Call for a CMAA member-wide novena
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    ("A day late and dollar short". Again. Mea culpa.)

    The seemingly slower pace of summer has settled upon us, with the "dog days" of August not far behind. While it may be more relaxed for many of us, it is far from being a vacation. It is a time to reflect on where were are. It is a time to plan for the upcoming "Big Three" and perhaps some more ambitious projects. It is a time to take stock of our wares and see where there can be increase.

    They may be hazy and a bit crazy, but the summer is definitely not lazy. As we take the time to rest and rejuvenate, may we continue to pray for each other. May our vineyard continue to be productive as we continue to cultivate them.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, July 22 through Saturday, July 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 2CHGiffen CharlesW
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    It is here--the last days of summer. Vacations (hopefully) have been taken. Schools are or will be in session. And, for many of us, our return to our vineyards is nearly at hand.

    Resting and recuperating, dreaming and scheming, planning and preparing have occupied some of this time. Soon we will re-acquaint ourselves with familiar faces and new voices and the routine the liturgical calendar imposes upon us. (And to think the first major block of liturgical celebrations is "only" four months away.) Let us continue to pray for each other as we ready ourselves to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord".

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, August 22 through Tuesday, August 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 2CharlesW CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    It is here- the first day of the autumnal equinox. The school calendar now competes with the liturgical calendar. We have had a few rehearsals, with the plan from now until the end of the Gregorian calendar presented to us. We are now in a familiar routine of practices and ritual performances.

    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, the gradual crescendo to the first major block of liturgical celebrations begins in earnest. We steadily toil in our vineyards, preparing for the fruits of this particular harvest. We allow God's grace to build upon our nature and natural talents. We pray that 30-, 60-, or 100-fold results are produced.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, September 22 through Friday, September 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 2Anna_Bendiksen CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    "From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!"

    (And also from two day lags in posting. I hope you started this month's novena without prompting.)

    Fall is upon us in the Northern Hemisphere. Frost and early freezing hint at the arrival of winter. The harvest progresses.

    We can say the same about our preparation. Between getting ready for now as well as later is a skill we almost do in our sleep. And before one realizes it, Advent will be upon us. Let us continue to pray for one another as well as our own endeavors.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, October 22 through Sunday, October 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 2CharlesW CHGiffen
  • David Sullivan
    Posts: 355
    Happy feast day to everyone. Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
    As November comes to an end, let's also remember the souls of CMAA members, teachers, mentors, heros, who went before us.

    Today's antiphon for Lauds:
    As dawn brought the end of night, blessed Cecilia cried out: Arise, soldiers of Christ! Cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, Alleluia.
    Thanked by 3CHGiffen sdtalley3 Carol
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    From the "Litany of St. Cecilia":

    O Eternal God, Who gave us, in the person of St. Cecilia, a powerful protectress, grant that after having faithfully passed our days like herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of beatitude, where in concert with her, we may praise You and bless You forevermore in eternity. Amen.


    On this day in November, when the end of the liturgical year is in sight, where those in the United States will soon celebrate Thanksgiving, when final preparation for the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season takes flight amongst all our other liturgical duties and obligations, we who "pray twice" find ourselves in need of more prayer. What better way than this litany this month, when, starting on the feast day of a church musician's main patroness, her intercession may prove more powerful.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, November 22 through Wednesday, November 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    Are those of you in the path of this storm (https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/severe-weather-outbreak-tornadoes-south-forecast) safe?
  • bhcordovabhcordova
    Posts: 1,152
    CGZ, the rains and winds that were supposed to hit my city passed to the north and east of us. We only got a few sprinkles.
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    The time has come. The "O" Antiphons conclude. The last of the rehearsals have happened. As far as humanly possible, all is as ready as can be.

    Once again Christmas arrives. The celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ unfolds in its four Masses prayed in less than 24 hours. As the Blessed Virgin Mary delivered the Christ Child, so we also deliver our adoration and awe in music glorious and mysterious. We repeat the sounding joy of the angels, echoing back their strains. We announce peace on earth and goodwill to all. Let us raise our voices in jubilation, not only for the great gift given by God, but also in thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year and in hope for more in the coming twelve months.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, December 22 through Friday, December 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    The time between the Baptism of the Lord and Ash Wednesday gives us an opportunity to bask in the afterglow of music well performed during the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season and a chance to collect our collective breaths. With the beginning of Lent now a month away, our focus now turns to the next and perhaps most glorious gem in the crown of sacred music: our musical offerings for Lent/Triduum/Easter.

