Dear parishioners.
During the past weekend, the 29th edition of the Festival of Sacred Music of St. Cecilia took place. I would like to tell you how it was, but I can't. I am writing this introduction a few days earlier. Nevertheless, it is a good opportunity to again highlight the importance of music – liturgical music – in our worship services. As St. Augustine said, those who sing pray twice. I understand that not everyone has a great voice or a refined musical ear, and some prefer to contribute to liturgical music by listening. However, it definitely holds that communal singing is a significant part of worship. It is our active participation when we unite in singing praises, thanks, requests, psalm prayers, and so on.
Therefore, I want to thank all of you who regularly take care of the music during the Holy Mass in our parishes. We have somehow gotten used to the fact that when we come to Mass, the organ sounds and someone sings. It seems so obvious… But it is not! There is always someone sitting at the organ and singing (or someone else is singing too). It is a commitment, a regular service. Those who have taken on this service cannot choose on Sunday whether to go on a trip or sleep in and go to the next Mass a few kilometers away. Similarly, you, the altar servers, and others who prepare the liturgy are in the same situation. Thank you.
In Ústí, I especially want to highlight the regular rehearsals of the CHJ, whose members do not sleep in on the weekend but dedicate Saturday after Saturday to rehearsals. To you, kids or youth, I want to encourage (even though it's questionable whether you are reading this): do not be afraid to take on such a commitment. I know it is demanding, it is responsible, but in the end, you will enjoy it. Whether it is singing in the CHJ or rehearsing and playing in rhythm, do not hesitate and come.
I am pleased that recently the rhythm group has been trying to recruit young musicians who, although they need notes for everything, come and play. Thank you for your effort and dedication to those who prepare for them. Recently we could take joy in this accompaniment during the confirmation ceremony on September 22.
I write about this also because, thanks to this reliability, the Cecilia Music Unity has a very good reputation in our "Czech church pond" and has been invited to accompany the National Pilgrimage to Rome as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 with their singing. Given that the arrangement is completely their responsibility, I think it would be fair for us as a parish to support them financially as well. We will negotiate exactly how we will do this, but I would like you to know in advance. It will serve both as a kind of thank you for their service and an encouragement for them, so they will certainly serve with even greater joy at the liturgy here with us again. End of the liturgical-musical-pilgrimage window.
I would like to ask all of you for your understanding, as there will occasionally be modified services during the recovery period of Fr. Vítek. Until further notice, we have had to cancel Holy Masses in the hospital, in the senior home, and in Hejnice.
When I am in India with Charity in November, it will likely be even more significant. Since Fr. Vítek's absence is not just one or two weeks, but realistically about three months, we need to adjust the program with Fr. Jindřich to last the whole time.
May the Lord bless you, Fr. Jenda.
You can find the entire issue HERE.
