So far Sr. Gallet has hit the ground running with back-to-back events and a full calendar of events ahead of her. She looks forward to working with the different parishes and offices as these celebrations take shape.
“That is the life of a liturgist,” Sr. Gallet said. “I like talking to them about the process and helping them to be a part of the planning. You have to be really in touch with the Bishop. Sr. Marilu did it very well. I hope to do so, too.”
Following Musician’s Day and Children’s Music Festival in July, Sr. Gallet will teach one of the advanced formation classes offered by the office.
She also is hoping to visit as many parishes as possible, so that she may be acquainted with the cultures of the Diocese.
While she recently served as the Director of the Office of Worship at the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, her roots are in music.
Sr. Gallet became involved in music at an early age. She received her bachelor’s degree in music and later earned a Master’s and Doctorate in liturgy.
She taught music, art and religion earlier in her career. Beginning in the 80’s, however, she began to focus on liturgy. Aside from Portland, she also served as Director of Liturgy in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas.
“What I’ve seen here and in the other churches I’ve served is that there is a sense of community and participation. There is so much education needed everywhere.
“I feel lucky that there is a good foundation,” Sr. Gallet said. “Where there is a good foundation, it is easy to build a strong structure.”
Coming with a strong background in music, Sr. Gallet said she hopes to build the music side of the Office. She also is looking to continue to build on the formation programs the office has created, saying you can never have enough formation.
“There is so much new good stuff out there. I would like to expose it,” she said.
In whatever is done, she keeps in mind the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy’s call for the “full and active participation by all the people” as the aim “to be considered before all else” [14]. She believes good liturgy and good formation brings the faithful closer to Christ.
“I like to see people light up when they find out how the liturgy came about,” Sr. Gallet said. “There is richness in learning the history and theology behind the liturgy. That is what I like most, sharing this.”