    This is also a time when changes to the vineyards may be seen--perhaps in new members, possibly a new vinedresser, maybe in new music. We welcome these challenges as we strive to make "on earth as it is in heaven" the eternal Supper of the Lamb. As the liturgical year continues on its cycle, let us continue to pray for each other, that our musical offerings "may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father".

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Sunday, January 22 through Monday, January 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    Sorry for being a day late; I was fasting and abstaining from the internet.

    (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)

    In one of those rare collusions between Gregorian and liturgical calendars, we find the beginning of this novena coinciding with the start of Lent. With now five and one-half weeks to prepare for Holy Week and the greatest jewel in the crown of our liturgical rites, our focus intensifies proportionately. Between our own personal and musical preparations, there is much need for the support of our cadre of the Church Militant. How fortuitous this intersection of dates; what a great kick start to this season.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, February 22 through Thursday, March 2 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    We have just passed the halfway point of Lent. By the end of this novena, Holy Week will be in sight. Our final preparations, our "road to Jerusalem", has begun.

    With all apologies to the secular song, this is "the most wonderful time of the year" as a church musician. Now, more than ever, we are an intimate part of the liturgy. We appreciate the gravity of the moment and humbly strive to be worthy of it. May our musical contributions during "the week that changed the world" bring glory to God and be edifying to those who partake of these sacred mysteries at this time.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, March 22 through Thursday, March 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    He is risen! He is risen indeed!

    There is still a bit of an afterglow and a smile remembering how well we performed our duties during Holy Week. And while we are well and truly into the Easter Season, our minds are also fixed on the last major set of Solemnities and Feasts. Add into the mix preparation for First Communion, Confirmation, May Crownings, and Corpus Christi processions, and we can be just as busy as during the other two high points of the liturgical calendar.

    As we ready ourselves for the end of May and beginning of June, we again thank God for our ability to worship and praise him so mightily with voices human and instrumental. We ask to continue to do the work in our vineyards. We pray for all who toil with us and that our efforts may produce good fruit.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, April 22 through Sunday, April 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 3CharlesW DavidOLGC CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    We have now begun the final block of major liturgical celebrations. Once completed, the majority of us will have no responsibilities until the fall. We will, however, let the lesser pace of the following Sundays after Corpus Christi give us a bit of a respide.

    Let us rejoice in what has been accomplished since last Labor Day. Perhaps you have more workers in your vineyard. Perhaps there has been a brick or two laid in implementing music closer to the ideal. Perhaps there is now a sense of normalcy after the mania known as COVID-19. All worthy reasons to smile and be glad. Let our prayers of supplication also be mixed with those of thanksgiving for the blessings received.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 3CHGiffen CharlesW DavidOLGC
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    The "slower" pace of the liturgical calendar after Corpus Christi now begins. It is by no means any less important, as we still strive to give God His due. But, for the most part, our focus can be a bit more relaxed.

    This is balanced with the dreams and schemes we devise when the calendar comes to September. While it is a time to find an out of the way place to rest (hello, Colloquium attendees), it is also a time to prepare a way for the Lord through our music. Let us pray to find the right amount of time for both for the next three months.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, June 22 through Friday, June 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 2CHGiffen CharlesW
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    The start of this month's novena coincides with the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. I came across an article with expounded on what the Apostle to the Apostle say at the end of today's Gospel, "I have seen the Lord." I would like to put a little twist on the quote: "I have heard the Lord."

    We as church musicians are, of course, heavily invested in the aural. We give of ourselves to elevate the dignity and reverence of the liturgy through the work of our hands and voices. And when we aim for "the glorification of God and the edification of the people," we are, in a sense, an "altus Magdalena". Let us pray our musical witness be as profound as hers.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, July 22 through Sunday, July 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 2CHGiffen DavidOLGC
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    (My sincere apologies. Life is getting in the way of posting.)

    "O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria."

    This month's novena begins on the Memorial of the Queenship of the BVM, the most fitting day to intone "Salve, Regina". The final Glorious Mystery of the Rosary gives us the hope that where she has gone, we may follow. Heaven and earth's Queen Mother, now taking her place next to her Son, becomes even more our advocate and mediatrix.

    While we honor our patron saint with this litany, we would do well to also include a prayer to Mary. Surely she would have sung a lullaby or two to the Holy Infant. Surely she would have even more "kept all these things" when she heard the cantillations in the synagogue and Temple. As the most beautiful creature of all, our prayers for more beauty in the liturgy would have such a powerful intercessor.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, August 22 through Wednesday, August 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    We are well into our routines. Another season of glorifying God and edifying the faithful with as much truth, beauty, and goodness as we can produce is upon us. December 3 seems so far away, yet it is in the back of our minds with every passing Sunday. This ever ancient, ever new tension between the here and now and the future is the balancing act all church musicians must successfully navigate.

