Music noted by Fonda parish

Among the things that make St. Cecilia's Church in Fonda unique is its name.

In a diocese filled with parishes named after the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, the Holy Family and the Trinity, this small church has a sense of pride in its name.

Rev. Patrick Gallagher, OFM Conv., pastor of the rural parish, said the 325 parishioners know about their patroness. He said there is a bit of excitement as the parish marks her feast day each year.

"People here know that she is the patroness of music," Father Gallagher said. "Our religion teachers also do a good job teaching about her."

The parish celebrated the feast day of their patroness with Mass and a covered dish supper on Nov. 22.

St. Cecilia was a Roman martyr. Legend states that she sang in her heart and with her voice about her love for God. She has become a symbol of the Church's belief that good music is an important part of worship.

According to the Vatican's Constitution on the Liturgy, "Liturgical action is given a more noble form when sacred rites are solemnized in song, with the assistance of sacred ministers and the active participation of the people.

"Choirs must be diligently promoted, but bishops and other pastors must ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightfully theirs.

"Religious singing by the people is to be skillfully fostered, so that in devotions and sacred exercises, as also during liturgical services, the voices of the faithful may ring out."

At St. Cecilia's, all those voices are important. "We've pushed congregational singing," Father Gallagher said.

One challenge the parish is facing is the loss of their organist, who moved out of the area. The parish is looking for a new organist and is also contemplating purchasing a keyboard.

"I am able to lead the music," Father Gallagher noted, "but it's useful to have accompaniment."

OTHER MUSICAL NOTES

• The premiere of "The Joseph Triptych" will take place on Dec. 6 at St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet. The opera was written by Thomas Savoy, music director at Blessed Sacrament in Albany. Mr. Savoy is also a composer and conductor.

"I find that the Joseph project is building considerable excitement," Mr. Savoy said. "My research has shown that there is no other piece of this type in existence written about him."

The audience is invited to a "meet the composer" session at 6:15 p.m. where Mr. Savoy will discuss his work. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. For information, visit his website, www.savoymusic.net.

• The former St. Clare's Hospital Choraliers from Schenectady have regrouped and are now the "Choraliers of St. Clare."

Since St. Clare's Hospital merged with Ellis Hospital in Schenectady earlier this year (see previous stories at www.evangelist.org), "we have gone off on our own," said David Rossi, director of the group.

The Choraliers of St. Clare will perform a Christmas concert Dec. 7, 3 p.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady. The event will benefit Catholic Charities of Schenec-tady County. For information, call Mr. Rossi at 878-7137. (MM)

(11/27/08)