GREENVILLE – The beautiful St. Philip Church provided the setting for the sixth annual WinterSing last Sunday, an evening of prayer, music, food and fellowship. The church was filled with the heavenly and talented voices of nearly 200 musicians from across the Diocese.
The event, carefully planned by Nancy Smith, from the Office for Worship, began with a prayer service presided over by Father Edward Wilson of Sts. Rose and Clement Parish. The evening brought together the musicians who prepare, plan, perform and serve the liturgical music requirements in the 152 parishes throughout the state. Steve Romano, president of the Providence Chapter of the National Pastoral Musicians Association, said he was very happy with the turnout.
“This is an important evening for us, as it is the only time we can come together in music during the year,” he said. “This is our chance to share new ideas and sing together.”
Pastoral music is rooted in the Gospel. The mission of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians is to foster the art of musical liturgy and serve the Catholic Church as musicians, clergy, liturgists, and other leaders of prayer. WinterSing has become a unique way for Rhode Island musicians to share ideas, inspiration and fellowship.
“This is my second time at WinterSing and it is wonderful,” said Linda Tavares of St. Margaret Parish in Rumford. “It’s inspirational, educational and has a true feeling of camaraderie. It is a learning experience that is very moving.”
The program included evening prayer, dinner and a music reading session: An opportunity to hear, read and perform new pieces of liturgical music.
Linda Reid of St. Thomas Parish agrees that the program fosters learning and new inspiration. “I love this night. It’s an example of the true fellowship of making music. It’s a chance to learn new music, but more importantly, to sing with my fellow musicians from throughout the Diocese.”
Smith said she’s encouraged by the growing attendance from year to year, as well as the dedication of all the musicians.
“The Office for Worship is here to help implement all the elements of the liturgy so each parishioner can enjoy a rich experience as they worship and follow the way of Our Lord in their respective parishes,” she said. “By enriching the musicians with inspiration and education we will all benefit with a splendid worship experience.”
Sunday, they were exposed to 24 new pieces of liturgical music which were read and performed. The musicians also collected donations for Bishop Tobin’s “Keep the Heat On” Campaign – “a way for each of us to give back and to be stewards of our church,” Smith said.
The program was designed by the board members of the Providence Chapter of National Pastoral Musicians with the support of the Office for Worship of the Diocese of Providence.
