tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425953575950173522024-03-14T00:16:47.578-07:00Regina Pacis Cantorum<p>"Queen of Peace Choir"
<p>Northern Nevada's traditional Catholic choir dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the restoration and preservation of the Roman Catholic Church's Sacred Treasury of Music (Gregorian Chant and polyphony).</p></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.comBlogger617125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-49383013267060809782020-03-22T22:20:00.000-07:002020-03-22T22:27:15.384-07:00Et Pestilentiam Mortalitatemque Propitiatus Averte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We will be unable to sing at any Masses or even rehearse until further notice (at least through Easter) because of the pandemic threat. 😞 May we pray for its eradication here and throughout the world, and may our Patron, Mary the Queen of Peace, intercede for grace for us during this time and when we return.<br />
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Courtesy of Fr. Z, here is the <a href="http://www.wdtprs.com/media/print/20_03_16_EXTRACTUM_RR_EPIDEMIC.pdf">Prayer in Times of Epidemics</a>. (PDF format) The line in the post title is translated as, "And graciously turn away the epidemic of plague which afflicts us."<br />
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(I'm still working on a new site for the choir, but I felt this needed to be posted. --Paul)Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-47254856139576230222020-01-20T22:45:00.002-08:002020-01-20T22:45:59.112-08:00We're Moving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Watch this space for our new web address, coming soon...Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-39520565911238576452019-06-26T09:00:00.000-07:002019-06-26T09:00:01.420-07:00So, That's That<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another Regina Pacis Cantorum season is now in our rearview mirror. Last year at this time, we really weren't sure what we were going to be doing, having lost access to St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral with the departure of the Friars. But God, as He so often does, opens a window when He closes a door.<br />
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Last summer, we began a new relationship with Assumption Church in Truckee. We ended up singing there nine times, and the parishioners kindly hosted a reception for us after Christ The King Mass! We enjoyed the eagerness of Fr. Vincent Juan and the congregation to have us, and we hope to be back this fall.<br /><br />Snow cancelled a couple of our rehearsals and what would have been our tenth visit to Assumption in February.<br />
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Our other main venue was, of course, Holy Spirit Mission. We wish Fr. Loy Torrente well as he heads into retirement at last, but maybe we'll still see him saying the EF from time to time. We also appreciate Fr. Charles Ike of the FSSP filling for Corpus Christi. We again thank the Chocolate Nugget for making their parking lot available for well-attended Masses.<br />
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We had the honor of singing for Fr. Patrick Klekas' First Mass at Immaculate Conception in Sparks. We may sing for him in the future at St. Albert the Great; stay tuned.<br />
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With not as full a schedule as in prior years, Kathy was able to devote rehearsal time to something we can never learn enough of: solfege. Some of us are hearing "<i>Factu-US est repente</i>" in our sleep as an example of a fifth interval.<br />
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Kathy had to put up with medical issues of her own and with her loved ones. She had surgery on the second of her eyes, took care of her husband Bob after he had a ladder collapse under him, and spent time with daughter Marli in Henderson when she broke both her bones in her forearm. That visit, however, launched some ties between the schola at St. Bridget's of Las Vegas and RPC. (Oh, and she and Sandy helped rescue this tenor from the ER in Grass Valley.)<br /><br />We bade farewell to former member Art Hakes. <i>Resquiescat in pace</i>.<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed the season and have a blessed summer! Kathy, as usual, is heading to the Sacred Music Colloquium in Philadelphia next week (she'll be there on July 4th!).<br />
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See you this fall, and bring some sopranos and basses with you! We need 'em. And if you have a Facebook account, like us there.<br /><br />Your webmaster, who occasionally looks at Kathy for the cutoff,<br />PaulPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-23223855839346213472019-06-25T19:11:00.000-07:002019-06-25T20:42:09.542-07:00You Don't Bring Me Flowers...Oh, Wait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Following a lengthy but excellent Corpus Christi Mass, procession, and potluck brunch, Holy Spirit Mission surprised Kathy with a bouquet of flowers for all her service to the Mission, not just with RPC but the Sunday choir as well. It was a fitting close to our season.<br />
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Here are some other photos from the procession, led by Fr. Charles Ike of the FSSP:<br />
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Our good friend Suzi Lunt snapped this vertical shot of a few of the tenors (sorry, sopranos, altos, and basses!). Then again, she must have wanted to get a good photo of her son Zach.<br />
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Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-60123167481195790692019-06-17T09:00:00.000-07:002019-06-17T09:00:01.306-07:00Happy Father's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was our final Mass at Assumption Catholic Church in Truckee for the year. It was our only <i>a cappella</i> Mass there, and we thank Jennifer Cotter for the accompaniment she was able to provide for our other appearances.<br />
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It was also Father's Day, so Fr. Vincent Juan asked the fathers to stand so he could pray a blessing over them. He then followed up with a sprinkling of holy water for the congregation...more like a dousing, actually, thanks to the wisk broom he uses! Fr. Vincent even made us choir members feel like we'd just been through the Ice Bucket Challenge.<br />
