JANUARY 2020 IN THIS ISSUE
A tale of two comments When I was younger and new to leading music ministry in a parish, two comments from colleagues shaped my answer to being called to ministry. Te first was from a new associate pastor, fresh from the seminary, in starched cassock at all times. Te pastor had asked me to meet with the associate and share some of our liturgical practices. Nothing outrageous or illegal, mind you, but distinctive to the parish.
For instance, before the Entrance procession, the priest or a member of staff would welcome the assembly and ask people to raise their hands if they were visiting, if they were celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or if they simply had a prayer need and wanted to be kept in mind. (We were located close to a major north-south interstate and constantly had travelers among us.)
Te associate said nothing, but looked me up and down (literally) and asked, “And where did you get your degree in liturgy?” At that point, I had no degree; only a deep understanding that I had been called to ministry and a fervent desire to learn everything I could from books, conventions, institutes.
His intent was to diminish me—and in that moment he did. He also lit a flame that would eventually lead me to a masters in liturgical studies/ theology. University of Notre Dame—that’s where.
Te second comment came not long after the first. I had become friends with a young seminarian who had served a pastoral year in our parish. When it was time for his ordination and first Mass of Tanksgiving, he asked me to help plan the liturgy and lead the music. Afterward, he sent me a card of thanks and gratitude for our shared baptismal anointing as priest, prophet and king.
His intent was to recognize our common ministry in the Body of Christ. Tat inclusiveness shocked me (at the time), deepened my
commitment and understanding, and sustained me in a lifelong vocation that has been a source of joy, fulfillment and sacrifice.
In this issue of Pastoral Music—and at our July convention in Louisville, Kentucky—we’ll be immersed in baptism, the foundational sacrament of initiation into our faith. In this new year, maybe it’s an opportunity for you to consider your own baptismal call and how the sacrament is celebrated and understood among your faith community.
Let’s wade in the water together.
No greater joy than witnessing the baptism of a grandbaby into your faith and your community. Welcome, Blake!
Kathy Felong Editor
kfelong@npm.org
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