Posted on 07/21/2007 5:26:30 PM PDT by NYer
"It's okay to have butterflies," Jay Paluch often tells youngsters in the contemporary music group at Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Latham. "You just need to tell them to fly in order."
That advice comes in particularly handy during the summer, when Mass-goers at the parish's 9 a.m. celebration are treated to the musical talents of young parishioners.
They play short, lyrical pieces on a number of instruments during the meditation after Communion. About a dozen children participate each summer, said Mr. Paluch, the contemporary music group leader.
Filling in
During the school year, the parish's choir sings a communion meditation hymn; when the choir is on summer break, the students' music helps parishioners reflect, Mr. Paluch said. It's also a way to encourage younger parishioners to get involved in the parish.
Worshiping through song is a sizeable portion of early-childhood religious education at Our Lady of the Assumption, said Mr. Paluch.
His wife, Sharon, oversees Children's Liturgy of the Word, and part of what they do is to learn about God through singing.
"We're starting these kids early and teaching them to be singing, musically inclined Catholics," Mr. Paluch said. "The whole idea is not only to introduce the children of our parish to music, but also to make sure they're a mainstay there, that these aren't just kids sitting in the pew, but active participants in the Mass."
Talents displayed
The young instrumentalists often choose pieces that they've studied in their private lessons. Many play piano; some have performed on other instruments, such as flute, viola and cello.
Sometimes, the young Catholics team up for duets, or a pianist will accompany another instrument. While not all the pieces are strictly religious, all are auditioned beforehand to make sure they're appropriate for the liturgy.
On one recent Sunday morning, for example, 11-year-old Spencer Paluch played a piano piece called "Prelude Majestic."
Playing the piano "is a fun way to express yourself," he said.
Making music
Elizabeth Hoffman, who has been playing the piano for ten years, is in her second year of playing in the student music series.
"I like making music," she said.
Since she is used to getting up in front of people during recitals, the congregation doesn't make her nervous, she said.
"It's Church, and everyone supports each other," she declared.
Said Mr. Paluch: "The kids have done a phenomenal job. They're well-practiced, and they sound wonderful."
This is my former RC parish where I challenged the pastor regarding liturgical dance and won. Since then, the Tabernacle has been relocated into a room apart with a glass window for the benefit of those who wish to view it and the little children now provide 'reflection' for those who have just received communion. Kudos, NYer -- they still have no liturgical dance.
The children in my Maronite Catholic parish also make music ... with their lungs! They love to chant the responses and now vie with each other to be the peace bearers, having taken the lead from the older children in the parish. One of the older girls is studying the organ and, with much practice, may one day provide relief for our aging organist. We have yet to test her 'butterflies'.
Giant groan! My kids are learning with singing also. However, they sing at Benediction, songs like ‘Jesus, My Lord’ and ‘Salve Regina’. I wouldn’t leave their education up to singing alone though. They have lessons in scripture, catechism, and saints. The description of this Mass makes me ill!!
I am of the old-fashioned and maligned opinion that the best “meditation” for Communion is silence! In those rare parishes where you can find it, it’s an amazing experience. You can actually pray instead of being entertained.
I’m okay with silence! I love it when our parish choir is off for part of the summer. :o)
In our parish you would go to 7:30AM Mass, no music ever.
Yes as the evil one lives on confusion.
Ahhh....
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