For those of you who are fans of the Busted Halo podcast, I want to let you know that the cantor on the Kyrie, Gloria and Prayers of the People for the Papal Mass at Nationals Park is Paulist Deacon Stephen Bell. He’s the guy who sometimes sings the theme to their “Church Search.”
I had the distinct honor of singing for his ordination mass to the transitional diaconate last year in the Crypt Church at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (pics found in the link above). Of note to Per Christum readers, he’s a convert from the Church of Christ. He’ll be ordained to the priesthood this June.
David Bennett
Jennifer
asimplesinner
Fr. J.
Chad Toney
Jorge Flores
Jonathan B
carmelbennett
nicenehobbit
Jason S
jaybird68
papaz
April 17, 2008 at 11:51 am
We need to get the good deacon a cassock and surplice for his ordination… That way, should he ever lead the choir for the pope again, he will have the proper clothing to be in choro…
April 17, 2008 at 12:03 pm
One of the commentators says this is representative of America. Maybe so. Perhaps the music thing is a matter of personal preference. Is there a “right or wrong?”
As commentators have noted, the younger people really embrace the traditional, while it’s the older ones that have grown accustomed to the stuff that came out in the 70s.
One of the big joys for me about becoming Catholic is that all that great music from the past was now MINE! Maybe others take it for granted…or they’re trying to reach out to evangelicals with music more familiar to them.
Anyway, it’s neat to have seen my friends and acquaintances participating here in my hometown.
April 17, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Hey Jaybird, thanks for your comment at my place. I was in formation with the Paulists for a while, and know Deacon Bell well. I was at his ordination as well last year!
The music question is rather vexed. It’s not just all about taste … and Benedict has some definite views. The whole multicultural dimension is one that I don’t think bears any easy answers.
April 17, 2008 at 4:00 pm
This is a flawed analogy, but I think of it sort of like being a multi-course meal with the best foods of different varieties being offered… All the foods are good in and of themselves, but do the egg roles really set you up for the crepes before the pizza? Things should feel like they flow, and not feel like a display.
April 17, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Thanks Gashwin. I don’t think I’ll be singing at his ordination to the priesthood, unfortunately. I mostly sing at special events for the Redemptorists. If you recall, most of the candidates at Bell’s ordination were Redemptorists. He was the only Paulist. I think I may try to attend his ordination anyway. I think it will be a very inspirational time. Maybe I’ll see you there!
As to the music question, I guess I’m torn. I know the music is for God’s glory, but I think I would want to please the Holy Father too, since we’re sort of hosting him. And he’s not just the Holy Father. He’s an 81 year old man. I know my 76 year old dad and I hardly ever agree on what constitutes good music.
Simple Sinner makes a good point too. It really was sort of all over the place, stylewise. That could be distracting. I would have enjoyed a whole mass with the Spanish music. It did seem to suit the baseball stadium setting. Very celebratory.
April 20, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Hey Jaybird: yes, I recall the Redemptorists, and the joy that radiated everywhere! (That huge big house behind St. Paul’s is largely empty … not that St. Paul’s is bursting at the seams either … )
Alas, I won’t be at Deacon Bell’s ordination. Our Diocese has a Eucharistic Congress that same weekend.
Again, kudos on this blog! It’s been added to my blogroll! (Though I can’t find an updated RSS feed for the WordPress site …. ?)