Workshop for diocese's pastoral musicians to offer liturgical formation, fellowship

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SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time in four years, pastoral musicians from all over the Diocese of Salt Lake City will have the opportunity to gather to learn and share in a formal setting: an Oct. 15 workshop sponsored by the diocesan Liturgical Music Committee.  

“The last several years have been challenging for our parish musicians,” said Ruth Dillon, director of the diocesan Office of Worship. “As we move forward and return to pre-pandemic practices, the diocesan Liturgical Music Committee felt it was important to gather in person to learn from each other, to reflect and celebrate.”

The workshop will be conducted by Chris Huntzinger, director of liturgy and music at St. Ambrose Parish, which is hosting the event.

The workshop is open to all the musicians in the diocese. The Diocesan Liturgical Music Committee hopes those attending the workshop will leave with a better understanding of the role pastoral musicians have in the liturgy.   

It also will be an “opportunity to build skills, and to meet and work with musicians from different parishes,” Dillon said. “Liturgical formation is always important for ministry in that it provides not only information but fellowship.”

The musical tradition of the universal Church is a “treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy,” states Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy), and Dillon notes that music has always been an essential part of the liturgy.

“Music complements and enhances the liturgy and allows the congregation and community to participate actively in the liturgy,” she said. “By its very nature, song has both an individual and communal dimension. Thus, it is no wonder that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people.”

WHAT: Pastoral Musician Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. – noon

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

COST: $10; pre-registration is required

Registration deadline Oct. 10; to register, call Corina in the Office of Worship, 801-328-8641, ext. 357.