by Fred Moleck
An Ecumenical Advent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
For ten years now, the Christian Associates of Western Pennsylvania has sponsored an ecumenical Christmas Concert in Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh.
This organization comprises primarily clergy and bishops of the region who seriously pursue an ecumenical sharing of theological studies and other educational efforts. Shared worship occupies a high priority in their concerns.
An example of this commitment is the concert mentioned above. Actually, it is more than a concert.
The shape of the program is an inflated service of readings and carols with special anthems sung by various choirs and a strong dose of carol singing by everyone present.
On the evening of the concert 350 choir singers sat on the stage of Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. Directly in front of them were 20 members of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
If you've ever organized any type of massed choir events, you have some idea of the huge amount of work it takes in, its planning and organizing.
You would also have some idea of the level of agita and stress the planning committee goes through to pull off the event.
Much of its organization is handled by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Father Edward Yuhas, head of the liturgy office, acted as master of ceremonies, moving the readers and prayer leaders to their places with grace and aplomb.
Father James Chepponis, the head of the liturgical music office, planned the music and directed the Diocesan Choir. If you are a frequent user of GIA music, you might have sung some of his music, such as his "Melodic Gloria" and "Magnificat."
The event wasn’t cheap. The fee paid to the symphony players in itself was major.
It gives you some idea of the strong commitment the Christian Associates have given to this popular event in Pittsburgh's downtown cultural life. They put their money where their mouth is.
That is encouraging, especially in these days when we hear about the downsizing of music ministry positions and the drastic cuts in liturgy budgets.
Not all in attendance were friends and relatives of the choir singers. Some of the folks reported to me that the festival initiates their Christmas season.
They love singing the carols. They are inspired by the individual choirs' offerings. They are moved by the amassed performance of the choirs. Christmas officially begins in their lives this night.
Yes, yes, yes—I know that we are still in Advent. You must remember, however, that not all of the churches follow the liturgical year as judiciously as we do.
Don"t forget: this is an ecumenical event.
Also remember that the evening was sponsored by the Christian Associates of Western Pennsylvania, whose members are Christian. My sense that all gathered in Heinz Hall were Christian or Christian sympathizers.
Consequently, we freely sang and worshiped outside of the current worship wars over "Christmas Tree” vs. "Holiday Tree," "Nativity Scene" vs. "Winter Wonderland," "Bethlehem" vs. "Macy's Counter."
Unabashedly, we sang our heads off and wished each other a Merry Christmas during the exchange of peace at the end of the service.
I must confess that a few of us crossed the fingers of our free hand while we shook the hands of those around us, knowing that we are still in Advent.
We did not proselytize. It was not a teaching moment.
A blessed remaining Advent to you, too.You can reach Fred Moleck via email at fmoleck@earthlink.net