Masses for Diocesan Musicians

[presbyter]

Some of the members of this forum are putting our feet up now after celebrating a Mass today at St Chad's Cathedral, for those involved Church Music from throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham. 400+ parish musicians from south Oxfordshire to North Staffordshire came along, to hear encouragement and thanksgiving for their ministry from Archbishop Nichols.

What do other dioceses do?

[gwyn]

Peer support in the Cardiff Archdiocese is provided via CAMRaG which I'm all but certain is the 'Cardiff Archdiocese Music Resource Group'.

The Group meet on occasions throughout the year at a variety of convenient venues, for a Saturday or evening school led either by a guest or by members of the group itself.

For example, in the next week or so the Group meets for a choral day culminating in Evening Prayer and using some or all of the music learned during the day.

The Birmingham annual Mass for those who minister through music is an excellent idea and one that we could perhaps take up. It'd mean too that Cardiff Cathedral would have more in the assembly for one Sunday morning Solemn Mass per year than just the parents, husbands/wives of those who sing in the choir.

[lesley wright]

Some of the members of this forum are putting our feet up now after celebrating a Mass today at St Chad's Cathedral, for those involved Church Music from throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham. 400+ parish musicians from south Oxfordshire to North Staffordshire came along, to hear encouragement and thanksgiving for their ministry from Archbishop Nichols.

What do other dioceses do?

The lack of response (only one reply) would tend to suggest that H&N is not the only diocese where the musicians beaver away in isolation! Isn't it sad? Do you suppose 'they' would notice if we all failed to turn up and left them to celebrate without music? Possibly, with Christmas just round the corner. But are we unusual in H&N? I know there are other parishes in this corner of the country where the music people work just as hard as we do in my home parish, but even though there is a Diocesan Church Music Association which does its best, no one seems to have a great desire to get together, not even for a good moan. Any suggestions as to how to get people on board?
Hope everyone is enjoying the Advent gloom (it's sleeting here today)

[oopsorganist]

Where is H and N?

West Yorkshire has a bit of a pastoral musicians group. Next meet is some time in Feb. Doc will know. Actually there is a website I think but can't find /remember where it is. Joe will know.

[musicus]

Where is H and N?.

Hexham and Newcastle.

[gwyn]

Where is H and N?.

Hexham and Newcastle.

[Fx] Big sigh of relief from those of us who couldn't work it out.

I went to W'minster Cathedral for the 10.30 Mass yesterday (9th Dec). The Mass was offered for Bisop Fulton Sheen. They had a second collection to financially support the music ministry at the cathedral. Now there's a cracking idea!

[lesley wright]

Lovely thought - but it would be a very poorly supported 2nd collection in my parish (and I'd have to do a lot more practising)

[gwyn]

Lesley Wright said

Lovely thought - but it would be a very poorly supported 2nd collection in my parish (and I\'d have to do a lot more practising)

Same here
Our lot are such good givers to so many worthy causes that I'd be reluctant to push my luck. They appreciate the choir too.

I'm Resigned to surviving via shoe-string blue-tack and a very supportive P.P.

The other problem might be that if we were funded then there'd be an increase in expectations. Ooo-er!