Advent Offers Opportunities to Pray and Prepare Through Music

It’s a feeling we all know — the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. And surprisingly, even in a pandemic, some of the busyness remains the same. Whether you’re perusing Amazon for the perfect gift, baking dozen upon dozen of delicious Christmas cookies, or creating an incredible light display in your front yard, it can be easy to forget the true meaning of this holy season.

Advent is a reminder to step back, slow down, and be reminded of what truly matters. And, although our prayer and celebrations may look a little bit different this year, we likely need the nudge to refocus on what is most important, just the same. Here at St. Philip Neri, we hope to invite people to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ, particularly through the power of song.

“Advent is an important season that is usually overlooked,” says our Music Director, Linda Liberty. “People get so wrapped up in Christmas.”

Although much liturgical music is based on Scripture, this is especially true with the music of Advent and Christmas. Linda spends time meditating on the Mass readings as she chooses music that will enhance our liturgies and help people enter more fully into prayer.

“I look at the readings of the day and I always do something that reinforces the readings of the day,” she says. “And with Advent, in particular, it’s amazing how much music is written with Scripture’s text.

“I try to choose songs that are Scriptural,” she adds. “Maybe someone has heard something in a reading and it wasn’t understandable, but they’ll remember it in a piece of music. I use music as a tool to evangelize or catechize.”

Although COVID-19 has changed the way we incorporate music in the liturgy, we continue to have a small choir, as well as our handbell choir, along with alternative ways for our children to participate, such as a chime choir.

“I’ve just had to get more creative,” Linda says. “I’m still offering something for people who want to participate.”

In addition to praying with us at Mass, parishioners are invited to enter into the reflective nature of the Advent season through our Advent Lessons and Carols, which will take place on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m., in the church, and will also be Live Streamed on the church website. This event is an opportunity to listen to beautiful Advent music, as well as joining in prayer and song.

“It’s what I love about the liturgical Church — we’re given these times of preparation for the big feast days,” Linda says. “If you’re expecting a baby, you’re making preparations. That’s the way the church looks at Advent — it’s a time of prayer and preparation for the feast of Christmas.”

Linda hopes that all parishioners will consider joining us for this special event.

“It’s open to the whole parish,” she says. “It’s for anyone who likes music, anyone who wants to learn more about the Advent readings. Take 45 minutes and come and listen to music, hear Scripture, and take a little bit of respite from the Christmas craziness.”

If you would like more information, or to become involved with the Music Ministry at St. Philip Neri, contact Music Director Linda Liberty at musicdirector@saintphilipneri.org or 803-548-7282, ext. 249.For our Advent and Christmas Mass schedule, please visit our website at saintphilipneri.org.