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Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate:  Saturday September 12, 2009.  Four more deacons were added to our Diocesan parishes.  Thanks be to God, and - of course - to the Diocesan Choir!

NPMpalmbeach     "Meet and Greet"   Friday, August 28, 7:00pm

What a great kick-off to the new choir year!  We met at Mary Immaculate Scaff Hall. 

Our hostess was Patty Kelly, who so graciously had everything set and ready for us, including music-note cookies. 

About 40 people gathered, and enjoyed an icebreaker game, then shared information about themselves. 

We had a brief session on the document: Sing To The Lord: Music In Divine Worship.

Then a good deal of time was spent discussing ideas and needs for future npmpalmbeach meetings and workshops. 

Dates that are set thus far:

December 4 - Our Lady of Lourdes, Boca - Advent Taize Service  Email us if you want to participate.

February 12 - NPM nite - location and event TBA

May 14 - NPM nite - possible Potluck Supper and Broadway sing at Holy Name of Jesus Parish

May 2nd, 2009:  Ordinations to the Priesthood

Father Brian Campbell will serve at St Patrick Parish.

Father Tom Lafreniere will serve at St Luke Parish.

Our Diocesan Choir Members did a marvelous job.  Our gratitude to all!

ANNUAL CHRISM MASS:  TUESDAY, APRIL 7th, 2009, 11am, at the Cathedral of St Ignatius Loyola.  What a wonderful Liturgy it was!  Many thanks to those who served in our Diocesan Choir.

It's becoming a tradition!  Our gratitude to the choir members who came together to record the

Christmas TV Mass with Bishop Barbarito on December 17th, 2008.

Our Palm Beach Diocese 25th Anniversary Celebration began with a Mass on October 24th, 2008, at the Cathedral.With more than 80 choristers, strings, brass, and percussion, we joined in the rejoicing in a very beautiful and sacred way.   Several choir members remembered participating in the First Mass as our Diocese was established 25 years ago! Palm Beach is truly blessed by the dedicated music ministers who come together for these special events.

 Ordinations to the Priesthood  2008

Father Elifete St. Forte :  On Saturday, September 27th, 2008, Diocesan Choir members and the Haitian Choir from Sacred Heart Parish in Lake Worth came together in song for a wonderful tri-lingual celebration to welcome in our newest Diocesan Priest.

Father Andrew Brierley:   On Friday, April 4th, 2008, our Diocesan Choir volunteers came together for this joyful celebration.  Special thanks to all who worked so hard.  The music was especially challenging, and exceptionally beautiful! 

Blessings and thanks to all CHOIR MEMBERS who participated in the ANNUAL CHRISM MASS

TUESDAY, MARCH 18th, 2008, 11am, at the Cathedral of St Ignatius Loyola

Your service was a gift to all, and the music was inspiring!

Prayerful! Amazing! Inspiring! We hope you didn't miss it!  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2008

Workshop and concert: Matt Maher & Tom Booth came to St Martin de Porres to bless us with their many gifts of music and spirituality.  About 40 attended the workshop, and more than 300 were in the church for the evening concert.  Both events were opportunities for prayer and praise.  We learned that our primary instrument MUST be our heart, or we will never truly be ministers.  We learned what makes music for liturgy LITURGICAL through the documents "Music in Catholic Worship," and "Sing to the Lord."  We heard so many of their wonderful, anointed compositions, both old and new.  Thanks be to God for these gifted men who so selflessly give their time and talent for Jesus and for our Catholic Church!  

Christmas TV Mass with Bishop Barbarito

The taping of the Mass on Dec 20, 2007, at the Cathedral, was a beautiful thing!  Blessings and thanks to all who were able to juggle their schedules to accommodate the last-minute time change

OUR FIRST NPMpalmbeach CHAPTER SOCIAL was held on Friday, August 31st, 2007. 

A great time was had by all!  Be watching for information on the next one!

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Fantastic News!  NPMPalmBeach is now a permanent chapter! Our new status was announced during the opening ceremonies of the NPM National Convention in Indianapolis on July 9th, 2007! If YOU would like to be more involved in the Chapter organization, email us!

ANNUAL CHRISM MASS TUESDAY, APRIL 3rD: THANKS and BLESSINGS TO all!