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We enjoyed our year at Assumption, and we hope we're not done there yet! We only missed one Mass due to snow. If you're interested, you can partake of Assumption's 150th anniversary celebration on August 15 (the Feast of the Assumption...we see what you did there). More information is available on Assumption's <a href="http://www.assumptiontruckee.com/news">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/assumptiontruckee">Facebook page</a>.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-14292864900279438492019-06-16T17:59:00.000-07:002019-06-16T17:59:02.702-07:00Congratulations to Fr. Klekas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was an honor for us to sing for another new priest's First Mass and our third since 2015. Fr. Patrick Klekas is shown here blessing his parents at the end of the Mass at Immaculate Conception in Sparks. He and Fr. Eduardo Gutierrez-Sandoval received the Sacrament of Holy Orders from Bishop Randolph Calvo on Friday night at St. Teresa of Avila in Carson City. Please pray for them, as well as all our priests and for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-57827686528537225962019-05-19T17:44:00.001-07:002019-05-19T17:44:52.008-07:00And Down The Stretch We Come<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5_Zjll0Pr4M" width="560"></iframe><br />
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You can be forgiven for not remembering the name of the horse that won yesterday's Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. War of Will got some justice after being forced to slow up in the controversial Kentucky Derby by winning the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. But stealing the show was Bodexpress ("boh-dee" express), who got caught up in a snafu leaving the starting gate, threw his Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez to the ground, and ran the entire race riderless...and didn't finish last. <a href="http://www.brisnet.com/content/2019/05/bodexpress-becomes-social-media-sensation-completing-preakness-riderless/?fbclid=IwAR2rB-gCekZ6MYSTzhWtVrQKSVB_uSBrBa50l0BGmgas64Ieo4KzhKHApYk">Twitter took to Bodexpress</a> right away.<br />
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This is now the home stretch of our season, and we don't have distractions like riderless horses to get in our way. We have plenty of time to prepare for it with our next Mass not until Pentecost which is Sunday, June 9 at Holy Spirit Mission. After that, however, we have 3 Masses in 8 days, or 4 in 14 counting Pentecost:<br />
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<li><a href="https://rpchoir.blogspot.com/2019/04/another-first-mass-opportunity.html">First Mass of (soon-to-be) Fr. Patrick Kleka</a>s on Saturday, June 15 at Immaculate Conception Church in Sparks, 9 AM (likely an 8:15 call time);</li>
<li>Trinity Sunday at Assumption in Truckee (snowless this time, we hope!) on Sunday, June 16, 9 AM (also likely an 8:15 call time); and</li>
<li>Corpus Christi at the Mission with a guest FSSP priest saying a High Mass on Sunday, June 23, 8:30 AM (7:45 likely call time).</li>
</ul>
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We got this.</div>
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Fun Fact: I thought Nevada didn't have any horse racing tracks, especially considering you can bet on horse races all across the country at any sportsbook. But each year in Ely, there is horse racing associated with the White Pine County fair in mid-August, and a card in Elko for its county fair just before Labor Day. <a href="http://www.racewithtrs.com/">More info here</a>.</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-41876222686651257622019-04-28T22:43:00.003-07:002019-04-28T22:43:51.816-07:00Another First Mass Opportunity<div style="background-color: white;">
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From Kathy. Please contact her if you haven't done so already:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">I was contacted...by Rev. Mr. Patrick Klekas [<i>above, courtesy of the Diocese of Reno</i>], a transitional deacon, who will be ordained to the priesthood in June. He has asked us to sing for his first Mass on Saturday, June 15, at 9 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Sparks.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">He has heard a lot about us from Fr. Joe Walsh, <a href="http://rpchoir.blogspot.com/2018/01/you-are-priest-forever.html">whose first Mass we sang for last year</a>, and he assures me that, if he is assigned to a local parish (never a sure thing), he will want us around a lot.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">Mid-June is always a busy time, but I'm asking that you please make a special effort to do this. It is so important to support any priest who wants the traditional music of the Church. </span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">Will you please let me know of your participation as soon as possible, so that I can give him an answer?</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">Thank you!</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">Pax Christi,</span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Kathy</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While we're speaking of the rest of our schedule, unless you hear something to the contrary, it looks like we will not, repeat, not be singing at Our Lady of Tahoe on Saturday, May 11.</span></span></div>
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Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-15695081940302512032019-04-14T22:04:00.000-07:002019-04-14T22:11:04.994-07:00Chocolate Carpooling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(The Giant Prospector near the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory. Photo credit: Denita Graham, <a href="https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/6193">RoadsideAmerica.com</a>; HT to Reno-Tahoe Living on Facebook)<br />
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We at RPC greatly appreciate the willingness of the <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/chocolatenuggetcandyfactory/index.html">Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory</a> to let us use the unpaved portion of their parking lot to facilitate carpooling to nearby Holy Spirit Mission when the church will be crowded for Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday Masses. The only condition is that they ask us not to use the marked, paved spaces right in front of the store, a reasonable request. Perhaps we can repay the Nugget with a purchase or two; <a href="https://rpchoir.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-unofficial-rpc-hangout.html">they can certainly use the business</a>.<br />
