Sacred Liturgy
The work of the Sacred Liturgy, especially its Solemn celebration, cannot be successfully carried out only by the clergy. It is the work of the whole Church, and the lay Faithful have a personal responsibility to contribute their time and talents. Nowhere is this more the case than in the traditional Latin Liturgy, which can only be sustained over the long term when significant numbers of the Faithful are prepared to immerse themselves in the rich culture which supports it.
We are in need of more Catholic men and youth to offer themselves for the service of the Altar and the Sacristy, and of the Faithful of both sexes to assist with Sacred Music. It is fitting that all Catholic boys and men should know how to serve Holy Mass. Training sessions are conducted regularly. Anyone interested in serving, singing, or helping in the sacristy, is urged to speak to the Fathers or contact the office.
Sacred Music
Sacred music, being a complementary part of the solemn liturgy, participates in the general scope of the liturgy, which is the glory of God and the sanctification and edification of the faithful. (Pope St Pius X - 'Tra Le Sollecitudini', Instruction on Sacred Music).
The Newman Parish comprises no less than four choirs dedicated to providing sacred music at liturgies throughout the year. The Newman Parish choir, The Newman Consort, the Schola of St Dunstan, and the St Hildegard Ladies' Choir, all under the direction of Music Director, David Duckett and Music Precentor, Dr Leighton Triplow.
1. The Newman Parish choir, 'Psallamus' is a mixed ensemble of eight to twelve singers tasked primarily with providing the music for Sunday mornings during the course of the year.
2. The Newman Consort is a smaller choir consisting of more experienced singers who sing mainly on special Feast days.
3. The Schola of St Dunstan sing at Solemn Masses and Feasts, but also provide music for the Divine Office (especially Vespers on Feasts and during the seasons of Advent and Lent).
4. The St Hildegard Ladies' Choir concentrates on singing at Masses on First Saturdays during the year.
All choirs consist of singers dedicated to Sacred Music with a focus on music of the Roman Rite, namely Gregorian chant and polyphony.
In response to growing Parish numbers, this year we are hoping to grow our musical programme, with choir opportunities ranging from beginner to advanced. There is likely a lot of untapped musical talent in the pews of our Parish.
If you are interested in auditioning for any of these choirs, please feel free to get in touch by emailing Leighton at the address below. Instrumental musicians – especially those interested in or experienced with organ – are also welcome to make inquiries.
Email: music@newmanparish.org
Wolff Organ
The historic J.W. Wolff organ was blessed at St. Aloysius' Church on Gaudete Sunday, 12th December 2010, along with the induction of its first principal organist. The organ was built by Johann Wilhelm Wolff (1818-1894) in 1880 in South Australia and opened at the Wesleyan Church, Port Adelaide on 13 May 1880. It was sold to the Congregational Church, Medindie in 1911 and later to the Congregational Church, College Park c.1942, which later became the Seventh Day Adventist Church. It was there until 2005, and then put into storage. This organ, of the utmost significance, is largely in original condition and retains its hand blowing feeders and rare mechanical 'push-up' action.
Sacristy/Guild of St Clare
The Guild of St Clare was established to bring together parishioners (and others) who are interested in the repair, design and manufacture of vestments and altar linens. We will be meeting again in the near future. Existing members of the Guild will be contacted, but new members are also welcome. Please contact Fr Tattersall for more information.