From the Pastor's Desk: Music Director

My brothers and sisters, 

BOOM, BOOM, BA-DOOM, BOOM BOOM. 

My first 5 seconds of flashing thoughts: “What on earth is that?!?  Explosions, maybe?  At least they sound far away.  Thunder?  Train station construction?  No — too rhythmic.  Wait, no, it’s not far away; it’s coming from within the church!  Do we have intruders?  Is something wrong with the building?  No, no, that sounds like drums.  Could that be possible?” 

And, with that, the choir began to sing, and my classmate’s words from the time of my appointment came back to me: “Oh, and you are so lucky to be going to St. Mary’s!  Jane O’Keefe is Music Director there, and she is just the best—so creative and so good.  I’m so happy for you.” 

I was happy for me too once I got here and got to work a bit with Jane.  The breadth of her talent is outdone only by her love for the Lord and by her dedication to those she serves: from the “littlest” voices in the school or children’s choir to the most grown-up concern for her cantors, choir members, all the parishioners, and even Frs. Erickson, Beaulieu, Valan, myself, and all the priests who’ve served here over the 26 years Jane has been directing St. Mary’s musical program. 

Now I’m sad in a way, for it is time to bid farewell.  As you know, Jane is retiring at the end of this month.  Please join us for a reception after all Masses the weekend of August 24 & 25 to say thanks to Jane as well as wish her “Good Luck” and “Best Wishes”.

At this time, I am pleased to announce that Jane’s successor will be Dr. Holly Zagaria.  I have known Holly for many years.  More later, but for now farewell and blessings to Jane and Randy O’Keefe.  I’ll miss the care and concern she always brought to St. Mary’s.  From polyphonic chant, Bach, Buxtehude, and other ancient greats to Haugen, Hurd, and the inculturated rhythms of today’s Sacred Music (yes, even including the surprising thump of Afro/Caribbean drums)!  Jane brought her best and shared it with us all for the glory of God. May He bless and watch over every note of the song of her life. 

In His service and yours, 
Fr. Paul Clifford