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If you're interested in carpooling with another member or members from the choir to HSM, bass Bill Cotter has volunteered to help coordinate this. Please don't call/email Kathy; you know how not busy she is. You can conceivably walk to HSM from the Nugget lot on the shoulder of Old Highway 395, but even though the traffic volume is nothing like it was before I-580 was built, the speed limit remains 50 mph, so use your own discretion.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-53250744945864076982019-03-31T16:29:00.001-07:002019-03-31T16:29:58.647-07:00Upcoming Chant Education Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. If you know of any others, mention away in the comments.</div>
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<li>As she does every year, Kathy will be attending <a href="https://musicasacra.com/events/colloquium-2019-main/">the CMAA's annual colloquium</a>, this time in Philadelphia the week of July 1-6 (how appropriate! <a href="https://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm">Independence National Historical Park</a> is worth the visit, as is the <a href="https://www.fi.edu/">Ben Franklin Institute</a>. But <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QspxqCgfo2Q">watch where you park</a>!).</li>
<li>Kathy asked me to make mention of two chant courses at the western end of the Keystone State occurring just before the colloquium. Pittsburgh's Duquesne University, a previous colloquium site, will offer both Chant Intensive and Laus in Ecclesia during the week of June 24-28. Read more about them <a href="https://musicasacra.com/category/events/">here</a> after scrolling past the colloquium info.</li>
<li>That same week, and closer to home, Corpus Christi Watershed and the FSSP are hosting <a href="http://www.ccwatershed.org/symposium/">their annual symposium</a> (what's the difference between a colloquium and a symposium? The symposium is intended for choir directors or those who want to become directors, but others are welcome.) in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, registration appears to have ended as of March 31. Our new friends from St. Bridget's in Las Vegas say they intend to be there, but it's a much shorter drive for them than us.</li>
</ul>
(Related: CCW is holding a <a href="http://www.ccwatershed.org/help/">fundraiser</a> to keep its site operating past Good Friday (April 19). It has been quite a useful site for me over the years, especially with its sound files and PDFs of chants.)Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-59024299261705521902019-03-30T16:19:00.001-07:002019-03-30T16:19:18.797-07:00The Passing Of Another RPCer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eV3HgTGb9c/XJ_5XuIj1uI/AAAAAAAAFM0/fCFj5kTw1fkeVacYMkywQK_aQwHZFD7GgCLcBGAs/s1600/requiem%2Baeternam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eV3HgTGb9c/XJ_5XuIj1uI/AAAAAAAAFM0/fCFj5kTw1fkeVacYMkywQK_aQwHZFD7GgCLcBGAs/s1600/requiem%2Baeternam.jpg" /></a></div>
Kathy has informed us that Art Hakes, a former choir member, has died. She learned of that via Jan Walker, a friend of Art's and a former member herself.<br />
<br />
Please pray for the repose of Art's soul. His funeral will be at the Carmelite Monastery in Reno on April 12 at 10:30 AM.<br />
<br />
For him and his soul I post Psalm 130:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice!<br />Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.<br />If you, O LORD, mark iniquities, LORD, who can stand?<br />But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.<br />I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word.<br />My soul waits for the LORD more than the sentinels wait for the dawn.<br />More than the sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the LORD,<br />For with the LORD is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption.<br />And he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.</blockquote>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-58292541052366809312019-03-12T22:49:00.000-07:002019-03-12T22:49:33.853-07:00Making the Most of a Tough Situation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8a_zjU1CUU/XIiUTCsAR6I/AAAAAAAAFMI/bG9VyMod08A2gNuEFkOrc0USZ5carbWMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/reinheimers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8a_zjU1CUU/XIiUTCsAR6I/AAAAAAAAFMI/bG9VyMod08A2gNuEFkOrc0USZ5carbWMQCEwYBhgL/s320/reinheimers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kathy put a good deal of miles on her Honda in the last week, driving from Reno to Henderson and back to see to her daughter Marli (between her parents above), who broke both bones of her forearm last week. It's going to be a long recovery for her, and her violin playing will have to wait a while. Please keep her in your prayers.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://rpchoir.blogspot.com/2018/03/dun-dun-or-whatever-that-law-order.html">I mentioned last year</a> that Las Vegas had a single Catholic church that offered Extraordinary Form Masses, namely <a href="http://extraordinaryvegas.com/">St. Bridget</a>. While tending to Marli, Kathy went to their 10 AM Sunday Mass and got to hear their teen Schola Cantorum Sancta Brigida, directed by Andrea Leaf. Kathy said their music was relatively basic but done quite well. Take a listen to them yourself, either on the web site above or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/latinmasslasvegas/">on their Facebook page</a>.<br />
<br />
Could a road trip to Las Vegas be in our future? You never know. In any event, it's always good to make the acquaintance of another chant and polyphony choir in the Silver State. God was able to bring this opportunity out of Kathy and Marli's difficult situation; again, please pray for her.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-79807397120023164112019-03-10T22:28:00.000-07:002019-03-10T22:28:10.050-07:00Father, May We?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zonjeqFu7S8/XIXrDm01JvI/AAAAAAAAFLo/o7KSa_FeCQEC88L5F0P1WAniMhSTUn4ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/mother%2Bmay%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="460" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zonjeqFu7S8/XIXrDm01JvI/AAAAAAAAFLo/o7KSa_FeCQEC88L5F0P1WAniMhSTUn4ZgCLcBGAs/s320/mother%2Bmay%2Bi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Why was <i><a href="https://w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20070707_summorum-pontificum.html">Summorum Pontificum</a></i> so necessary? As people have been sharing with <a href="http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2019/03/latin-mass-permission-request-form-from.html#.XIXtJShKjIU">New Liturgical Movement,</a> not so long ago the faithful had to not only ask permission, but in some instances complete a permission slip, to have an EF Mass said. Check out this one from the diocese of Buffalo, NY, circa 1985 (click to enlarge, credit: Amy Elisabet and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Una-Voce-Buffalo-244238765602487/">Una Voce Buffalo</a>):<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw_21yWapV0/XIXuFOgIJsI/AAAAAAAAFL0/GkRnNeHz_Nw06M2VWjLAzftueF_VSiDvgCLcBGAs/s1600/permission%2Brequest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw_21yWapV0/XIXuFOgIJsI/AAAAAAAAFL0/GkRnNeHz_Nw06M2VWjLAzftueF_VSiDvgCLcBGAs/s320/permission%2Brequest.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
