All roads led to Scarborough on 20th October for the Diocesan Music Day. People travelled from all over the diocese for a truly uplifting and useful day on music in the liturgy led by the Director of Music for the Portsmouth Diocese and noted composer Paul Inwood.
Paul went through the various parts of the Mass, reflecting on them musically and suggesting how each part might be approached and encouraging everyone to sing together at each stage. At various points in the day, the church was filled with the sound of nearly 100 people singing in four part harmony! Paul also covered other times and occasions when music is an important part of our life as Church – for example music to console, music for healing services, music to accompany stages of the RCIA. Everyone entered into the spirit of the day and we had a really enjoyable time together. To top it all, the sun shone on us and many people said what a lovely journey they had had travelling to one of the most beautiful corners of our diocese.
As a result of the day, over 20 people joined the Diocesan Choir. This choir is an entirely voluntary choir made up of people from all over the diocese who come together to sing at major events – the most recent having been the funeral Mass of Bishop Harris. If you would be interested in joining, do get in touch with me at St Charles, Hull – you would be very welcome.
It was said during the Music Day just how much music can help lift the spirit and can really enable God to touch His people – so lift up your voices and keep making a joyful noise to the Lord!
Fr Stephen Maughan, Diocesan Music Co-ordinator