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MUSIC MINISTRIES: Drawing Us into a Prayerful Worship Experience
St. Philip Neri Parish is blessed to have talented musicians in our church family, and as members of the music ministries, they are willing to share their talents with us to help make our worship a more prayerful experience.
Linda Liberty, Music Director, is looking forward to having the ministries members step forward in stewardship for the Christmas season.
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Our Music Ministries consist of our adult choir; the Rejoice Youth Ring and Sing hand chime choir; handbell choir; brass ensemble; pianists; cantors; and our Life Notes contemporary group.
Throughout last year, our music ministries were impacted by COVID restrictions. Now, with the COVID numbers improving in the Carolinas, all are looking forward to returning to full music to provide enrichment for the liturgies and to fulfill their call to stewardship.
“Through the music, we able to provide an educational experience for the congregation,” Linda says. “For example, I select music that compliments and enhances the scripture readings, and I do that throughout the year, so it all ties together.”
Serving in the Music Ministries enables our younger parishioners to grow in understanding of how meaningful it is to share their talents. Linda has several private piano students, Catholic and non-Catholic, and she encourages them to take part in their own church services.
“It’s very important for the kids to give their talents back, regardless of their faith,” Linda says.
Linda notes that she was encouraged by her own music teacher — in turn, her efforts to continue this encouragement are a tribute to that teacher.
“Stewardship is passed on,” Linda says. “People have to be educated about it. I encourage all my students to get involved in their parishes and churches.”
Our Music Ministries will be presenting for our Christmas Masses, with a program slated before the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. This will include a combination of brass musicians, choir, and handbell choir — they are rehearsing pieces they will play together. An oboe player and flutist will play together on Christmas Eve at 8:00 p.m.
During the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass, several piano students will play, as well as the Rejoice Youth Ring and Sing group. Our Life Notes contemporary group will be presenting music at the 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass.
