From the Desk of Father Nathan

A Message from Father Nathan

My dearest people who are close to my heart.

During the Mass right before the priest shows the LAMB OF GOD saying “BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD” the celebrant bends down and utters my favorite following prayer:

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who, by the will of the Father, with the work of the Holy Spirit, has given life to the world; deliver me by this most sacred Body and Blood of your son, from all my sins and from all evil.  Make me always FAITHFUL to your Commandments, and never permit me to be separated from You”.

Yes — I always beg the Lord to help me to be faithful to him and our Holy Mother Catholic Church.  This is my simple prayer.

The reason why I am saying this is that as the shepherd here [at St Gabriel] I am called to lead the liturgy.  I am putting my maximum effort to make it a solemn as possible.  The Lord helps me.  I am well aware that Liturgy is “the participation of the People of God in “the work of God”; it is the “exercise of the priestly office of Jesus” in which God is worshipped and adored and people are made holy.  God begins the work of sanctifying people in time and space and brings that work to completion.  Those who respond to God in worship and service are given the privilege of becoming co-workers in the divine plan.

Music is a Vital Part of The Celebration of the Liturgy

To help us to celebrate the liturgy, music plays a vital role. 

One of the observations that were often brought to my attention for some was about the music ministry and I heard and acted on your thoughts.

I have been looking for a Music Director/Choir Director. I took lots of pain and time, to pray, to contemplate, research, and listen to opinions.  My leadership in this matter will be lasting and hopefully for the better.  Above all, I have to adhere to the policy of our Archdiocese.  The diocese requires we appoint someone with a degree.  Musicians are not cheap.  I was working on the financial side as well so that he/she may not burden the parish.

Finally, It is my pleasure to announce from the first week of October, Mr. Andrew Reid will be here as our Music Director/Choir Director for the church.  Let us welcome him.  Most of you may know him.  He has worked here in our parish long before.  I hope and that he leads our people closer to God.

The Role of Music in the Liturgy

Having said this, let me also explain the role of music in the liturgy.  Music is an integral part of our participation in liturgy – an integral part of our participation in the work of God.

Music in the liturgy is intended to foster the full conscious and active participation of all the faithful in the Church’s public prayer.  By joining our hearts and minds together, knowing the mystery we celebrate and to whom we give praise and thanks, we are led to the kind of participation which is so earnestly desired by the pastors of the Church. Music is integral to the structure of all of our liturgical rites and therefore, integral to our worship of God.

Sing with your Heart, Raise Your Voice In Worship

It calls for the community to participate.  Congregational singing is the prime purpose of music. IT IS NOT A SHOW.  It’s not a show; we are called to be participants. 

Congregational song (singing) unites not only our words and voices but our hearts and minds.  The hymn texts provide us with a common language with which to respond to God.  The texts will also shape our understanding of God’s gracious love, the redemptive act of Christ and the Spirit-filled community of disciples.

Sing like only God can hear you.

We are All Called to Be Music Ministers — Right there in the Pews

The primary minister of music is the assembly itself.  Every member of the assembly is called to participate in the liturgy by way of acclamations, responses, psalms, antiphons, and other songs.  The entire assembly is invited to voice its song of praise to the God of salvation.  By joining their voices in the song the members of the assembly express their unity in Christ, acclaim Christ’s presence in word and sacrament, and exercise their baptismal priesthood, offering a living sacrifice of praise to God

Please keep me always in your personal and family prayers.  Please be assured that you are all remembered in my humble prayers

With lots of love and ever at your service,

Fr. Sahayanthan Nathan