Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The Lord give you peace!  What an incredible past ten days we’ve had!  The NPM National Convention is history!!  I cannot thank you enough for the gift of time, talent, and treasure you shared with those who were among us this past week.  Over two thousand people were here from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond. Our hospitality, music, and liturgy showed those who attended that Detroit is very much alive and well in the liturgical music world.  I personally thank each of you who helped in any way, either in song, hospitality, prayer, or good wishes.  May God bless you a hundred fold for your kindness.  I am forever grateful!

El Señor te dé la paz! Lo que un día increíble estos diez años han sido! El NPM de la Convención Nacional es historia! No puedo agradecer lo suficiente a aquellos de ustedes por el don de tiempo, talento y tesoro que comparte con los que estaban entre nosotros la semana pasada. Más de dos mil personas de todas partes de los Estados Unidos, Canadá y más allá. El sentido de la hospitalidad, la música y la liturgia mostraron los asistentes a que Detroit está muy viva y bien en el Mundial de Música Litúrgica. Agradezco personalmente a cada uno de ustedes que han ayudado de alguna forma, ya sea en el canto, hospitialidad  la oración y buenos deseos. Que Dios los bendiga cien veces por su amabilidad. Estoy eternamente agradecido!

It was great to see so many from the Detroit area during the days of the convention.  I know many of you came for a day, which was one of the luxuries having the convention in Detroit.  For those of us who could not make it, there are CDs available to purchase.  I believe you can go to the NPM.org website for further instructions.  As a follow up, it would be great for all of us to get involved in the local chapter of the NPM here in Detroit and take advantage of the various offerings they will have throughout the year.  While the Worship Office has the opportunity to present many workshops, communications and resources, the Detroit NPM Chapter  has great opportunities as well for further education and fellowship.  Please see the npmdetroit.org website for more information. 

In the next weeks I would like to highlight some of the Plenum Sessions from the convention that were quite remarkable and inspirational.

Let us Pray for one another

Let us continue to pray for one another.  Sr. Shirley Hoski  and Linda Phillips continue treatment for cancer.  They ask for our prayers and support during this difficult time.  We pray also for those who are looking for work, whose ministries have been downsized, and those let go of their positions in recent weeks.  We pray through the intercession of St. Cecelia for guidance, hope, and harmony where there may be struggles.

The next Fridays at Denny’s will take place in Monroe.  This will be at the Denny’s on Dixie Highway, August 27 at 12:15 pm.  See you there, especially Monroe and Downriver  musicians.

May God bless you this week in all that you do

Louis