The Annual Chrism Mass took place on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007, 11am, at the newly renovated Cathedral of St Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens.  The Chrism Mass is always a wonderful and meaningful celebration; all are moved when the many priests of our Diocese renew their commitment and the sacramental oils (to be used for all the faithful for entire year) are blessed.  Bishop Barbarito's message of gratitude and challenge to our priests was quite powerful. 

This year's music was especially beautiful, truly serving the Liturgy.  Thanks to the efforts of a sixty-member choir accompanied by organ, piano, string quartet, and brass quartet.  We combined the old and the new in our music, using everything from ancient chant to Schubert's "Deutsche Messe" for the Eucharistic prayer, and Schutte's "Glory In The Cross" for recessional.  Director Jeanne Clark is grateful to all those who took the time, made the drive, studied their music, came to rehearsals on time, and offered their gifts for the glory of God! 

137 registered participants -- Diocesan Day for Music Ministers with Fr. Jan Michael Joncas

Saturday, January 27, 2007

We began with Morning Prayer in the Church at Our Lady of Lourdes in Boca Raton.  Fr Joncas was the Presider, Tom Wilcoxson was the organist, Jim Clark and Angela Weinroth were the psalmists, and Rosemary Gondek sang the intercessions.  Fr Mike's talks began immediately after morning prayer, with the titles "Music Serves the Liturgy," "The Liturgy Serves the Church," and "The Church Serves The World."  As we learned more about liturgy and our important role as music ministers, we also learned more about being better at our craft.  We were  invited many times to sing pieces -- some old favorites and some brand new -- written by Michael Joncas himself.  The afternoon included an introduction to NPM and an invitation to join the chapter; we recruited 10 new members and renewed a few lapsed memberships.  Everyone agreed that the day was not nearly long enough, and we look forward to having another opportunity to gather and share and learn from one another in the near future !

"MAGNIFICENT!"  Thanks are not enough for all those who went above and beyond in coming to the newly renovated Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola to sing for the television taping of the Bishop's Christmas Mass early on Monday morning, December 18th, 2006. We had a choir of 55, and they made a splendid sound of rejoicing in the coming of our Savior!  The TV Mass was aired at least four times on Christmas Day: on West Palm Beach channels 5 [NBC] and 12 [ABC] at 6am,

on PAX at 10am, and on channel 25 [ABC] at noon. 

This year's NPM 2006 Saint Cecilia SING! events took place at three locations in the Diocese. 

On Friday, November 17, Holy Name of Jesus Parish hosted a concert and sing

featuring the Adult and Children's Music Ministries of the Parish.  Those who attended were asked to bring non-perishable food items for the hungry.

On Saturday, November 18, at St. Patrick Church, we held our NPMpalmbeach Chapter Sing event.  More than 100 came together to sing and pray at a Taize` service in honor of  Saint Cecilia.

For Spanish-speaking music ministers, a Thanksgiving dinner dance and

"St. Cecilia Gospel Music Talent Show" took place at the Cathedral of St Ignatius Loyola on November 18th.

A grand time was had by all!

Summer 2006 - Fantastic News! Our NPMPalmBeach board of directors met and voted to apply for "permanent" chapter status. The Application for Charter was signed by Bishop Barbarito, and will be submitted to the NPM National Office for approval in November!

Mass and Investiture of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher:  Sunday, September 24th, at St. Patrick Church.  Although this wasn't an official Diocesan event, Jeanne Clark called 24 of our diocesan choir members together to sing with Mark Galsky, organist [and our host], and the Classic Brass, for the concluding liturgy of the Knights' southeast regional weekend.  More than 500 members of the Order came together.  It was an education for many of us who had not been familiar with the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher.   It was a lengthy afternoon, but an enjoyable one!  The Archbishops and Bishops who participated were all very pleased with our music ministry.  The Knights celebrated a smaller mass on Saturday at St. Edward, with music from the st Edward choir directed by Maralyn Coscia.  Kudos and thanks to all who participated.

TWELVE NEW PERMANENT DEACONS!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow! 

