Holy Angels Choir - Retreat and "In Service" Day

        Effective organizations take time out to retreat and refocus. In that spirit, Father Taylor assited Holy Angles Gospel Choir in arranging a retreat and in-service day on Saturday, April 12, 2008. The facilitator was nationally recognized Black Catholic leader, gospel music expert, and charismatic priest, Father Fernand Cherie OFM of the Archdiocese of Bellville, Illinois. The day's working sessions took place in Holy Angels Church. The morning was devoted to scripture readings, lecture, and discussion about God's mission of active goodness and how the choir's purpose is to serve that mission. After lunch in Waldon Hall, the group reconvened to have an entertaining and informative lesson in the history of gospel music, its cultural roots, and how to best incorporate gospel music into Catholic worship.
        Father Fernand stayed over for worship on Sunday to share an engaging homily with us about "boundaries" and to hear gospel music in Holy Angels worship tradition. His presence was a blessing for choir and congregation alike.