St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach shared a reflection on the topic of music in its Sept. 13 bulletin. 

“This could be a very short article, or not, when we consider how much music weaves itself through our daily lives," Renee Favo, St. Paul's music director, said. “Although St. Paul’s Parish does not currently have vocal music at Mass, we cling to the beautiful instrumental music provided by our devoted pianist, Tim McLain.”

Favo noted that while it is strange to have Mass without singing along, it is also strange for everyone else impacted, emphasizing what a strange time it is. The challenge, then, becomes where we should turn to find sacred music in our lives. 

“First and foremost, we can find it in the domestic church...our homes!" Favo stated. "Since the St. Paul’s bulletin is temporarily available online only, music that the Parish Choir, Contemporary Choir, and newly formed Schola Cantorum would have been rehearsing and singing is listed in the weekly bulletin with links for listening and singing along."

We can also enjoy a number of other types of music, thanks to the technology of the internet. 

“Jaime Cortez, composer of the favorite Catholic song Rain Down, also released a new CD in 2020, entitled Pueblo Unido/People United," Favo said. "Jaime presented a two-day retreat at St. Paul’s for music ministers of our diocese in January 2020,” Favo said. 

Additionally, a few of the church’s choir were able to be part of a massive event that organized voices virtually in the middle of the pandemic. 

“Four members of our St. Paul’s Parish Choir participated in Eric Whitacre’s 17,572-voice virtual choir during the pandemic," Favo said. "July 19, 2020, was the premiere date for Sing Gently, Whitacre’s sixth and largest virtual choir to date."

While it is never the same as having a sung Mass, we must be willing to put forth some effort in order to reap the rewards of music.