Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • December 6, 2024 15 The Music and Fine Arts Ministry of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral, under the direction of Terry Maddox, offered its third annual All Souls Concert-Service on Saturday afternoon, November 2. The inspirational program of honor and remem- brance for souls that have passed the last and previ- ous years featured a stirring performance of contem- porary composer Heather Sorenson’s Requiem . This event marked the first performance on theMississippi Gulf Coast of this recent composition, initially com- missioned in memory of lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic and written to provide hope, healing, and comfort to all who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The eight-movement Requiem , patterned after the traditional requiem Mass in Latin and with inclu- sion of Old and New Testament Scripture and Psalms, was performed by the combined community choirs of Gloria in Excelsis and Mobile Vocal Arts, with solos by soprano Dr. Betsy Uschkrat and choir member Benjamin Petters (tenor). Concert Master Dr. Sasha Ferreira lead a 12-piece chamber orches- tral ensemble of professional musicians from across the Gulf Coast. Chris Nemac, Music Director of Government Street Presbyterian Church of Mobile, provided piano accompaniment. The program included the reading of names of those that passed in the prior year by hosts, Traci and Michael Kessler, followed by a performance of the American Christian spiritual, Give Me Jesus , with solos by Nativity BVM Elementary Children’s Choir members Julep and Iris Rasmussen. The complete All Souls Concert-Service can be viewed on YouTube www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WHMK68_uBEM For more information about this and other con- cert performances to be offered during the upcoming holiday season, contact Terry Maddox, Minister of Music ~ Director of Fine Arts, Nativity BVM Cathedral, at (251) 406-1454 or terrydalemaddox@ gmail.com N ativity BVM C athedral , B iloxi All Souls Concert-Service On Saturday, November 9, Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church joyfully hosted its First Youth Revival Conference, welcoming parishes from across the Diocese of Biloxi and Louisiana. The day began with a Youth Mass at 8 a.m., fol- lowed by a Eucharistic Procession that led into our Adoration Room. After this, the children and their chaperones made registration changes and received name tags before enjoying a pancake breakfast served by the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary Court and Council #26. Jamion Burney led three inspiring sessions focus- ing on “Being Chosen by God,” “Overcoming Fear,” and “Discovering Your Purpose.” Zack Roth served as the Master of Ceremonies, delivering a heartfelt testimonial speech. Deacon Justin Mitchell concluded the event with a powerful message about the Saints and the journey toward becoming a Saint. Throughout the day, the children had the chance to win random gift card raffles, and Marsha Harris led them in a ‟Sanctified Slide” before their depar- ture. Overall, the event was a great success, and we look forward to building on this success in the future! First Youth Revival Conference R esurrection C atholic S chool , P ascagoula Rite of Election Prayers and Blessings for our Confirmation class who received the Rite of Election/Commitment on Sunday, October 27. In response to its annual August Member- ship Tea Party, the Altar Society of St. Eliz- abeth Seton has added five new members to its group, which is responsible for the weekly cleaning of the altar and upkeep of the linens, as well as other events during the year, such as the annual Thanksgiving Al- tar decorations, St. Joseph’s Altar and May Crowning. During the month of November, the Altar Society decorated a tree next to the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary with pho- tographs of departed loved ones, provided by parishioners. President Carolyn Bourg was presented gifts at the November meeting in appreciation of her first year as president. Other officers are outgoing vice-president (and Tea Chairman), Debbie Previto; Linda Boyd, secretary and Donna Dunbar, treasur- er. The group plans to meet in December at a local restaurant to celebrate Christmas and a special year. S t . E lizabeth S eton P arish , O cean S prings New Altar Society members Pictured left-right are new members: Kathleen Ordeal, Julie Moore, Linda Pasquini, Allie Applewhite and Ro- berta Hults, all wearing the new St. Elizabeth SetonAltar Society shirts at a recent meeting.