Running Updates: Zoom Masses, Virtual Choirs, COVID-19 & More [updated]

Hello All! Since lots of separate messages have gone out recently and the running list of updates in my previous post was getting a bit long, I've tried to consolidate everything into a new post. Not sure if this is helpful to anyone, but at least everything will more-or-less be in one place. Will try to keep this current with any new information, as well as sending separate emails/Facebook posts. Stay well and keep the Faith!

UPDATE: 03/17: It was announced that due to the Coronavirus, the Bishop has suspended all forms of public worship, effective immediately. This includes all planned Masses/Services. All Music Ministry activities are effectively canceled. See the previous post for more information.

UPDATE: 03/22: An email went out with some additional updates/resources for the week. Of note:

• If you're not already a member of the Parish Facebook group (or our choir group for that matter), I'd definitely encourage you to join. Lots of great liturgical resources have been shared this week. 
• Readings and Father's Homilies in audio form are continuing to be released weekly and are available on the Parish website. 
• A number of churches are releasing recorded daily and/or Sunday Masses, such as this one from Bishop Barron/Word on Fire. This example is particularly well-produced.
• Deacon Jack asked folks to consider sending Father a note to help uplift him during this challenging time. Cards can be sent to the Church and marked to Father's attention.
• Finally, just in case the situation does change, please do continue working on special selections for Holy Week. Thanks!

UPDATE: 03/28: Due to the Governor's Stay-at-Home order for our county (announced this afternoon), the Church is no longer open for private prayer. If you need to reach the staff, please call.

UPDATE: 04/02: Palm Sunday Mass will be celebrated via Zoom this Sunday, 04/05, at 10 AM. The session will be password-protected to keep uninvited individuals from joining/disrupting; link and credentials were sent via Parish email (disregard link that was originally posted 04/01). Reach out to Deacon Jack if you didn't receive them. If successful, the Church may try doing the same thing for Holy Week liturgies (stay tuned).

UPDATE: 04/04: Since we won't be coming together in song to celebrate Easter, here's a collection of Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday pieces from the past few years (sorry, nothing for Holy Thursday or Vigil since Barb takes point on these Masses). Be well, and Happy Easter!

UPDATE: 04/07: Please check your email for details regarding this week's Triduum Masses via Zoom.

UPDATE: 04/09: On the Parish Facebook page, check out some recordings of Holy Week pieces that were assembled by our friends at the 11 AM Choir (more to come). I'll also be releasing some of ours over the next few days to compliment what they're posting.

UPDATE: 04/15: With the success of Holy Week, Masses will continue to be celebrated via Zoom at 10 AM on Sundays. Details went out via Parish email. There are also ongoing discussions about Music Ministry involvement with Zoom Masses. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: 04/21: Joanne is looking for two singers and another melodic instrumentalist for a recording of the Mass of Remembrance Gloria using the 'Acapella' app. See email for details. If interested, please contact Eric by this Wednesday morning, 04/22.

UPDATE: 04/26: Thanks to those who helped with the Gloria recording this week (or were willing to give it a shot). Not everyone who volunteered was able to help due to technical issues and other problems, but it was still great to see this included as part of Zoom Mass. I'm also continuing to post audio recordings from our library to the Parish FB page if anyone has suggestions.

UPDATE: 04/27: Happy Birthday Ginny (04/25) and Bev (04/27)!

UPDATE: 04/29: Father Charlie's 45th Ordination Anniversary is this Sunday, 05/03. If you have a chance to wish him a happy anniversary, I'm sure it would be appreciated. Cards can be sent to the Church and marked to Father's attention.

UPDATE: 05/03: After the success of the Gloria, we were able to put together another virtual choir recording of Easter Alleluia (this time with everyone who volunteered). This may or may not be included in today's Zoom Mass.

UPDATE: 05/04: The past two Zoom Masses were recorded and are now available for viewing on the Parish website. These should be publically-accessable if anyone would like to share. I'd imagine the same will be done for future Masses.

UPDATE: 05/07: The choirs have been given the go-ahead to record the remaining parts for Mass of Remembrance Creation. Please see Eric's email for details and requirements. Deadline for signups is tomorrow, Friday, 05/08, at noon. I'd definitely encourage everyone to consider participating, but absolutely no pressure either way. Let me know if any questions!

UPDATE: 05/07: Good news: our Zoom Mass virtual choir has been featured in an article by the Catholic publication Proclaim!. Eric, Joanne and Deacon Jack, who have been coordinating our music efforts, were interviewed. Good Shepherd's choirs don't normally make the news, so this was pretty cool to see. Check out the article HERE.

UPDATE: 05/08: We have two more upcoming ordination anniversaries: Deacon Jack's 11th anniversary is 05/30 and Deacon Mike's (retired) 20th is 05/27. If you'd like to wish them a happy anniversary, cards can be sent to the Church and marked to Jack and/or Mike's attention.

UPDATE: 05/10: Happy Mother's Day!

UPDATE: 05/13: Let's wish Deacon Jack at Happy 73rd Birthday!

UPDATE: 05/17: Special thanks to Ken & Maggie for representing us well in the Mass of Creation Holy, Holy, Holy, Memorial Acclamation and Doxology/Amen recordings! These were featured in today's Zoom Mass.

UPDATE: 05/17: Mass for Feast of the Ascension will be held this Thursday, 05/21, via Zoom. Link/credentials will be the same as Sunday Mass. 

Since we're entering a new phase of reopening, check out this new post for the latest updates.

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