Using the Year of Faith as a theme, the day-long event stressed spirituality and liturgy. While usually the day provides participants a chance to sample music and try techniques, this year the Musicians’ Day committee decided to offer a reflection on the spiritual component of the music ministry.
Cortez and Hurd focused on the different roles music ministers play throughout the liturgy.
“Music is really ministerial because it’s drawing people into the readings or drawing people into the rites,” Hurd said.
Later in the day a raffle was held with the winning parish receiving a free concert with Bob Hurd as the headliner. A free concert featuring the presenter is a tradition for Musicians’ Day.
During lunch the winning song of the Year of Faith songwriting competition was performed for the public for the first time. “The Impact of Faith” written by Gary Ponce from Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino will be featured at the closing Mass for the Year of Faith and in other Diocesan liturgies throughout the year.
This year the Office of Worship also debuted the “Musicians’ Guild,” a group of musicians, cantors and singers that offer networking, communication, formation, assistance and more. The first members were introduced at the event and more are welcome to join.
“If a parish in the High Desert needs a professional flautist for a Mass, we have one now,” said Chris Estrella, Music Assistant. “This network will be helpful.”
For more information on the Musicians’ Guild, contact the Office of Worship. The next Musicians’ Day will be held July 26, 2014.