    Along with those who have returned, perhaps there is a new voice or two amongst us. Perhaps a new vinedresser has assumed responsibility for your vineyard. Perhaps a musical challenge awaits. As we prepare for our obligations in the coming weeks and months, let us pray for faithfulness in our vocation, that we who "pray twice" may give our best effort .

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, September 22 through Saturday, September 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    "From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!"

    (And also from a two day lag in posting, just like last year. I hope you started this month's novena without prompting.)

    Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere is settling upon us. More night than day encroaches our time. The darkness once again attempts to overcome the light. Thank God we know how that story ends.

    We continue to prepare for the here and now as well as the future, both in our lives and our music. We are coming upon the time when we do remember those who have gone before us, hopefully marked with the sign of faith. We will pray for their souls more fervently at the appropriate time. We will continue to pray for each other, our selves, and our calling.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Sunday, October 22 through Monday, October 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • OMagnumMysterium
    Posts: 185
    I don't know if this would be the correct place to post this (since I am technically not even a member of the CMAA), but any prayers for the situation at the school where I teach would be very welcome, even if just a brief Hail Mary.

    If any of your are feeling extremely generous, I have attached the Novenas to Saints Philomena and Cecilia, which I will be starting today.
    Novenas.pdf
    19K
    Thanked by 3tomjaw CHGiffen sdtalley3
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    This year, Advent was the shortest season it could be. With only 22 days in it, one felt like it was a rush to get all one's preparation done, both materially and spiritually. Yet at church musicians, we know that feeling all too well. We never feel we have enough time to properly prepare.

    But here we are, on the cusp of Christmas with all the other celebrations which accompany us the next three weeks. And with it falling on Monday, we also have our Sunday obligations as well. It could be a long 28 hours for some of us.

    Yet it is this extra long sprint we welcome. As we ready ourselves to welcome the Christ Child, let us pray for one another, that our joyful noises be pleasing to Him and edifying to the People of God. Let us also give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us the past year. Finally, let us pray the next twelve months bring just as many blessings, if not more.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, December 22 to Saturday, December 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    (NB: Updated 2/22/2024.) Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    Where did the time go? We were just celebrating Epiphany and now we're one week into Lent? Only for those who forgot to post the novena reminder last month did time fly.

    Yet, here we are beginning the most critical six weeks of preparation in the liturgical calendar. Christendom's High Holy Days beckon at the end of March. The challenge is, as always, is to be ready. We as church musicians, professional or amateur, willing accept this opportunity to give glory to God with all our being. Let us continue to pray for each other as we "pray twice," fast from all unworthy musical offerings, and give of our time and musical talent.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, February 22 to Friday, March 1 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    I have commented at times the Gregorian and Liturgical calendars conspire in a way to make the novena for a certain month more effective. This is certainly one of those cases. And what better timing it is for us church musicians. All but two of the days fall in Holy Week; the only better scenario would be for it to start the Saturday before Palm Sunday and end on Easter.

    Our preparations for Christendom's High Holy Days, the raison d'etre of our liturgical celebrations, are done. More than ever, now it is time to bring all of our being to our worship of Him Who died and rose for our salvation. As we remember His Passion these next few days, let our musical offerings crescendo to a glorious "alleluia" on Easter Sunday and be filled with as much joy as we can create.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, March 22 to Saturday, March 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 2CharlesW CHGiffen
  • rollingrj
    Posts: 345
    He is risen! He is risen indeed!

    (And I am late. I am late again.)

    We are squarely in the middle of the Easter Season. The final block of major liturgies are on the horizon at the end of May. For many of us, this is the stretch drive of our duties for the year. While there was time to bask in the success of Holy Week, there is barely time to get ready for the Ascension/Pentecost/Holy Trinity/Corpus Christi celebrations (plus, perhaps, First Holy Communion and Confrimation masses and a Eucharistic procession).

    But as Jesus will go up with a mighty sound, the Spirit will descend, our Triune God will be expounded, and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, we do know how to end this time on a high note (of your choice). Let us pray for each other as we move toward the finish line. May our joyful noises resonate throughout not only our churches, but outside them as well, proclaiming our worship, praise, and adoration to the world.

    This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, April 22 to Tuesday, April 30 inclusive.

    Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

    Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.
    Thanked by 2CHGiffen Carol
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