April 30, 2007

       On April 30^th approximately fifty musicians from around the Baltimore Archdiocese attended the NPM Baltimore Chapter’s annual retreat.  This year it was hosted by Resurrection of Our Lord parish in Laurel.  Arguably the parish furthest south in the Baltimore Archdiocese, it is within three miles of St. Mary of the Mills (also in Laurel but within the Washington Archdiocese).  Tucked away off the beaten path, in a secluded area surrounded by trees, the parish was a bucolic site for the prayerful and uplifting evening.
       Rev. Dr. Paul H. Colloton OP, Director of Continuing Education at NPM, led the retreat with insight, wisdom and humor.  The theme for the evening was “Co-Mission” and topics discussed included: dialogue between pastoral musicians and fellow staff or volunteers as well as the vital role the congregation plays in the dialogue during Mass; and establishing a Sabbath for the full-time musician who quite often gives up the traditional Sabbath in service to others.  Fr. Paul was an excellent spiritual guide for our retreat and we thank him very much.
       The retreat began with Evening Prayer provided by Michael Ruzicki, the Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Music there at Resurrection.  It included a new hymn, Call Us Forth, commissioned for the evening and written by Dr. Stephen Lay.  After Evening Prayer there were two sessions led by Fr. Paul with a short time of reflection in between.  Following that was a delicious dinner in an elegant atmosphere, complete with appetizers, main dish, desert and wine.  Attendees took time to eat amply, drink merrily and enjoy fellowship with old friends and new faces.  Finally we gathered one last time within the church and ended the night with a closing prayer and re-commissioning.
       Thanks again to Fr. Paul Colloton for his leadership and wisdom.  Thanks also to the members of the Washington Archdiocese who came and assisted with the music in order that the Baltimore members could better focus on prayer and reflection.  Our heartfelt and sincere gratitude goes out to the volunteers of Resurrection for their diligent and loving service in providing the marvelous dinner.  Finally, but not least of all, we would like to thank Michael Ruzicki for all his hard work, planning and dedication in making this evening such a great success.
       There were wonderful comments made by many in attendance who consistently expressed the need for more of these kinds of events.  It is our sincere hope that these interested parties consider becoming registered members and joining us for our meetings where we continue to strive for growth in our talents, abilities and spiritual lives.  I’m sure everyone will be anxiously awaiting next year’s retreat!