Music is an integral part of not only our liturgical celebrations, but our lived faith. It connects us to God and one another, as it binds our interiorities. Music gives flesh to our emotions and allows us to process some of the deepest recesses of our psyches. The Aboriginal people of Australia use songs, or “songlines” as maps. Traveling vast distances, a knowledgeable elder would be able to navigate the landscape by singing songs that would describe a rock formation, a watering hole, and various sacred sites. Similarly, liturgical music assists us in sounding the depths of our loving God and ourselves as we discern our path through the world.
As a Catholic parish rooted in the Jesuit tradition, we seek to incorporate the teachings and spirit promoted by the Society of Jesus in all our ministries. St. Ignatius emphasized a prayer life that was rich in images and metaphor. By accessing the imagination, one is able to achieve a deeper union with God, and a greater understanding of themselves. The way we experience music at St. Thomas More encourages this use of imagination. Whether it be through repeated refrains sung during the communion procession, or a choral reflection, or an instrumental meditation, we believe that music needs to allow participants to breath. Liturgy is not a spectator sport, but it does need to allow margin for rest and reflection, both of which most do not experience in their daily lives. In this receptive state, the hope is that one’s imagination begins to delve deeper into the words of the Gospel, the homily, or maybe an encounter from the last week, thus resulting in a deep transformation into the likeness of Christ.
- Lucas Tomlinson, STM Director of Liturgy, Music, & Worship
MRS. JENITA SUN
Jenita Sun is my St. Francis Xavier Parish “Partner”. She is a single parent of five, as her husband died two year ago. She has two daughters and three sons. Her youngest brother lives with her as well, since their mother died when he was two. Jenita’s is the sole support of her family, but she feels blessed to have a good job with the state.
When we first connected, Jenita sent me pictures and videos of her daughter’s wedding, which took place just before our arrival. What I saw was a beautiful bride, handsome groom and a family that loves and enjoy each other. They love to dance and sing and enjoyed the wedding reception in the same way as my own family would.
I was lucky enough to meet Jenita and her family when I went to Meghalaya with four other members of the parish and Fr. Warren. I was invited to her home for dinner where I met many of her family members. Soon after arriving, I noticed that the number of people in the room was growing. Every few minutes, another little face would peek through the kitchen doorway and slide onto the couch. Eventually, the room was full and I lost track of who was who. I soon learned that her sister lived next door and she and her children were curious, and eager to meet the visitors from America.
It was such a pleasure to meet the newlyweds. Ibadahun Marie and her new husband Dondor spoke excellent English and filled the room with excitement and joy. In my most recent exchange with Jenita, she said that her family asks about me often. They all feel that I am a part of their family. What a wonderful and unexpected gift.
- Mary Fratto, STM parishioner
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