Today at St. Mary In The Mountains: A Photo Essay

We had the honor of singing before a comparatively small congregation at St. Mary in the Mountains Church in Virginia City, the first time RPC has sung there. One reason why it was a small congregation (although it wasn't as small as the photo implies, taken before rehearsal started):

We were accompanied by dozens of off-road motorcycles for the Virginia City Grand Prix. (Photo: KTVN.) Truth be told, the sound they made was no worse than the sirens, buses, and motorcycles we hear when singing at the Cathedral.

Kudos to Jennifer for figuring out how to make the aging and out-of-tune organ not sound like someone just scored a goal at a hockey game.

There was plastic sheeting all over the choir loft because of leaks in the roof. Remember, for a time there was no choir loft after the "mad monks" tore it out in a fit of iconoclasm in the late 1950s.

At the end of Mass, a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary renewed their vows. Congratulations!

Other photos:

Bass Mark Deutschendorf, fresh from his 5K Downtown River Run earlier that morning, snapped this nice exterior shot of St. Mary's.

Alto Phyllis Young added this picture of the stained-glass windows adorning the stairway from the choir loft.

Thank you for having us, Fr. Anton Sommer, and we hope you'll bring us back someday! (Maybe when the motorcycle races aren't going on...)

A Chant App

(That caption may or may not be a reflection on us tenors and basses from Tuesday...)

Square Note is a new smartphone Gregorian chant app. From its description:

Square Note puts a huge library of Gregorian Chant scores—over 600 unique chants and counting—right at your fingertips. Always wanted to learn how to read square note notation? Always wondered how to find all the amazing Gregorian Chants of the Catholic Church? Square Note brings the ancient music of the Church to your mobile devices, ready for you to utilize in your schola, your choir, or your home.

Available for iPhone or Android for $2.99. HT: New Liturgical Movement.

Apr. 30: 3rd Sunday of Easter

10:45 at St. Mary in the Mountains, Virginia City. Parking may be difficult because of the Virginia City Grand Prix going on that weekend, so the earlier you arrive, the better. Carpooling is a good idea.

At least you only have to bring Adoremus. The SMH doesn't like the higher altitude.

Introit: Jubilate Deo (T/B)

Kyrie, Gloria: Missa Prima (Haller)

Offertory: Lauda anima mea (S/A), At the Lamb's High Feast

Sanctus, Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII

Communio: Surrexit Dominus (we will not be singing any verses); Ye Sons and Daughters Of The Lord (unison); O Lord, I Am Not Worthy

Recessional: Christ The Lord Is Risen Today

Prayers Please

To add to our list: For Bob Buschine, cathedral cantor and occasional fill-in baritone with us. From Kathy:

Bob will be home tomorrow. He has had a small stroke (TIA) and has had those before. He has a pinched nerve in his neck. He has an appointment with a neurosurgeon and may have to have neck and back surgery.

Please continue to pray for Bob - and for Gini too!

Another RPCer In The News

If you turn to page 6 of the April-May 2017 issue of High Desert Catholic, look who's pictured:

Yep, at lower left is our very own soprano, Eleanor Walls! She is also the coordinator for the Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults (RCIA) at St. Michael's Parish. Those who went through RCIA for the past several months were welcomed into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil Saturday night. Thank you for your ministry, Eleanor!

See You Next Tuesday

We WILL be having rehearsal next Tuesday, April 18. By then, Kathy hopes to have firmed up our Mass at St. Mary in the Mountains in Virginia City on Sunday, April 30. We do not sing on the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday), April 23.

Three Cheers

1. To bass Eric Olson, who brought his wife and infant son to Mass today!
2. To Nancy, for filling in on organ today for Jennifer. But we certainly appreciate Jennifer's service to us as well!
3. Last, but hardly least: to Fr. Paul Fazio who turned 70 today! It was our pleasure to sing for you.