My First Funeral

I had my first funeral as Director of Worship on Monday this week. With the memorial service on Monday evening and funeral Tuesday morning, I was sooooo nervous. What if I didn't pick the right songs? What if my guitar playing was something that they didn't care for? What if I forgot about a part of the service? So many thoughts running through my head the days before. I was quite relieved when I got there and everything went smoothly. I had the assistance of two excellent singers (one song I got to "sit in" on) and the family seemed very pleased with the whole thing. In the mean time, I was able to assemble all my funeral music and then some, so next time, I wont be so nervous.

One thing I did notice was the feeling of being in a sacred space. I was, through my position at the church, invited into this place of remembering and mourning. I watched as the family cried and smiled and told stories about her. I have a lot to learn about the way people are, and this was one of those learning experiences. The faith people have in themselves, each other, and God is truely inspiring.

8th Grade Graduation

Last night, we celebrated the graduation of our 8th Graders with a mass, commencement and reception. What a joy to be part of this event. I hired a piano player to help me out with the music. I played guitar, and we had our school choir present to privide wonderful music. I really enjoy being there with the school choir, and last night was no exeption. Two of the younger girls in the choir pulled me aside before the service began and commented on how nice my dress was I was wearing. When I tried to tell them I wasn't wearing one, they informed me that I had an ugly Pink and Green dress. I thanked them for telling me this and went back to my preparations. Kids have such a way of seeing the world and I tend to be inspired by it. The humor is genuine, without hurt or malice in it. Our next big event will be in August when we host the diocesan school kickoff mass with the Bishop. I love my job.