Special to The Message
Four deacons from the Diocese of Evansville joined fellow deacons from several dioceses from the region Sept. 24-25 for a Deacons’ Chant Workshop at The Institute for Sacred Music at St. Meinrad Archabbey and School of Theology.
The workshop was presented by two Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad — Benedictine Brother Joel Blaize and Benedictine Brother John Glasenapp, director of The Institute for Sacred Music.
Attending from the Diocese of Evansville were Deacon Ray Carandang, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Vincennes; Deacon Gary Keepes, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Petersburg, and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Oakland City; Deacon John McMullen, Annunciation Parish, Evansville; and Deacon Ed Walker, Resurrection Parish, Evansville.
The workshop explored the deacon’s role in singing parts of the Mass as outlined in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the U.S. bishops’ document “Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship.” Participants learned how the Church’s principle of progressive solemnity guides when sung prayer enhances the liturgy and communal prayer.
Practical instruction focused on vocal health, projection and recitation formulas for the dialogues and proclamations of the Mass. Through chant, deacons strengthen their ability to call the faithful to prayer and proclaim the Word of God with greater reverence and joy.
This ongoing formation opportunity reflects St. Meinrad Archabbey’s continuing commitment to support clergy and lay ministers in deepening their service to the Church by fostering the beauty of sacred music and the integrity and renewal of Catholic liturgical prayer and worship.