You always approach a big occasion like the Christmas Vigil Mass with a certain amount of trepidation: It’s a huge event in the Church calendar year and you hope that your singing matches the beauty and solemnity of such a special Liturgy
This year at the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit it was apparent 10 minutes before the beginning of Mass that something special was about to enfold: a large congregation was begining to arrive early and were engrossed at the choir putting the final touches to their preparations, and it seemed to entice them to join in the singing throughout the Liturgy.
The communion Carols: Silent Night, All Bells in Paradise (John Rutter) and the reflective Carol- O Holy Night ( soloist: Sinead Murphy) seemed to especially touch the congregation and they were very spontaneous in showing their appreciation- our trepidation beforehand was now a distant memory!
It was very gratifying to see so many people make their way over to the choir after Mass to express their gratitude for the singing – our sincere thanks to them for taking the time to do so; it makes all the hard work under our Musical Director, Richard Rudkins, well worthwhile, and gives us renewed enthusiasm to take up our crotchets and quavers after the Christmas recess.