Easter on the horizon

I'm about to sit down and structure the music for Good Friday and Easter. We also have Low Sunday (the Sunday after Easter) to sing at this year, as it falls on the first Sunday of April.

It is my intention to continue to have Good Friday completely unaccompanied, and the Easter Vigil (as it should liturgically be) a complete and joyous contrast. However, we have the Stainer and the Stabat Mater to prepare, so Tuesday's learning time will be at an absolute premium this term. Be aware! Tony

Marriage

I have no doubt you will be aware that the Government is intending to legislate to re-define the meaning of the word Marriage in the UK. The Coalition for Marriage is a worthy starting point for keeping up with things. The 'Second Reading' vote takes place in the House of Commons on Tuesday 5th February. All Catholic parishes received a supply of post cards last Sunday to aid parishioners in informing their MPs of their views. Unfortunately Bart's only received 200, so you may not have been able to obtain one. There is a download on the Diocesan Web site HERE. If it matters to you, then please act quickly: don't be one of those who sits idly by and leaves it to others.

New Carol Books for 2013

Carols for Choirs 5 is edited and compiled by John Rutter and Bob Chilcott. It provides a wonderful array of carols, including a significant number of 'staples' with different harmonies and descants. Many of them have been performed at the annual Kings College Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast each year by the BBC, and may already be familiar to you. I intend to use the book this year, and the opportunity exists to purchase your own copy (and, if you so wish to, copies of CfC 1,2 and 3 - not 4, which is ladies only). If you have not seen the board that is circulating, please would you ensure you do so or contact me by the end of February. The price for each of these books will be £10 rather than £14.50 to Choir members.

This month's quiz question

Which composer (and we sing one of his works) wrote  the theme tunes to Red Dwarf, QI and Blackadder?

Last month's quiz question was answered by only three people who were correct in saying the Pope Tweets as @Pontifex. We'll draw the lucky winner of the prize that seems to fascinate so many of you each month on Tuesday 5th January!

Please remember.....

.. for Anne M., Mary E., Joyce and family and Fr. Michael (hip operation on 4th February) in your prayers.

Blogs

Another one to add to your Favorites is Cranmer, who writes about many religious and religio-political things very eloquently from a Church of England perspective.

Please keep your used stamps?

Do let me have them if you will, and support Help the Heroes. It easy and free, and helps others. Just tear the stamps off with at least a ¼ of an inch border around them and pass them on occasionally!

And finally.....

A YouTube clip HERE - Enjoy in anticipation!

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