Wow. It could just as well read, "Are you now, or have you ever been, someone who doesn't like how the liturgy was changed, as opposed to how Vatican II said it was going to be changed?" If you know of or have any similar documents, <a href="http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/#6301788562566432217">NLM would love to see them</a>. I for one am glad <i>Summorum Pontificum</i> transfers the burden to the diocese or archdiocese who must show why an EF Mass may not be said.<br />
<br />
Now, I cannot repeat this enough: the purpose of Regina Pacis Cantorum is <b>not</b> to eliminate the <i>Novus Ordo</i> Mass. We have by far sung for more NO Masses than we have EF Masses, and will continue to do so at Assumption in Truckee and elsewhere. We just want to ensure the opportunity to experience the EF and all the sacred music opportunities in its timeless liturgy are not denied to those who want it, and Pope Emeritus Benedict happily opened the door via <i>Summorum Pontificum</i>.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-55775334489093217942019-02-24T19:22:00.001-08:002019-02-24T19:22:08.667-08:00How Does It Feel To Be One Of The Beautiful People?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFv29xd4Aj0/XHNbZ_Zg7gI/AAAAAAAAFK8/m9qbqN4eTFwIitoCbF25p24VL6rW0HDiwCLcBGAs/s1600/beautiful%2Bmusic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="279" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFv29xd4Aj0/XHNbZ_Zg7gI/AAAAAAAAFK8/m9qbqN4eTFwIitoCbF25p24VL6rW0HDiwCLcBGAs/s1600/beautiful%2Bmusic.jpg" /></a></div>
In rehearsals, we (and by "we," I mean the tenors) had our struggles with the short <i>Introibo</i> motet that we mixed with the <i>Introibo</i> chant for Communio. I saw Kathy offer up a short prayer to Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Cecelia just before we started singing it today for Sexagesima at Holy Spirit Mission.<br />
<br />
We did pretty well with it, avoiding major stumbles and causing Kathy to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving when we were done. Then, loud and clear, came a review from a little girl critic across the aisle from us:<br />
<br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"That music was beautiful!"</b></span><br />
<br />
I mentioned earlier that it's inappropriate to applaud in church, but I never said anything about such a comment. We all chuckled, and Kathy gave the girl a hug. Unfortunately, she and her mother left before we could ask if she could sing soprano with us.<br />
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That, however, is our purpose: to sing beautiful, sacred music worthy of, and reaching for, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-6148195006663573172019-02-13T16:52:00.000-08:002019-02-13T16:52:03.707-08:00Sunday Looks Iffy, But Stay Tuned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Click to enlarge this timeline for the rest of this week from bass Mark Deutschendorf and his band of merry National Weather Service Reno meteorologists:</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Itqz_tGH2mw/XGSyxRxAZuI/AAAAAAAAFKI/3fyLDJakbxkX-LwMg66fYLhZkoKSFbH-gCLcBGAs/s1600/nws%2Breno%2Bmid-feb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="962" height="236" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Itqz_tGH2mw/XGSyxRxAZuI/AAAAAAAAFKI/3fyLDJakbxkX-LwMg66fYLhZkoKSFbH-gCLcBGAs/s320/nws%2Breno%2Bmid-feb.png" width="320" /></a></div>
We've managed to avoid snow cancelling our "gigs" at Assumption in Truckee so far, but it looks like this Sunday may--emphasis on <i>may</i>--be the first time. Kathy will make the decision and let you know, and I'll keep you posted as well.<br />
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Here's a tip: If you want to get an idea of what the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/rev/">NWS Reno</a> brain trust thinks will happen, the most useful portion of their website (IMO) is their <a href="https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/total_forecast/getprod.php?wfo=rev&pil=AFD&sid=REV&version=0">Area Forecast Discussion</a>. It's updated at least a couple times a day. From their discussion of 2/13/19, 15:21 PST (I'm glad they don't put it in ALL CAPS anymore, but the caps you see below are from the report itself):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This weekend through the middle of next week, northeast CA and western NV will remain under a large-scale upper trough. This brings high confidence that afternoon temperatures will remain below average through the period, with 20s and 30s for most areas Sunday through Tuesday. At the higher elevations (above 8000 feet), widespread single digits and teens can be expected with deep cold air entrenched over the region. <br /> <br /> As far as precipitation, confidence is high that any showers will be in the form of snow. There will be three waves moving into the upper trough: one Saturday, one Sunday, with a third possible around next Wednesday. As far as snowfall amounts, there are of low confidence as it will depend on the exact track of the waves. Also, with snow being of a convective nature, localized areas could have burst [<i>sic</i>] of heavier snow showers that are unpredictable given their small-scale nature. Keep in mind that while we have light snowfall accumulations forecast for the valleys over the weekend this is for non-paved areas. If snow is not persistently moderate to heavy, or falling between the evening and mid-morning hours, it will have a hard time sticking to roads in areas where the air temperatures are in the ~mid 20s or higher (roads can heat 15-30 degrees above air temperatures in the afternoon this time of year). <br /> <br />BOTTOM LINE FOR THIS WEEKEND: be prepared for slick, snow-covered roads in the higher elevations (pass level) of the Sierra and northeast CA with LENGTHY TRAVEL DELAYS QUITE POSSIBLE. For valleys, periodic slick travel conditions are also possible, mainly between the evening and mid-morning hours. -[Shane] Snyder </blockquote>
