29 July 2011

Masses in York

Please note that due to the absence of Father Maughan on holiday, there will be no evening Masses in York on Sundays 7th and 14th August.

There will be Sunday Masses on 21st and 28th August, but after that the routine will change. Fr Maughan is moving to the northern part of the diocese, where he will be parish priest at Loftus, Brotton and Staithes.

Bishop Drainey is keen that the usus antiquior Masses in York continue, and he has asked Fr Maughan to travel to York on one Sunday each month to celebrate this Mass. As things are planned at present this will be the last Sunday of the month. I understand that Bishop Drainey is seeking further provision, but I have no information about this yet. Any news will be posted as it becomes available.

Although covering a large geographical ares, the Diocese of Middlesbrough is relatively small in terms of Catholic population and the number of parishes. It is also a diocese where the shortage of priests is particularly accute. As a consequence, many of the priests that we do have, are doing more than one job.
In these circumstances, it is difficult for the bishop to find priests who is able and willing to celebrate Mass in the usus antiquior.

Bishop Drainey has asked us to pray for priestly vocations. Please do so, because an influx of new priests is desperately needed.

07 July 2011

Gregorian Chant Workshop

Following on from Et Expecto's post about children singing Chant, it's not too late to register for this.

Gregorian Chant Workshop.

Saturday 9th July. 2.30pm-6.30pm

Church of St. Mary
Bishophill Junior,
York
YO1 6EN

In this half-day workshop, in the oldest church in the City of York, we will learn and sing some of the most beautiful hymns, antiphons & psalms in the repertory of Gregorian Chant. We will immerse ourselves in the history, sound, technique and language of this ancient musical style, working toward an authentic and beautiful performance of Compline [The Night Office] at the end of the day.


All materials (scores and helpful resources) are included in the cost of the day. Beginners and more advanced singers are welcome. Registration Fee: £6.50 – £5.00 for Students. It would be helpful if you could register in advance, as this will give us an idea how music & other source materials to prepare!

To register please contact us at mike.4b@ntlworld.com or telephone (01904) 341853.

06 July 2011

Children singing Plainchant

There is a very good video of primary age school children singing plainchant circulating around the internet. It can be found on Fr Finigan's, The Hermenutic of Continuity amongst other places. I recomment it.