PINE BLUFF — “Singing the Mass: A Master Class” is the topic of a St. Ambrose Faculty Lecture to be given by Aristotle A. Esguerra on Tuesday, March 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mary Pine Bluff Church, followed by an English Sung Mass with Msgr. James Bartylla, vicar general of the Diocese of Madison, presiding.
Esguerra is the music director of St. Mary Church in Pine Bluff and St. Ignatius Church in Mt. Horeb and the Knights of Divine Mercy Schola Cantorum. He is a composer of sacred music and has over a decade of experience in singing and teaching Gregorian Chant and sacred polyphony. He instructs St. Ambrose Academy students in these genres.
The Mass is the source and summit of the Christian faith (Lumen Gentium 11). Using primary liturgical sources, Esguerra will reveal how the musical lifting up of the sacred words of the Mass can help the faithful lift up their hearts to God the Father. Using the format of a singing lesson, he will demonstrate and teach the sung elements of the Mass that belong to the faithful and the various ministers. Monsignor Bartylla will conclude the lesson by celebrating an English Sung Mass, in which participants will be able to apply their newfound knowledge.
This St. Ambrose Academy Faculty Lecture is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served. Contact the school office at 608-827-5863 or [email protected] for more information.