- Genre:religion
- Sub-genre:Christianity / Catholic
- Language:English
- Pages:164
- Paperback ISBN:9798218327392

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Book details
Overview
Vatican II changed the Catholic Church forever with new rules, new thinking, new ways to worship, and new music that turned the Church around (literally). It brought a refreshing revival that unleashed the Holy Spirit and created amazing opportunities for music ministry to become a meaningful and powerful reason for going to church.
Fast forward more than 50 years. The Catholic Church is riddled with dwindling numbers, dogmatic divisions, and leadership issues that have impacted support and participation by once active parishioners. The controversial clergy sex abuse scandal and Covid-19 led to even lower attendance.
Today, Maine has the lowest number of practicing Catholics who simply are not engaged or enthused about going to Mass. “The music is boring;” “The homilies are boring;” “I can’t understand the priest;” or “I’ll just catch it online.” Even those who have remained faithful are demoralized and in need of hope. It’s a sad state of spiritual affairs that no doubt resonates with parishes across the country.
But there’s good news: In the void there lies opportunity. More than ever, today’s Catholics—even in Maine—are being challenged and called to step up and be part of a solution to bring people back to the pews and bring engagement and enthusiasm back to The Mass, including the music. Easier said than done, but we know that “With God, all things are possible” (Matt 19:26).
In 1969, Kurt Kaiser’s post-Vatican II song called “Pass It On” brought tremendous peace, purpose to Catholics with his motivational lyrics, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going…”
We hope that SPARKS will inspire readers to “get a fire going.”
Description
Follow the journeys of eight people as they reflect on their years of serving in music ministry in the Catholic Church in Maine. From the musings of a retired pastor to the prayer of a Catholic lay woman, the question, "Why don't our Catholic parishioners sing?" echoes through this book. Stories of successes and failures in liturgical music resound through the pages. In their stories we glean wisdom through their experiences.
This book is meant to challenge and motivate anyone interested in liturgical music. It is a call to musicians, singers, and songwriters to step out of the box and engage in the Liturgy. We hope this is a spark that lights a fire of inspiration under pastors, music directors, cantors, choirs, and congregations as they look for ways to improve participation in the celebration of the Mass in their parishes. Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with your fire!