The Recovering Choir Director

On NLM, Michael Lawrence has posted a selection of recordings of the Assumption Mass recently celebrated at Mater Ecclesiae Church in Camden, New Jersey. Particularly noteworthy is the setting of G.B. Timms’ hymn “Sing We of the Blessed Mother” [lyrics|mp3] by Timothy McDonnell, Assistant Professor of Music at Ave Maria University.

His final point is as worthy of wide dissemination as the recordings posted (emphasis added):

How does Mater Ecclesiae manage to pull off something as amazing as this? From the standpoint of financial resources, it is an unremarkable parish. Every year, they take a collection for the Assumption Mass, others make gifts in varying amounts of $1,000, or $500, etc. Others take out ads for the Assumption booklet. Many from outside the parish join in this assistance. In short, Mater Ecclesiae gets this done not because some miracle dropped out of the sky, but because the pastor and the parishioners have made it a priority. This is something to keep in mind the next time someone says that they wish they had good music but they “just don’t have enough money.” In most cases this is nothing more than an excuse. Kudos to Mater Ecclesiae for their dedication to good liturgy.

On a related note, I have been told that budget for the music program at St. Agnes Church in St. Paul, Minnesota runs into the six figures. Is this a reasonably accurate estimate? Given the number and quality of musicians in their employ, it wouldn’t be surprising.