Brighton, Michigan, United States
As a convert to Roman Catholicism, I seek to further Catholic discipleship through teaching, catechesis, and worship.
At St. Patrick Parish, we ask the Holy Spirit to 1) glorify God, and 2) sanctify the faithful through through liturgical music and worship events. We also seek to evangelize the lost, enable seekers to encounter God, and form intentional disciples. As Director of Music, I direct ensembles and and oversee the other worship music leaders and staff for five weekend Masses and school Masses. This includes organ/piano performance, choral conducting, leading contemporary teams, singing, mentoring leaders, and administration of the overall music department. Musical forms include classical reperatoire, contemporary Christian worship forms, and Gregorian chant. As Presenter and OCIA Catechist, I provide presentations of Catholic theology as well as personal testimonials. St. Patrick is the largest Catholic parish in the Diocese of Lansing, hosting parish, diocesan, and national events for liturgical instruction and catechesis. St. Patrick also partners with the offices of Encounter Ministries.
As a Presenter & Catechist, I gave regional workshops and OCIA presentations for adults on topics such as the Mass, Church History, the Scriptures, Spirituality, Marriage, Sacramental Preparation, and Music in the Diocese of South Bend/Fort Wayne. At a neighboring parish, I provided weekly catechism for fifth grade through ninth grade. I also provided training for parish discussion bible groups, initiated an evangelism committee, and served as lay leader in Christ Renews His Parish. As Director of Music, I increased the integrity of liturgical music in English and Bi-lingual Masses. This included directing cantors, adult/children choirs, contemporary praise and worship teams, hosting bi-lingual concerts, and providing field experience for college students. I also taught the elementary school music classes for grades K - 8, including planning and directing bi-annual concerts. You tubes from that time: Conducting Elementary School Concert, Grades 3 - 5 (This is the Day, O Sing to the Lord, Ave Maria (chant), Da Pacem Domine (Frank), Christ, Thou Lamb of God (Bach, handbells), Alleluia (Mozart) https://youtu.be/cRY1nZir5is Small Adult Choral Ensemble If Ye Love Me - Thomas Tallis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtA0xQUtzgg Presentation on Marriage (excerpt) https://youtu.be/LnXO0sx0Pi8
During these years, I created, enlarged, and directed choral and multi-ensemble music groups for many ages and styles ("high church" and chant as well as contemporary folk/rock), with strong involvment with children and youth music. I sang as a soloist, cantor, and worship leader. I also supported liturgies with organ, piano, and guitar, and performed as organ recitalist and played with the South Bend Orchestra. Additional duties included organizing recital series, overseeing the installation of sound systems, and serving as a classroom music teacher. Early on, I built up and ran a large piano studio (teaching up to 65 students with group lessons and successful competitions) while serving as a part-time church musician. I served as officer with the Kalamazoo chapter of Music Teacher's Association and the American Guild of Organists. Along with my degree in World Religions, my varied liturgical and worship experiences gave me a exsistential appreciation and rich understanding for the Spirit's work in the worship, rites, and traditions of Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and non-denominational Christian communities. You tubes of taped video recordings from that time: Service Music: "Prelude, Hymn w/Singing, Wedding Postlude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0Ax4oBTbEo Organ: "Fugue in D" by JS Bach https://youtu.be/uAq0Go-KCjw Baritone Soloist with community choir: Messiah - Handel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbMSxfjMA-k