Friday, May 5, 2006
Roxology hopes music will connect with young adults
Karen Mahoney once again reports
This time on Roxology, a Christian Rock group made up of Gordon Russell, Rita Chase, Ann Marie Yorgensen and Jeff Jachowicz. It was started about two years ago when
Somehow this youth group music became liturgical music.
Believed based on what?
Apparently believed based on their feelings. Whatever it was based on, it was approved by the parish prayer and worship committee. The article gives the impression Roxology started playing just at youth Masses, but soon was playing the regular parish liturgy twice a month. How's it working out?
Note that there is no indication that the band or our Catholic Herald reporter solicited the opinion of any parishioner, perhaps because anyone with a contrary opinion is a fogey.
Excuse my skepticism, but I've noticed ministries are often judged by how they fit someone's, often the ministers', idea of how things should be rather than by measurable benefit to the people ostensibly being served.
"Special to your Catholic Herald"
This time on Roxology, a Christian Rock group made up of Gordon Russell, Rita Chase, Ann Marie Yorgensen and Jeff Jachowicz. It was started about two years ago when
their former pastor at St. Mary in Kenosha, Fr. Oriol Regales, approached Russell to bring in some new music geared for the parish’s youth group. ...Russell and Jachowicz brainstormed an idea to begin a musical group geared to the 15-21-year-olds in the parish.
Somehow this youth group music became liturgical music.
The pair [Russell and Jachowicz] believed the loss in youthful presence was directly related to the inability of certain aspects of the Mass to connect with the youth and allow them to participate in liturgy in a new and exciting way.
Believed based on what?
"We both felt music ministry was the key component in doing this," Jachowicz said. "We both felt strongly about developing a group that might keep the youth energized about the liturgy, and subsequently keep them participating in the Mass."
Apparently believed based on their feelings. Whatever it was based on, it was approved by the parish prayer and worship committee. The article gives the impression Roxology started playing just at youth Masses, but soon was playing the regular parish liturgy twice a month. How's it working out?
"We do get mixed reactions to our band in church," said Russell, who does vocals and plays guitar and bass. "Most of the people that don’t like it are older, have never seen a rock band perform and probably think it is too loud; and we have heard that some feel it doesn’t belong in the church. But then there’s the crowd that absolutely loves it, some are younger and some are in their 70s and believe it is the greatest thing to happen in the church."
Note that there is no indication that the band or our Catholic Herald reporter solicited the opinion of any parishioner, perhaps because anyone with a contrary opinion is a fogey.
"We know we are not for everyone, but we are encouraged by the positive response received from the parishioners of St. Mary’s, St. Therese, the young and the 'young at heart' alike," he said.
Excuse my skepticism, but I've noticed ministries are often judged by how they fit someone's, often the ministers', idea of how things should be rather than by measurable benefit to the people ostensibly being served.
The article goes on to plug Roxology's CD.
¶ 5/05/2006 01:16:00 PM
Comments:
<< Home
As contrast:
Mgr. Schuler of St. Agnes Parish in St. Paul explained that HIS parish uses orchestral Masses of Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, (not to mention Chant) because "we expect the children to grow up."
About 20-30 men from that parish became priests in the last 10 years.
Post a Comment
Mgr. Schuler of St. Agnes Parish in St. Paul explained that HIS parish uses orchestral Masses of Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, (not to mention Chant) because "we expect the children to grow up."
About 20-30 men from that parish became priests in the last 10 years.
<< Home
