Steve Angrisano, a nationally renowned singer, songwriter and public speaker, led parishioners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in a parish mission that began Sunday, Feb. 14. The mission opened with a youth night for middle and high school students and continued on the following Monday and Tuesday evenings. Angrisano also conducted a music workshop on Tuesday afternoon.
Angrisano’s style of presentation captivated parishioners with song, praise, prayer, laughter and tears. The message was clear: you can and should go make a difference. Angrisano encouraged all, quoting from St. Pope John Paul II, to see each and every person through the eyes of Christ and to reflect his light in all situations.
"All have been called to be the hands, feet and hearts of Jesus," Angrisano said. He also challenged parishioners to reflect on whether St. Peter was a failure in his attempt to walk on water. He reminded listeners that though Peter did sink when he lost his focus, he was the only one to get out of the boat and go to Jesus.
This mission was heavily attended with approximately 200 youth and adults for the youth portion, 420 for Monday and 500 for Tuesday. An additional 45 attended the music workshop.
Passing the baton was the analogy Angrisano used to describe the response of music in liturgical worship. He called upon participants to enter into authentic spiritual growth first and foremost. He said that one could not effectively enter into music ministry with only “near faith experiences” from which to draw. One cannot sing of what one does not know, he said.
Other topics discussed at the workshop included effortless mastery, dynamics of music ministry, variety and voice leading.
Msgr. Mark Chamberlin and choir director Cynthia Longoria hosted the mission.