What this amateur meteorologist gleans from this is that we <i>might</i> be able to sing if the snow levels stay high enough, say 7,000 feet or more. But things could change before then, and often do. If we can get there, it will be interesting to see how much snow has been piled up around the Assumption parking lot.<br />
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The NWS Reno <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSReno">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSReno">Twitter</a> feeds are worth following also. I-80 California road condition info can be obtained from the CHP Truckee barracks (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/chp.truckee/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CHP_Truckee">Twitter</a>) or via <a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/display.php?page=i80">Caltrans</a>.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-68352532201862915882019-01-28T23:28:00.000-08:002019-01-28T23:28:03.124-08:00Meanwhile, In The Land of OCP...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2n0mrF8WiLw/XE_7DV3hvBI/AAAAAAAAFJY/xaAr7y5KWqMHpsIUFh60po4dlQy_Nh5agCLcBGAs/s1600/keep-portland-weird_o_2179915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="778" height="197" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2n0mrF8WiLw/XE_7DV3hvBI/AAAAAAAAFJY/xaAr7y5KWqMHpsIUFh60po4dlQy_Nh5agCLcBGAs/s400/keep-portland-weird_o_2179915.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...a.k.a. <a href="https://www.ifc.com/shows/portlandia">Portlandia</a>, comes this pleasantly surprising development:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://catholicsentinel.org/Content/Default/Homepage-Rotator/Article/Archbishop-Sample-s-pastoral-letter-encourages-worship-music-that-is-truly-sacred-and-he-gives-objective-criteria/-3/382/37177?fbclid=IwAR22Iq4juniZtYNxufSGoVxeIk9egJKyvCCK7BRhd2k114agsYvcdCxUgqU">Archbishop Sample’s pastoral letter encourages worship music that is truly sacred — and he gives objective criteria</a> (<i>Catholic Sentinel</i>)<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Archbishop Alexander Sample on Jan. 25 released a pastoral letter to the Archdiocese of Portland on sacred music for Mass, seeking to highlight “perennial truths”: sanctity, beauty and universality. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Only music which possesses all three of these qualities is worthy of Holy Mass,” Archbishop Sample writes, explaining that ancient or modern music can qualify but that Gregorian chant is the preferred music for Roman Catholic worship. [...]</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“The beauty, dignity and prayerfulness of the Mass depend to a large extent on the music that accompanies the liturgical action,” the archbishop writes. </blockquote>
And from <a href="http://www.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/85587-sing-lord-archbishop-sample-portland-oregon-pastoral-letter/download/">the letter itself</a> (HT: Corpus Christi Watershed):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Every parish is asked to learn English plainchant settings found in the Roman Missal and should establish a least a small repertoire of Latin Gregorian chants for Mass parts.</blockquote>
Wow. Just wow. It doesn't get more direct than that, and yet it appears His Exellency has done a fine job of not browbeating it into his flock. That Abp. Sample is doing this is not surprising, since he laid the groundwork for <a href="http://rpchoir.blogspot.com/2016/02/meanwhile-in-michigan.html">a similar occurrence</a> in the Diocese of Marquette, MI when he was bishop there.<br />
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We're not supposed to applaud in Church, so let's give His Excellency applause here:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oP3uxY66_cQ/XE__3XsHhpI/AAAAAAAAFJk/NOyhvhBs5XkPmtF970J6HOgAWvmX4g7WwCLcBGAs/s1600/Slow_Clap_GIF_Image_for_Whatsapp_and_Facebook_21.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="500" height="247" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oP3uxY66_cQ/XE__3XsHhpI/AAAAAAAAFJk/NOyhvhBs5XkPmtF970J6HOgAWvmX4g7WwCLcBGAs/s320/Slow_Clap_GIF_Image_for_Whatsapp_and_Facebook_21.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
Exit question: Does this new emphasis on sacred music make Portland more weird or less weird?<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-41585172410509068592019-01-21T13:54:00.001-08:002019-01-21T13:54:20.365-08:00Why We Do What We Do, AgainKathy has a tough job as our director, to say the least:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrLn-Qv55xw/XEY_MT5pfJI/AAAAAAAAFJM/sPMbQM2Nm7wVFq3W0RmE8SJl-4DarAkegCLcBGAs/s1600/choir%2Bbalance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrLn-Qv55xw/XEY_MT5pfJI/AAAAAAAAFJM/sPMbQM2Nm7wVFq3W0RmE8SJl-4DarAkegCLcBGAs/s320/choir%2Bbalance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Way too often, I wonder what will become of RPC when Kathy gets called to her eternal reward, which I certainly hope is no time soon! Quite simply put, sacred music is not the most important thing in her life. It IS her life. I have tried to convey the enormity of the job Kathy has, including <a href="https://rpchoir.blogspot.com/2016/05/kathys-paper-trail.html">here</a> and <a href="https://rpchoir.blogspot.com/2015/10/binders-full-of-music.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Now, the staff at Corpus Christi Watershed has put together a <a href="http://www.ccwatershed.org/blog/2019/jan/14/church-music-manifesto-2019/?fbclid=IwAR3N7HSetu9TUTapJRtCHvk5h_6Fq_BgsTVWH_A_H9DwM_C5fYiCKjtbgcc">"Church Music Manifesto"</a> discussing the state of today's Catholic liturgical music. Please take the time to read it, understanding that Kathy has the additional task of finding us places to sing because we are not affiliated with a diocese or parish (remember, Assumption in Truckee is part of the Diocese of Sacramento). Not only does it show the enormity of what she's dealing with, but the task ahead for anyone else who deigns for follow in her footsteps.<br />
<br />
