As I type this entry this afternoon, I am loading my extensive collection of Gregorian Chant onto my computer, and then my iPod.  I have recently gotten back to listening to my chant, especially in the evening after coming home from work.  Chant was very important to me when I was in religious life as it helped center me after a long day’s work.  As those of you who know me, I am often quite difficult to calm down and ‘take a moment’ for myself.  My life has always be one that is on the go and the summer is no different.  If anything, I find my summers more intense than the school year because an entire year’s preparation has to get done in such a short time frame that the days in the office are go-go-go as my office staff can attest!

I have been involved more and more with the American Catholic Church and am quite excited about the possibilities that exist in working with them.  They are a group of committed Catholic priests who embody the “worker priest” model that was quite popular in Europe and lead communities of people and hold ministries at hospitals, nursing homes, and military chaplaincies.  The good news is that the communities are thriving and growing week by week throughout the country.  The challenging news is that often these communities do not have enough ministers to effectively meet the needs of the people.  National statistic, I know…but maybe one I can help address by my return to ministry.

The beauty of the ‘worker priest’ movement is that I would not have to leave what some consider my secular job.  Sacramental ministry would be done in accordance with my work ‘in the world’ which is currently school administration.  There is a great need here in the DC/Maryland region and, sadly, no one to lead it.  I may be that person.  Listening to this chant is a reminder to me of the beauty of simplicity.  No musical interludes or background tracks, simple expression of voice coming from the heart.  Sometimes done alone, other times in unison with others, chant is a centering and meditative form of prayer and worship that dates back to as early as the 11th century.  Ten centuries later the beauty is still rich and inspiring no matter how young the listener.

More on the worker priest movement later…