Concert Prelude Will Set Tone for Diocesan Congress
Age to Age: Generations of Faith
As parishioners from throughout the Diocese look forward to the Diocesan Congress planned for Saturday, October 5, 2013, they will also have the opportunity to attend a special event the night before.
A concert prelude will be held on Friday evening, October 4, 2013, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton. Presented in partnership with Oregon Catholic Press, this will be an evening of prayerful inspirational music, spanning the life of the Church across the 50 years since the opening of the Second Vatican Council.
Titled Age to Age: Generations of Faith, the concert will be a live performance by renowned Catholic musicians Steve Agrisano, Dan Schutte and Curtis Stephan. The concert will help set the tone for the next day’s Diocesan Congress, which will gather individuals who are involved in any aspect of parish life, leadership and ministry to come together in prayer, celebration, learning, exploring and dialogue.
The Diocesan Congress on Saturday, October 5, 2013 is being coordinated by the Office for Parish Life, with the theme Charged With the Spirit. It will take place on the campus of the University of Scranton, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a Welcome, Opening Prayer and Gathering Experience.
In four time periods, participants will be able to choose from more than 40 workshops centered around topics essential to vibrant parish life. – including sessions led by two of the concert performers, Dan Schutte and Curtis Stephan. Lunch will be provided, with special interest groups gathering at designated tables for peer support and conversation. There will be an exhibit hall of service and resource vendors, as well as a “Parish Showcase” where individual parishes or clusters can demonstrate “what works” in your parish.
The day will conclude with a 4 p.m. Mass with the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, as principal celebrant.
Three Generations, One Faith Expressed in Music
For the concert prelude, Steve Angrisano, Dan Schutte and Curtis Stephan represent three generations of faith brought together on one stage. Formed by the Church at different seasons of her history, these musicians share something in common – the faith that has been passed down to them. Though their musical expressions might vary, they unite Catholics across generations through concert events that weave a tapestry of sung prayer for the whole community.
Both young people and the young at heart embrace the timeless message of faith, hope and love woven throughout Steve Angrisano’s music and storytelling. A veteran musician, composer and youth minister, Steve has a keen intuition regarding the needs of any audience and engages them with his unique blend of humor, song, story and interaction.
Dan Schutte has been composing music for worship for more than 40 years. He is one of the best known, most prolific and influential composers of Catholic music for the liturgy. Whether singing the classic “Here I Am, Lord” or a piece from his latest album To Praise You, Dan’s music has an enduring ability to reach into people’s hearts and draw them deeper into prayer. He is composer-in-residence at the University of San Francisco.
In addition to his performance at the concert on Friday evening, Dan will also present a workshop at the Congress on Saturday. Titled “All One People: Developing a Sense of Liturgical Hospitality,” it will explore what we can do to make our community one where all people are welcome.
A lifelong musician, Curtis Stephan works tirelessly to serve the body of Christ through inspiring music and spirit-filled workshop presentations. Strong roots in parish and ministry let Curtis share something very special with each community he visits, working with each person to find their own voice to lift up to our God in praise. He is the music director for a parish in Texas, and has participated in three World Youth Day celebrations.
Curtis will support the music ministry for the Congress’ Opening Prayer and the concluding Eucharistic Liturgy, and he will also present a workshop with the Diocesan Choir and Musicians gathered for the event.
Registration for the Saturday Congress will include this Friday Concert. Tickets will also be sold for “Concert only” participation. Lodging options will be available to assist parishioners coming from outlying parishes to enjoy the full two-day event.
For more information, call the Office for Parish Life at 570-207-2213.
