Musicians invited to diocesan workshop

Intermountain Catholic

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Christopher Huntzinger, shown here with the Saint Ambrose Parish choir, and Melanie Malinka will lead a music workshop on Oct. 12. IC file photo

SALT LAKE CITY – "The Church is always at prayer in her ministers and her people, and that prayer takes various forms in her life. Authentic sacred music supports the Church’s prayer by enriching its elements," reads Music in Divine Worship.

The Office of Liturgy of the Diocese of Salt Lake City is sponsoring a workshop for liturgical musicians.

Melanie Melinka, Madeleine Choir School director, and Christopher Huntzinger, Saint Ambrose Parish Director of Music and Liturgy, will be in charge of the workshop.

"Singing is one of the primary ways that the assembly of the faithful participates," according to Music in Divine Worship by the USCCB, and liturgical ministers help the congregation to participate in this way.

Music during Mass "is part of the liturgical prayer connected to the action that is going on," said Huntzinger. "It sets the atmosphere for community gatherings so people can approach God personally and as a community."

Originally from Stuttgart, Germany, Malinka has served as the Madeleine Choir School’s Director of Music since 2001. Her educational experience includes a bachelor’s degree in voice performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, N.J.

Prior to his position at Saint Ambrose Parish, Huntzinger directed music at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Magna. He also teaches at J.E. Cosgriff School and organized a children’s choir that sings at St. Ambrose.

The Oct. 12 workshop for musicians "is great because they can see and hear different perspectives from people from different parishes," Huntzinger said.

He invites all musicians from around the diocese "to come together and share ideas and encourage one another and learn. Mrs. Malinka is a wonderful resource and to have the opportunity to work with her is really great," he said.

Ever since its initial publication in 1969, the General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM) encouraged singing at Mass. GIRM n. 40 states, "great importance should be attached to the use of singing in the celebration of the Mass," reiterating words from the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on Sacred Liturgy (cf.n.113): "Liturgical action is given a more noble form when sacred rites are solemnized in song." The GIRM also emphasizes the long tradition of song in liturgical celebrations by referring to an ancient proverb, "One who sings well prays twice."

WHAT: Music Workshop for liturgical musicians

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. - noon

WHERE: Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 South 2300 East, SLC

COST: $10

For information, contact Ruth Dillion, Diocese of Salt Lake City Office of Liturgy, 801-328-8641 ext. 363 or ruth.dillon@dioslc.org