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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

"I am convinced that music is the universal language of beauty which can bring together all people of good will on earth."

Pope Benedict XVI

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 before Mass starting at 10:00am. Occasional half-hour rehearsals might take place after a Sunday 10:30am Mass (11:30am-12noon) to look at music for the upcoming weeks. This choir is a great starting point if you're new to choral singing or a little shaky on reading music. The 10:30am 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 (warmup is at 6:30pm each Sunday). Though not limited in size, this choir is by invitation only. Contact our Director of Music to learn about the rehearsal schedule and ways you could offer your gifts on a casual or regular basis. The 7pm Mass Choir only sings during the Fall and Spring academic semesters (not during breaks).

Taizé Choir

If you love a cappella music, Taizé prayer is for you! The Taizé choir is seated among those who gather in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel - lit only by (literally) hundreds of candles - on each first Monday of the month during the academic year. 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, ecumenical form of worship. If interested, join with us:

Mon., Oct. 5, '09, 8-9pm (Rehearsal: 7pm-7:45pm)
Mon., Nov. 2, '09, 8-9pm (Rehearsal: 7pm-7:45pm)
Mon., Dec. 7, '09, 8-9pm (Rehearsal: TBA)
Mon., Feb. 1, '10, 8-9pm (Rehearsal: 7pm-7:45pm)
Mon., Mar. 1, '10, 8-9pm (Rehearsal: 7pm-7:45pm)
Mon., Apr. 5, '10, 8-9pm (Rehearsal: 7pm-7:45pm)
Mon., May. 3, '10, 8-9pm (Rehearsal: 7pm-7:45pm)

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 or as your schedule allows. Some special upcoming events include (always check back for new details):

Confirmation - Sun., Oct. 11th, 2009, 10:30am Mass
Mass with the Most Reverend Timothy McDonnell, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield
Sat., Oct. 24, 2009, 4:30pm Mass
Lessons & Carols - Tues., Dec. 15th, 2009 (tentative)
Mass to honor Beatification of John Henry Cardinal Newman w/Bishop Timothy McDonnell
Sunday, May 2, 2010, 7:00pm Mass

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!'

WEDDINGS / BAPTISMS / FUNERALS:

If you are planning any form of celebration in the Newman Chapel which will involve music, please notify our Director of Music (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.

FRIENDS OF NEWMAN MUSIC:

Any and all contributions in support of Newman Music Ministry are greatly appreciated. A new fund was recently established to assist in supporting both the technical and pastoral training of our music ministers, to establish a choral and instrumental music library for the Center, maintain and develop our instruments and increase musical offerings throughout each year. If you believe in quality liturgical music and are willing to donate to our mission in this unique academic apostolate, please contact either our Director of Development or Director of Music for more information.

NEWMAN MUSIC FELLOWSHIPS:

The Newman Music Fellowships are awarded annually to two gifted accompanists who seek to grow as pastoral musicians within the Catholic Church. In addition to accompanying the Sunday 10:30am and 7pm Mass choirs, these Newman Music Fellows will explore both the pastoral and technical aspects of music ministry. The Newman Catholic Center is grateful for the generous donors who help underwrite or defray the cost of these Fellowships. From 2004-2008, these fellowships were offered in loving memory of Ms. Mary Margaret Shea (a local woman who believed in sharing her God-given musical talents for the enrichment and faith-growth of others). The Newman Catholic Center gratefully acknowledges the following recipients of the Mary Margaret Shea and Newman Music Fellowships for the following years:

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

2008-2009: Michael T. Carney & Luke C. Massery

2009-2010: Michael T. Carney & Nicholas J. Shaneyfelt

For More Information:

Mark Callahan, Campus Minister/Director of Music

mcallahan@external.umass.edu

AOL Instant Messenger: UMassMCNewman

(413) 549-0300 ext. 36.

updated 11-4-09

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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: Thu, 04 Mar 2010