Here's just one paragraph, into which I intersperse my <span style="color: red;">comments</span>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Second Vatican Council attempted to restore and elevate the Mass Propers, but this didn’t happen; less than 1% of Catholics who attend Mass each Sunday realize the Propers exist [<span style="color: red;">myself included, despite--or because of--16 years of Catholic education</span>]. Incredibly, it has become standard practice to replace the Propers with every manner of song: I’ve even heard rap at Mass! In this situation, people have come to believe Protestant hymnody to be the best church music [<span style="color: red;">as late as 2004, I was agitating for more "praise and worship" music in the Liturgy, <i>confiteor</i></span>]. In particular, some now think of Episcopal texts as the supreme form of Catholic liturgical music. While I admit they’re often better than the drivel sung in certain churches, how far we’ve sunk as Catholics if such hymns are considered our ultimate goal. Indeed, <a href="http://www.ccwatershed.org/projects/">the Brébeuf Hymnal</a> could not have come at a better time: we need it! Needless to say, the changes in the liturgy which occurred after Vatican II—and incidentally went much further than what the Council Fathers authorized—have caused great confusion, and the Consilium gave no thought to the musical implications of their alterations [<span style="color: red;">I contend they knew very well what they were doing. They were quite aware of <a href="http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html"><i>Sacrosanctum Concilium</i></a>; they just ignored/nullified it</span>]. This confusion is partially to blame for the misinformed belief that Episcopal hymns are the pinnacle of Catholic worship. The truth is that Roman Catholic hymns are far and away the greatest, most ancient, most beautiful, and most theologically rich songs for the liturgy: Full Stop.</blockquote>
We can expect little to no support, and perhaps even opposition, from the Church hierarchy for any of this restoration of traditional music. Besides, they make spoon-fed OCP and GIA so easy for today's DRMs (I named names, Mr. Ostrowski). Fortunately, they're too busy avoiding doing anything about the sexual abuse crisis to notice this quiet revolution in the pews. For example, in the comments to this article, one reader said she had started a <i>schola</i> in her parish...in the Yukon territory of Canada. I think we can keep carrying on in Nevada and California.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-64968974521560452122018-12-17T09:00:00.000-08:002018-12-17T09:00:06.592-08:00Various Pre-Christmas Items<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WNmmKsvoj8/XBdGb5YUs5I/AAAAAAAAFIQ/3mXvEZ6BXJIT71_RgA2Bpoq6GjL9-sJbQCLcBGAs/s1600/fr%2Bvincent%2Bjuan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="353" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WNmmKsvoj8/XBdGb5YUs5I/AAAAAAAAFIQ/3mXvEZ6BXJIT71_RgA2Bpoq6GjL9-sJbQCLcBGAs/s320/fr%2Bvincent%2Bjuan.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Kathy snapped this photo of Fr. Vincent Juan, fresh from his six-month sabbatical, at a recent staff dinner for his parishes of <a href="http://www.assumptiontruckee.com/">Assumption Catholic Church</a> in Truckee and Our Lady of the Lake Mission Church in Kings Beach. We thank Fr. Vince (whom Kathy describes as "such a kind priest") for giving us a new place to sing on a regular basis, although also deserving of hat tips are the couple who had been going to St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno who informed Fr. Vince about us; and Fr. Walsh, who filled in for Fr. Vince during his sabbatical and graciously let us sing. We will be visiting Assumption once a month through June.</li>
<li>Speaking of which, Kathy recently released <a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/r?cid=qpr8pp160hht0d64qhmbnvon5o@group.calendar.google.com">the remaining schedule</a> for our season, subject to change as always. One unconfirmed date is a return to Our Lady of Tahoe in Zephyr Cove on Saturday, May 11 after a 10-year absence; if so, that will be thanks to our patron and OLT's current pastor, Fr. Larry Morrison.</li>
<li>Because both Christmas and New Year's Days fall on Tuesdays this year, we will have only one (1) rehearsal on January 8 for our Baptism of the Lord Mass at Assumption on January 13. Don't be naughty! Make sure to listen to the sound files Kathy sent around not only for this Mass but for Christmas Day also. She can tell when we have and haven't listened, so be good for goodness' sake.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</ul>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-33359655877974229602018-12-04T22:16:00.001-08:002018-12-04T22:24:56.281-08:00Snow Day (Night): What This Means<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvnGSysSrH8/XAdrGWgJ7jI/AAAAAAAAFH4/JdaU5_orizQ1SCWzollmiUbKpebtoFB8QCLcBGAs/s1600/snow%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvnGSysSrH8/XAdrGWgJ7jI/AAAAAAAAFH4/JdaU5_orizQ1SCWzollmiUbKpebtoFB8QCLcBGAs/s1600/snow%2Bday.jpg" /></a></div>
Well, a heavier-than-expected snowstorm took out our rehearsal tonight. Just wanted to make you aware that leaves us:<br />
<ul>
<li>One (1) more rehearsal before our <i>Gaudete</i> Sunday Mass in Truckee on Dec. 16; and </li>
<li>One (1) full rehearsal for our Christmas morning Mass in Washoe Valley.</li>
</ul>
<div>
As Kathy asked us, give a listen to the <i>Gaudete </i>Sunday proper sound files; she can't spend a lot of time on them next week. We might also want to (gasp!) take a few minutes out of <i>Family Feud</i> reruns to look at the rest of the music for that day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh, by the way, another storm is possible early next week. Ah, there's nothing like December in Northern Nevada, but at least this is helping the Sierra snowpack.</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-3854175124870018342018-11-18T19:53:00.003-08:002018-11-18T19:53:46.464-08:00Meanwhile in Rhode Island...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46hVm0bf0RQ/W_IzcoQBR5I/AAAAAAAAFHU/rdo7z9Ykcc4Ra_Z1dRW6Zg_DurS_hZjGgCLcBGAs/s1600/640px-Providence%252C_RI_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46hVm0bf0RQ/W_IzcoQBR5I/AAAAAAAAFHU/rdo7z9Ykcc4Ra_Z1dRW6Zg_DurS_hZjGgCLcBGAs/s320/640px-Providence%252C_RI_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
Aerial photo of Providence, RI by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Peetlesnumber1" title="User:Peetlesnumber1">Peetlesnumber1</a> - <span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0" title="Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68610550">Link</a></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
<br /></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
It's rare--but encouraging--to see this sort of editorial (!) in a Catholic newspaper. From the <i><a href="http://www.thericatholic.com/stories/people-want-beauty-and-truth-reflected-in-the-mass,10288">Rhode Island Catholic</a></i>:</div>
<blockquote>