Forty-two Diocesan Choir members came together at St. Patrick Church in Palm Beach Gardens for the ordination of 12 men to the permanent diaconate on Saturday, September 9, 2006.  The liturgy was originally scheduled for the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, but the major renovation project taking place there was not quite complete in time for the event. What a moving thing it was to see twelve men prostrating themselves in prayer during the litany of the saints.  How inspiring it was to hear the choir and congregation join together in a variety of musical styles, from "When Morning Gilds the Skies" from the old St. Gregory hymnal, to the contemporary "I Will Choose Christ" by Tom Booth. A climactic moment came during the kiss of peace when the twelve new deacons were each embraced by 70 members of our Diocesan Clergy, and all were singing "Pescador de Hombres!"  Special thanks go out to Joanne Nelson and Mark Galsky, our keyboardists; we couldn't have done it without you!

ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD JUNE 10, 2006: The Diocesan Choir Was Wonderful!

Reverend Mr. Carl Hellwig was ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday, June 10th, at 11:00am, at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola. We were blessed to have a Diocesan Choir of 31 singers, and a trumpeter, a violinist, and an oboist. With only one rather intense rehearsal, we were able to lead the people in prayer and worship as we witnessed the ordination of a new priest in our Diocese. Each piece of music, all selected by Father Carl himself, was more beautiful than the last. Many a tear was wiped dry during the psalm, "You Are My Shepherd," and "No Greater Love" at the investiture. THANK YOU to everyone who set aside their Saturday morning to be a part of the music for this moving liturgy! Father Hellwig will minister at Our Lady of Lourdes in Boca Raton.

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2006 Annual Chrism Mass was the "best ever!"

Our Annual Diocesan Mass with the Blessing of Oils, Consecration of Chrism, and Renewal of Priestly Commitment on April 11, 2006, was a glorious event. With a choir of 56, a brass quintet, a string quartet, organist Mark Galsky from St Patrick, pianist Kathy Walsh from St. Martin de Porres, and Cathedral cantor Lorie Macowski, director Jeanne Clark felt nothing could have been better! The Liturgy was as smoothly flowing as it could be, and the music served that Liturgy with great prayerfulness, beauty, and joy. Each person who approached the music ministry after Mass on the 11th, or on days to follow, had the same message: this year's Chrism Mass was the BEST EVER! Jeanne says "Thanks be to our God and to every single person who participated in the celebration; we could not have done it without you!"

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Spiritual Day for Music Ministers was a blessing to all! 

Saturday, April 8, 2006, was a day of refreshment and renewal for all those involved in music ministry. Because it was the day before Holy Week was to begin, the turnout was not large. But all who attended felt bessed by the time they had spent. Dr. Carol Razza, a licensed psychologist, faculty member at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, and an internationally known speaker on Scripture and personal spirituality for Catholics, spoke to us about the importance of our role as music ministers, and about preparing ourselves to experience the highest holy days of the year with new eyes and open hearts. At the end of the session, there was such a feeling of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming days of Holy Week and Triduum! All who were fortunate enough to have set aside the time for this morning were so thankful that they had done so. We look forward to another opportunity to gather, pray, and gain from the many gifts of Dr. Razza.

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John Michael Talbot Concert February 16th!

On Thursday, February 16th, 2006, the Diocese of Palm Beach Office of Campus Ministry sponsored a stop on John Michael Talbot's latest concert tour entitled "Monk Rock." The internationally known Catholic recording artist included a mix of his newest all-electric album and many of his familiar favorites at St. Joan of Arc Church in Boca Raton. Also appearing were Catholic composer/singer Tom Booth, and John Michael's brother, Terry Talbot. The concert featured a backup choir of 41 amazing high school, college-age, and adult singers from around the Diocese. What a wonderful experience it was to come together and learn eight of John Michael's songs (in 6- and 8-part harmony)! The rehearsal with John Michael and the band was as much fun as the concert itself! John Michael himself thanked us 4 or 5 times during the concert. We were told by a band member that, in his four years of touring, our choir was among the top five they had worked with! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! Also, special thanks to Terence McCorry, Director of the Office of Campus Ministry, for his tireless work in making this event happen!

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Our Chapter's 2005 Saint Cecilia Sing Events were a big success!

We had advertised only three, but actually FIVE 'Sing' events took place in our Diocese this November.

Each event took on its own personality, but all were real celebrations of music in the Church.

