SEPTEMBER 2020
I believe that the pandemic has offered us a time to pray, to renew ourselves, to cherish our loved ones, to look at life differently, and to heal. Since none of these things cost money, and we can’t really go anywhere right now, start saving! I propose that everybody invite one friend to New Orleans. I propose that we invite all those who are retired or former members to come to New Orleans. Let’s come together not to relive the past, but listen to one another’s stories and help prepare for the future. Let music fill our world. Tink Mardi Gras! Tink Sing a New Song!
I would like to conclude with a final story that reminds me of the call and mission of our baptism during this pandemic and dark time. Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, our association’s episcopal moderator, said of a recent BLACK LIVES MATTER demonstration: “I think that sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that Christianity is a dead letter religion. Tat it's about things that happened a long time ago or about words on a page. But every day at Mass . . . I'm reminded that he [Jesus] is alive and present. Tat Christianity is an event happening right now. Te drama of salvation is something playing out every day. And we all have a role to play . . . ” (NCR June 26, 2020).
Bishop Seitz once called himself a “doctor of the soul.” How can we bring that kind of healing to the world today? What can we do to make a difference in this time when our music ministry is limited? Start simply: We can wear a mask (at least until your glasses fog up and you can’t see the music) at liturgy; wearing a mask is a pro-life gesture, and we are pro-life people! We can gather for online conversations with our COVID-lonely choir members. We can stretch our knowledge of diverse composers by learning more about the contribution of Black musicians to Western Classical Music, which goes far beyond spirituals and gospel music. Listen to the work of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint- Georges, a contemporary of Mozart; explore the work of Florence Price—her songs, her Five Folksongs in Counterpoint for string quartet, or her Concerto for One (which was performed by the Chicago Symphony in 1933). Research Hispanic classical music as well, and learn its history and composers. Te more you learn about music, the more you will be able to lead your people into the mystery that
“ Find the threads that weave your life in pastoral music into a lovely tapestry.”
can only be expressed through art, no matter how simple the music. Even simple music has its secrets. And it should bring us to our knees in gratitude.
Much is required of all of us who answer the call of our baptism. We uniquely gifted pastoral musicians not only play and sing and minister for the important life events of those we serve—but we also share in their journeys. We must offer care to those who mourn, beyond just serving at their loved ones’ funerals. We must celebrate with couples who marry (and be gentle in our enforcement of policy). We must keep in touch with the sick, and the lonely. Our call to ministerial service involves loving those we serve, in the model of Jesus—and that’s the most difficult part. It is a challenging, yet rich, way of life.
Tis issue of Pastoral Music reminds us that we are “called from living waters, sent to a thirsting world.” Review the corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead. Tat is our response to our musical call.
Come to New Orleans next summer. where you’ll share your ministry of discipleship through pastoral music. Remember: “Laissez les bons temps rouler.”
Stay safe.
Dr. Elaine Rendler is a nationally recognized musician, teacher, author, composer, pastoral liturgist and speaker. She holds a doctoral degree in organ performance from Te Catholic University
of America and is associate professor of music theory at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
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