Odd things happen.
It turns out it is very easy to no longer be a parish musician.
We have a new priest who for reasons I won’t be going into here has made it impossible to continue at the parish I’ve been attending since 1987.
I’d just started writing liturgies on my own and I’ll continue my studies in that area at ACU in case they are ever needed. I have the luxury that there are other parishes ten minutes drive north, west and south of here. South is out as the Neocats are taking over there. West is fine, but we have started attending north where there is a very pastoral priest.
I’m afraid I haven’t sorted the copyright issues properly here. I suspect they are unable to be solved quite frankly. A few companies have not responded to enquiries and I haven’t finished things with OCP yet, but enjoy the backings while they are up and best of luck.
Geoff
Ouch. 26 years. Ouch, ouch, ouch.
The amount of power that a priest has to autocratically destroy a community has disturbed me for a long time. I’ve been fortunate that very few I’ve encountered have chosen to exercise it in. But the fact that they can is just so wrong.
Glad you’ve got alternative spiritual communities to tap into, praying for you.
Mary
Sorry to hear this has happened. Good musicians aren’t as easy to find as they used to be, so I hope you find a new home where your talents can be used soon, both for that parish’s and your spiritual benefit.
I’ve not heard of Neocats before and had to Google to find info on them.
Very sorry to hear this, but keep going with what you are doing, and don’t give up or feel too discouraged if you can help it. We move about from place to place for work, and have to keep starting again, and it’s always difficult, but keep using the web if you can – I know lots of people value your site (as well as us). I can’t get my home parish even to consider using my music, so the Internet makes it all worth while. Let’s hope it’s just a question of one door closing so another can open.
Kate
Been there. So sorry.
However – priests come and they go. The community remains.
If you can’t fulfil or express your gifts in one environment, find another – a supportive one.
And keep in contact with your original community. They appreciate having someone removed but who understands to talk to!
Sorry to hear this also, such a shame as music makes a Mass especially for younger people of which there is really a lack of attendance. Having been a ‘relaxed’ Catholic for 25 years and just this past year come back to attend as my teenage daughter plays the organ at Church, I have found with selecting Hymns etc. that I have a better understanding of the Mass and this time I’m enjoying a ‘Me’ time with God – not Catholic guilt at not attending. I have always checked and greatly valued your suggestions each week. There are a few ‘good’ churches over the ‘East’ if you wish to venture further! Continue on please.