Beauty and truth are intertwined in the art and design of [pre-Vatican II] churches which elevate the worshipper’s mind to God and to his or her eternal destiny. The old pipe organs played music that enchanted the listener to the sounds of Gregorian chant, polyphony and various other timeless tracts. The Mass is both eternal and universal — celebrated everywhere, in every culture and every tradition.[...] Maybe it’s time to go back to something old, venerated and solemn rather than trying to re-invent the wheel for the sake of novelty.</blockquote>
Read the whole thing at the link above.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-53192524862709093402018-10-21T21:49:00.001-07:002018-10-21T21:49:50.480-07:00Meanwhile in Oxford...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tx1N-ygfoA/W81Wa7bCXqI/AAAAAAAAFGo/Xi8VV1Z-J2Ag7pPxof64u4ThP8Mo9P2WgCLcBGAs/s1600/300px-Oxford_University_Coat_Of_Arms.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tx1N-ygfoA/W81Wa7bCXqI/AAAAAAAAFGo/Xi8VV1Z-J2Ag7pPxof64u4ThP8Mo9P2WgCLcBGAs/s200/300px-Oxford_University_Coat_Of_Arms.svg.png" width="165" /></a></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
[Image of the Oxford University Coat of Arms from Wikimedia Commons.]</div>
<br />
Some great quotes from <a href="http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/commentandblogs/2018/10/12/gregorian-chant-the-cultural-front-line-of-the-new-evangelisation/">this <i>Catholic Herald</i> article</a> about Gregorian Chant at the University of Oxford:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For those who have heard of Gregorian Chant at all, it immediately identifies us with the Catholic liturgy, and at the same time with something whose cultural and artistic value exercises a powerful attraction. We are the people who take chant seriously, and we sing it – naturally – in the Catholic liturgy. If you want to hear it being sung, or sing it with us, that’s where we’ll be. [...]</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The effect of the <i>schola</i> on its members is not, of course, its main purpose. It exists for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, by supporting the celebration of Mass. [...]</blockquote>
<blockquote>
It was good, therefore, to read this account concerning a young woman from Miami, who attended a Mass supported by this same Schola in Oxford when she was passing through:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #e06666;">During her post-collegiate travels she became resolute in converting to Catholicism after attending a Missa Cantata, or sung Mass, in the parish of her favorite author, J.R.R. Tolkien, a devout Catholic who penned the “Lord of the Rings” series.<br />When she heard Latin hymns coming from the choir loft, Tavakoli said, it felt like “hearing angels on high.”<br />She was mesmerized. “It truly is extraordinary,” she said. “There is something beautiful and sacred about this form of the Mass.” </span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
Yes, there is. And that is why we sing chant and polyphony.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-57767096908987188672018-10-17T22:26:00.002-07:002018-10-17T22:26:41.567-07:00Sad News and Good News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIps1ZBFfKc/W8gXTf6xCxI/AAAAAAAAFGA/jh2_WHXV5z0fCWM23G7DYmz_lAtc41jqgCLcBGAs/s1600/eternal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIps1ZBFfKc/W8gXTf6xCxI/AAAAAAAAFGA/jh2_WHXV5z0fCWM23G7DYmz_lAtc41jqgCLcBGAs/s320/eternal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Kathy lost her sister-in-law earlier this week. As we prayed last night, <a href="https://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/purgb3.htm">but in English</a>:<br />
<br />
<i>V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine.</i><br />
<i>R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
We also lift up Kathy, her husband Bob, and his family in this difficult time.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P377YIS1fGY/W8gZEsVzRwI/AAAAAAAAFGM/8euGS24y5GABra7ZnAWNFVS6EhlLNgzRgCLcBGAs/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P377YIS1fGY/W8gZEsVzRwI/AAAAAAAAFGM/8euGS24y5GABra7ZnAWNFVS6EhlLNgzRgCLcBGAs/s200/coffee.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
On the upside, this is another RPC first: <a href="http://www.assumptiontruckee.com/">Assumption Parish in Truckee</a> will host a post-Mass coffee get-together for us on Sunday, November 25 (Christ The King in the OF). Again, let us ask Our Lady of the Snows to intercede for us so we can make it there! Fr. Walsh (not <a href="http://rpchoir.blogspot.com/2018/01/you-are-priest-forever.html">the recently ordained one</a>) told us this past Sunday our music made him feel like he was in seminary again, and many parishioners thanked us for coming. It is our pleasure!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-65472418147222680712018-10-01T21:24:00.000-07:002018-10-01T21:24:09.732-07:00Calendar Notes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihWDmzMQ4d4/W7LxNjiB2oI/AAAAAAAAFE8/JdgVEeXVIlQwbJBIF3bsKNxU-XIj-PFBgCLcBGAs/s1600/calendar%2Bmeme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihWDmzMQ4d4/W7LxNjiB2oI/AAAAAAAAFE8/JdgVEeXVIlQwbJBIF3bsKNxU-XIj-PFBgCLcBGAs/s320/calendar%2Bmeme.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have put our very preliminary schedule on <a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/r?cid=qpr8pp160hht0d64qhmbnvon5o@group.calendar.google.com">Google Calendar</a>. Some highlights:</div>
<ul>
<li>So far, we're only singing at <a href="http://www.assumptiontruckee.com/">The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Truckee</a> and <a href="http://holyspiritcatholicmission.org/">Holy Spirit Mission in Washoe Valley</a>. Dates may be added at <a href="http://www.ccchurchcc.org/">Corpus Christi in Carson City</a> and/or St. Peter Canisius in Sun Valley. Stay tuned.</li>
<li>Yes, we have dates at Assumption in November and December. Our Lady of the Snows (and the Chain Controls), pray for us!</li>
<li>Christmas and New Year's Days both land on Tuesday this year. I cannot imagine us rehearsing on either evening, but if I am wrong, I'll let you know.</li>
<li>Lent (Ash Wednesday), Easter, Pentecost, and Corpus Christi (our usual last Mass) are all later in 2019. They fall on March 6, April 21, June 9, and June 23 respectively.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-25984867070245389462018-09-11T22:41:00.000-07:002018-09-11T22:48:28.733-07:00We're Back, As Usual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGMrG67f20A/W5iXZs3r_pI/AAAAAAAAFDs/kyXVTSQ10AIzwcLijSKVb7Azqe0xYczQACLcBGAs/s1600/wake_me_up_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="500" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGMrG67f20A/W5iXZs3r_pI/AAAAAAAAFDs/kyXVTSQ10AIzwcLijSKVb7Azqe0xYczQACLcBGAs/s320/wake_me_up_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Actually, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU9JoFKlaZ0">that Green Day song title</a> would be too late; our rehearsals resume starting Tuesday night, September 25 at 7 PM in the usual location. As usual, we need new singers in all four parts, but especially soprano and bass, so go get 'em. As not so usual, we now need an accompanist also; otherwise, we'll be even more <i>a cappella </i>than, well...usual. But we will adapt and overcome, as <strike>usual </strike>we always have before.</div>