On November 13th, Sister Joyce LaVoy hosted a 'Sing' at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. The event was a prayer service opened and closed by the Rector of the Seminary, Rev. Keith Brennan. Seminarians sang, chanted, and recited prayers and poetry accompanied by organ, piano, handbells, and rhythm instruments. The newly formed St. Thomas More Chamber Choir, directed by Matthew Farmer, presented five selections, and the congregation was invited to join in several of the prayers and hymns.

On November 19th, the Damas Catolicas hosted a Saint Cecilia Dance at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Hall in Palm Beach Gardens. NPMpalmbeach board member Elsa Gibbons was instrumental in the planning of the dance, and tells us that a fine time of dancing and singing was had by all. The food was so plenitful that there were enough leftovers for another party!

On November 20th, two concerts took place. At 2:00pm, the music ministry at St. Bernadette in St. Lucie West hosted a 'Sing' under director Mary Ann Imperati. Their program was a combination of readings and music of the Church from the early years in Latin to hymns and chants in English, then on to more modern liturgical music, and ending with contemporary music including praise and worship. Members of the choir and those in the "Shine" young people's group participated. The congregation was invited to sing 17 of the selections!

At 7:30pm on November 20th, St. Paul of the Cross in North Palm Beach hosted their second annual 'Sing' under the direction of Jeanne Clark. With 92 members in their varied music ministries, all groups participated: children's choir, handbell choir, their singing pastor Fr. Art Venezia, the two morning choirs, and the youth/young adult ensemble. A new composition by Becky Gaunt, a high school senior, was presented. A collection was taken for hurricane relief; a check was sent to Holy Cross Parish in Indiantown to help them replace their storm-damaged roof.

On Wednesday, November 23rd, Holy Name of Jesus Parish in West Palm Beach held a Saint Cecilia Sing event. Director George Lower hosted this Ecumenical Night of Praise, with several other churches in the area participating.

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Our first annual 2005 Saint Cecilia Music Directors' Luncheon

was held on Tuesday, November 22nd, our patron saint's feast day. It was a small gathering, but all who attended enjoyed their time of fellowship and sharing. We look forward to many more parish directors joining us next year!

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A Mass of Appreciation for Priests,

sponsored by the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, was held at the Cathedral of St Ignatius Loyola on Wednesday, October 12, 2005, at 11:00am. We were blessed to have a small -- but excellent -- choir of members from the Cathedral and area parishes come together to make a joyful noise in gratitude to God for our priests. Bishop Barbarito presided. Our favorite piece of the day was "One Lord," by Lorie True, published in the new Gather Comprehensive second edition.

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THANK YOU to everyone who sang and played at the Ordination on September 17, 2005!

Philip Baker became a Permanent Deacon at a beautiful liturgy at the Cathedral of St Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens.

Bishop Barbarito and many members of both the Clergy and the Assembly came to us to express their gratitude for the prayerful music experience. We were especially blessed by the gifted voice of Rosemarie Gondek, cantor at Our Lady of Lourdes and personal friend of Phil's, for her offering to the Lord in song.

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NPM CONVENTION!

From June 27 thru July 1, 2005, members of NPM Palm Beach Chapter traveled to the National Convention in Milwaukee, WI. Attendees: Sr. Joyce Lavoy from St Vincent de Paul Seminary; Sr. Kathleen Lally from St. Ann; Lorie Macowski from the Cathedral of St Ignatius Loyola; Jim and Jeanne Clark from St. Paul of the Cross; Ernie Hadley from St. Joan of Arc; Dolores Mark-Chambers from St. Helen, and Tom Wilcoxson, Angela Weinroth, and Rosemarie Gondek from Our Lady of Lourdes. We were able to gather for meals, at Liturgies, and at performances to enjoy the events together. All agreed that the many breakout sessions of the convention gave everyone an opportunity to learn more about topics in their individual specialty area. “Cantus” at the performing arts center was a real hit. "Style Wars," the keynote address by Fr. Jan Michael Joncas was enlightening and inspiring. [You can view a powerpoint presentation based on his talk on the national site by clicking on Resources, then Resource Articles.] And Milwaukee’s new modern art museum on the lake was awesome. You can read more about the convention on the NPM National Site. Just click on the logo at the bottom of this page.

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