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| The Madison Diocesan Choir, under the direction of Dr. Patrick Gorman, presented a Festival of Lessons and Carols at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center in Madison on December 20. Bishop Robert C. Morlino presided at the Advent service. Joining the choir this year was the St. Raphael Brass Quintet and timpani. (Contributed photo by Ken Halfmann) |
MADISON — The Madison Diocesan Choir gives a special gift to the Diocese of Madison each year during the holiday season.
The choir presented its annual Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 20, in the chapel of the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center.
Bishop Robert C. Morlino presided at the service, which includes Scripture readings and hymns and songs celebrating the season.
Dr. Patrick Gorman directed the 66-voice choir composed of singers from throughout the diocese.
Enhancing Lessons and Carols this year was the stirring music provided by the St. Raphael Brass Quintet and timpani. Members of the quintet include Robert Rohlfing and Jessica Jensen, trumpet; Matthew Beecher, horn; Brian Whitty, trombone; and David Spies, tuba. Joe Bernstein performed on the timpani.
Glenn Schuster, assistant director of the choir, provided piano accompaniment.
Readers of the Scripture lessons were George Breadon, Mary Jo Steiger, Margaret Bomber, Paul Stein, Denise Gorman, John Schauf, Susan Smith Scharf, Beverly Hartberg, and Msgr. James Bartylla.
Food and monetary donations were accepted for the Catholic Multicultural Center.
The Madison Diocesan Choir is dedicated to the mission of fostering and encouraging full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgy.
The choir’s spring concert, “A Home in the Rock,” will be presented on Friday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. It will include sacred music of the 20th Century and African-American spirituals of trust and hope.
The Diocesan Choir’s newest recording, Christmastide, is now available for purchase. Follow the choir on Facebook or visit www.diocesanchoir.org