Apr. 7, '08, 8-9pm (Rehearsals: 4/3: 9-9:30pm & 4/7: 7-7:50pm)
Mon., May 5, '08, 8-9pm (Rehearsals: 4/30: 9-9:30pm & 5/5: 7-7:50pm)

Festival Choir

This choir sings at special events held at Newman throughout the year. Rehearsals are announced accordingly. Membership in the Festival Choir can be event-to-event, as your schedule allows. Some special events in the Fall of 2007 include (check back for more details):

Confirmation - Sun., Oct. 7, 2007
Lessons and Carols - Wed., Dec. 12, 2007, 7pm
(rehearsals for Lessons & Carols are Wed., Nov. 28th & Wed., Dec. 5th)

INSTRUMENTALISTS:

Instruments of all kinds enrich our worship and enliven our prayer. Whether you would prefer a weekly involvement or something more sporadic, we would love to have you! All ages, abilities and instruments are welcome.

ACCOMPANISTS:

If you or someone you know plays the piano or organ, please let us know! We can never have enough coverage (especially when our students are away on breaks)!

CANTORS:

Two weekend Masses (Sat. 4:30pm & Sun. 8am) require the presence of a Cantor (or songleader). The primary role of the Cantor is to lead the assembly in song; not be a soloist. Training is available, and all ability levels are welcome. What a privilege to proclaim the Word of God in song while empowering others to use 'the only instrument given by God!'

MARY MARGARET SHEA MUSIC FELLOWSHIPS:

Each fall, two $5,000 fellowships are awarded to two students who have demonstrated adequate proficiency with organ/piano accompanying in the Church setting as well as a desire to grow in the field of pastoral music. To receive information, or to express interest in applying for one of these fellowships, applicants must contact our Music Director by April 30th of the same year the fall fellowship is to be awarded. These fellowships honor a local woman who believed in sharing her God-given talents for the enrichment of others. The Newman Catholic Center is most grateful for this generous gift in memory of Ms. Mary Margaret Shea. Recipients of the Mary Margaret Shea Music Fellowships include:

2004-2005

Breton P. Abbondanzio

Brian J. Raymond

2005-2006

Brian J. Raymond

Michael T. Carney

2006-2007

Brian J. Raymond

Michael T. Carney

2007-2008

Brian J. Raymond

Michael T. Carney

WEDDINGS / BAPTISMS / FUNERALS:

If you are planning any form of celebration in the Newman Chapel which will involve music, please notify our Music Director (info below) as far in advance as possible. All considerations from 'use of facility and instruments' as well as 'musicians' and 'rehearsal time' need to be arranged and announced in advance. Fees, selection of music, and other matters can be addressed at that time.

CONTRIBUTIONS:

Any and all contributions in support of Newman Music Ministry are greatly appreciated. If you're not willing/able to assist as a musician, perhaps you can support through other means!

For More Information:

Mark Callahan, Campus Minister/Director of Music

mcallahan@external.umass.edu

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(413) 549-0300 ext. 36.

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472 North Pleasant Street - Amherst MA 01002 - Tel. 413.549.0300 - FAX 413.548.9182 - Email: newmanumass@gmail.com

Last update: Wed, 23 Apr 2008