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Heading off to Dallas today for this meeting. Why? Other than “Why not?” Is there a Catholic-oriented blogging universe beyond apologetics and mommy/back to the land blogs? Are there podcasts that move beyond pious chatter? Hoping to make some positive connections, meet some folks I’ve followed for years, and take some of my own thinking up a level.
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Last week I drove five hours each way to sing in a schola for the Feast of the Assumption. The occasion was the celebration of the Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form at the Church of the Gesu in Miami. Why? Because I knew that only in the Extraordinary Form would the splendor of the Mass truly reflect the splendor of the feast. And it did.
So I’m “coming out” for the Extraordinary Form. While this may not mean much to you, for me it is mentally crossing the Rubicon. Since Summorum...
Sometimes you need to step outside, get some air, and remind yourself of who you are and what you want to be.
And sometimes you just have to do your own thing your own way, no matter what anyone else thinks or says about you.
Thanks to Marc and Angel Hack Life for that bit of inspiration!
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Back from a wonderful week in NYC – and what was the highlight?
The newly reopened, renovated, and beautiful New-York Historical Society.
There’s a world of things to see, learn, enjoy, experience. A children’s museum, paintings, artifacts galore with some “wow” exhibition features.
It’s worth your time and travel.
Oh? Did I forget the charming little restaurant and the well-curated gift shop?
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Listening to “The Black Opal” by Lisa Gerrard, I’m considering the contrast between the depth of meaning in the Incarnation and Redemption and our “Christianity-lite” musical offerings on Sundays. It’s not encouraging.
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Leaving Dallas with New Ideas
Three days with folks who are immersed in new media was quite intense. And Inspiring. Dreams of podcasts and tweets, more focused writing and network building dance in my head. Ah, but what will actually emerge? How to tie things together? Something to ponder through 3 airports, 2 flights, and a Cathedral fund raiser this evening. Stay tuned. Share and Enjoy:Bloggers Day at the CNMC
Truly looking forward to this as the capstone of the conference. I think it’s all about focus! Share and Enjoy:Catholic New Media Conference
My Liturgical Rubicon
Monday Thought for the Day
Best in the Big Apple
What are people looking for and what do we offer?
The Christmas Peeve is assuaged!
When I went out to feed my peeves this morning, I heard purring from the cage of the Christmas Peeve. This peeve can't stand "improved lyrics" of Christmas carols, e.g. "Good Christian Men/Persons/All." Then I spotted the program for the Midnight Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, SC. With trepidation, I turned to "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Caloo! Calay! I sang as I saw that Christ was "pleased as man with man to...Bells from Mission San Juan Capistrano, California. Winner of my personal contest for most beautiful mission in the Alta California chain. Share and Enjoy:
I'm about as far away from Gregorian Chant as I can imagine – out here at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, studying Alexander Technique, marveling at the rock formations, and doing some challenging hiking for a musician. But wait! The Abbey of Christ in the Desert is just up the road and 15 miles back in another canyon – so there's chant right next door (so to speak). Pictures will have to wait till I return because this is a slow connection. But sometimes taking it slow is good. Share and En
Glad you asked! I’m Mary Jane Ballou – a free-lance musician, living in St. Augustine, Florida. As an instrumentalist on the harp and salterio, I perform primarily on the lever harp. My repertoire focuses on Celtic and early music. I’m a particular fan of Renaissance Spanish music – always looking for the elusive ties between Spain and the Celts. I’ve two CDs – one of music about St. Augustine, the other about Christmas. You can hear more on my website or on CDBaby.
I am the founding director of Cantorae St. Augustine, a women’s ensemble focusing on chant and sacred music. I conduct, cajole, and arrange for a wonderful group of women. More about them at Cantorae. Because unique music is my passion, my weekly radio show on Flagler College Radio features both early music and interesting contemporary works.read more