From
the Pastor
Representatives from the Kansas City Chorale had visited us twice in recent months and together we were able to work our an unforgettable program! Charles Bruffy, the conductor of the Kansas City Chorale, was so pleased with last Sunday's concert selections that he has decided to repeat it in Kansas City this coming September. Not only were the members of the Chorale excellent vocalists, it was evident that they enjoyed their interaction with all of us in the audience! Charles Bruffy is both a great conductor and a great showman!
I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our committee of parishioners who worked so hard to obtain the thirty corporate and private sponsors for the concert: Joy Abbott, Nancy Bauder, Julie Edwards, Carmae Fawaz, Laura Murray, Candi Scanlon, and Theresa Vitt. Without their hard work we would not have been able to afford the presentation. Their organization and enthusiasm, and the generosity of our patrons, made all the difference! Also, many thanks to the Immaculate Conception Altar Society for another successful social! The ice cream and cookies were enjoyed by all!
Most of all, thanks to you -- our devoted parishioners, who came to the concert and invited family and friends. With a good number of priests and sisters from the area attending, and many folks from the greater Leavenworth community, it made all the effort worthwhile! The joy and delight of the people present really filled the church with a great spirit of celebration! As we approach our 150th birthday on August 15, we surely have marked this special year!
Highlights of the afternoon for me included the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" at the beginning of the concert, and the gradual spontaneous turning of the entire congregation to face the American flag in the rear of the church. The Shaker tunes, African-American spirituals, and American folk songs were done with precision and gusto. The Franz Bieble rendition of the "Ave, Maria" incorporating Gregorian chant, was sung from both the choir loft and the sanctuary, filling the church with praise of our patroness, Mary! Charles Bruffy's own solo part for "Home on the Range" had to fill any native or adopted Kansan with pride! And yes, to hear the Kansas City Chorale lead the congregation in singing our Jubilee Hymn, "150 Years on this Hill," definitely warmed the pastor's heart, as Lester Dalton played our organ for all it is worth! When we concluded with "God Bless America," I'm sure everyone in the church thanked the Lord for his blessings to us these past 150 years.
God Bless you always!
