A beautiful parish, with wonderful people. I am very grateful for my time as Music Director. I am moving out of state, and will miss so many people, including the many kind hearted and openminded congregations.
It saddens me to read a review below by Shawn A. that unfortunately epitomizes the struggles of our country. Not only are his views racist, anti-muslim, and hateful - he is also entirely incorrect.
Last fall, on a Sunday where we focused on using earthly Wealth wisely, Loyalty to God and Justice for the Vulnerable, the entire Diocese of Austin took a special collection for Catholic Charities doing work in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed (with taxpaying support and bombs from the United States), and millions have been displaced, in one of the worst humanitarian crises in our lifetimes.
To bring us closer to our brothers and sisters in Gaza, Palestine (and so close to the Holy Land), I collaborated with a wonderful educator, Ahmed Muin, who leads his teaching organization "Gaza Birds Singing", where he teaches children music, and leads them in singing and instrumental music, literally amidst the rubble. I brought into our church a special recording of these musicians from Gaza. Our church, place where ALL are said to be welcome - but unfortunately for many, that is far from being true - and we played and sang along with Ahmed and the Children from Gaza, as a way to open our hearts and pray for them. Father Keith, Father Manickam and the Deacons (as well as many of the open hearted congregants) spoke of how moved they were by the music.
I'd do it again, and again, and again if I could.
Here are the words. I do believe they fit very well with the readings of the day.
English translation
with Arabic transliteration
Sheel sheel ya Jamali
Carry, carry the camel, oh camel driver
I protect you by God
The martyr's blood is scented with cardamom;
night, oh night
woe, woe to the oppressor
woe to him from God
Who stays up with the stars of the night--
I will heal him
a note here from Ahmed Muin, a truly resilient educator and musician in Gaza.
A call to lift the weight of truth, the voice of courage, and the spirit that refuses to be silenced.
A tribute to those who held on to the truth until their very last breath, to every soul that spread light through honest words, and refused to be silenced in the face of injustice.
Peace to their souls... their memory will forever be a light in our hearts.
With love from Gaza,
Ahmed "Muin" Abu Amsha
P.S. from Michael,
Every musical decision I made was in support of the gospel, and to open our hearts to all those around our nation and world so that we can see our neighbors with love. Unfortunately, many in the Catholic Church proclaim to be followers of Christ, but then close their hearts and minds to their brothers and sisters in need. No matter the color of your skin, no matter your religious beliefs, no matter sexual orientation, no matter gender, no matter what language you speak, a true Christian opens their hearts to all. Later in the fall, we welcomed back a good friend and colleague of mine, who happens to be Jewish. She sang a beautiful song in Hebrew during our All Souls masses that, similarly, opened our hearts to the readings and prayerfulness of that morning.
Shawn, I pray you see how truly offensive your words and perspective is. Peace to you. The Catholic Church must move into the 21st century and open their hearts and minds to the truth, and to equality and representation for all.
Michael read more