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<br /></div>
A few loose ends, two of which are rather somber:
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8ZB0A-Es9s/W5ia56fnrwI/AAAAAAAAFD4/32kmlNz6x1k10YmEj8IDV9vvv-jfjAP-gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0063%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8ZB0A-Es9s/W5ia56fnrwI/AAAAAAAAFD4/32kmlNz6x1k10YmEj8IDV9vvv-jfjAP-gCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN0063%2B%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>I write this on the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country. Please pray for the leadership of both the United States and our Church, and remember the souls of the 3,000 who perished that day, including the fire and police personnel who gave their lives to save so many others. Just before we moved to Nevada 10 years ago, I took the above photos while visiting Shanksville, PA where Flight 93 crashed because of the intervention of the passengers who prevented another attack. I got to sing <a href="https://youtu.be/mWgjwTc3PUw">Samuel Barber's </a><i><a href="https://youtu.be/mWgjwTc3PUw">Agnus Dei</a> </i>with my Maryland choir about six years earlier, not knowing how often it would be played in memory of this day.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PHtIwZ73G8/W5idqANL6vI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/CYCFh8MvA3QXjGS0RErFWgQvPhZclOgXwCLcBGAs/s1600/fr%2Btom%2Bdonnelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PHtIwZ73G8/W5idqANL6vI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/CYCFh8MvA3QXjGS0RErFWgQvPhZclOgXwCLcBGAs/s320/fr%2Btom%2Bdonnelly.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>I mentioned this on Facebook, but we recently lost a priest for whom we sang. Fr. Tom Donnelly occasionally celebrated Mass in the Extraordinary Form at Holy Spirit Mission. I'll never forget him introducing himself to Sandy and me at Our Lady of Tahoe, then asking me how long I'd been unemployed. I never told him I was unemployed, but I was at the time. He then prayed with us. <br />Fr. Tom went to receive his heavenly reward on August 31. May he rest in peace. His funeral will take place Friday, September 14 at 11 AM at the church where he was the founding pastor, St. Rose of Lima. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Speaking of Facebook, I tried running a boost of one of our posts to other users in northern Nevada. At least a few hundred people saw it, but I'm not sure that will translate into any new members. Just wanted to disclose what I've been doing.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjeMpZI3f2A/W5ijWBEdbEI/AAAAAAAAFEc/qtKAaxP-jmo3jpAvcxStPypgKPIBwveOQCLcBGAs/s1600/south%2Byuba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjeMpZI3f2A/W5ijWBEdbEI/AAAAAAAAFEc/qtKAaxP-jmo3jpAvcxStPypgKPIBwveOQCLcBGAs/s320/south%2Byuba.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
On a (fortunately) lighter note regarding What I Did On My Summer Vacation: Kudos to Kathy who, with my wife and alto Sandy, helped me out of a spot. Earlier this summer, I ended up in the emergency room of <a href="https://www.dignityhealth.org/sacramento/locations/sierra-nevada-memorial-hospital">Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital</a> in Grass Valley, CA after I fell on rocks while trying to climb down to the South Yuba River (above photo courtesy of the <a href="http://www.southyubariverstatepark.org/">South Yuba River Park Association</a>). Turns out I also had heat exhaustion. Kathy rode along with Sandy so she could drive my car back to Reno. Thank you, Jesus and my Guardian Angel, for keeping me from anything more than a bruise on my upper right leg; I could easily have hit my head. Thanks also be to Kathy (and her husband Bob) for sacrificing over four hours out of their day to help me out. I welcome any stories you have from this summer!</div>
</li>
</ul>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842595357595017352.post-83723761776211577962018-08-29T23:15:00.000-07:002018-08-29T23:15:49.873-07:00They Grow Up So Quickly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQoCc_-xn0A/W4d_KEruN7I/AAAAAAAAFCo/EGBeDmvzA0gQUAAOmp_kqlHOoTwb2AkEwCLcBGAs/s1600/sarahb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="289" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQoCc_-xn0A/W4d_KEruN7I/AAAAAAAAFCo/EGBeDmvzA0gQUAAOmp_kqlHOoTwb2AkEwCLcBGAs/s320/sarahb.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Beasley)<br />
<br />
It was a few years after this photo (from her first day of school, so maybe more than a few) was taken that Sarah Beasley began singing with her parents Chris and Shirley and brother John in Regina Pacis Cantorum. We were able to watch her grow up before our eyes.<br />
<br />
Here's what Sarah looks like these days, posing before a stained glass window of St. Cecelia, patron saint of music:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ztYD-vnQ44/W4eJHrbF3sI/AAAAAAAAFDA/cwqurLCF-yIStWqGDZUKGcdi_QB7J_0xQCLcBGAs/s1600/sarahb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="720" height="296" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ztYD-vnQ44/W4eJHrbF3sI/AAAAAAAAFDA/cwqurLCF-yIStWqGDZUKGcdi_QB7J_0xQCLcBGAs/s320/sarahb3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
She graduated from Ohio Northern University this spring with a music degree, and she has now taken that degree to Alexander II Magnet School in Macon, GA where she has just started her career as a music teacher. Congratulations, Sarah!<br />
<br />
Now to catch up quickly on the rest of the Beasleys:<br />
<ul>
<li>Chris and Shirley have become "empty nesters" in the Atlanta area. They are still choral singers.</li>
<li>John joined the Army; lives in Chevy Chase, MD near Washington, DC; and has two daughters with wife Emily. He still produces anime-inspired artwork.</li>
<li>Michael did not sing with RPC, but he was an altar server at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral. He graduated from the University of Nevada and joined the Navy. At last check he was attending Navy Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC.</li>
</ul>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12423691524148589916noreply@blogger.com0