June, 2008

Dear Friends,

St. Augustine is often quoted as having said, “He who sings prays twice.” My years as pastor of Holy Trinity have given me a new appreciation of his words.

As I look back on my time here I am most grateful for our singing at Eucharist. Visitors to our parish often tell me they wish people back home sang the way we do.

We are blessed with the leadership of Kathy DeJardin, Jim Wickman, Josh Smith and Mary Lou Galvin and so many talented and generous musicians. This past April Kathy and Jim even led the children’s choir for the Papal Mass. Jim and Kathy have given me some singing lessons. They say my singing has improved.

Music helps us all to pray more fully. The new Bishops’ document, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, states: “Singing is one of the primary ways that the assembly of the faithful participates actively in the Liturgy.”

I will miss our prayerful, song-filled liturgies and look forward to visiting and singing with you in the future. I am thankful for your continued participation at Holy Trinity. Keep on singing.

God bless you,

James M. Shea, S.J.
Pastor