In 2005, the Choir of St. Francis of Assisi Paddington celebrates the 10^th anniversary of its establishment as a robed liturgical choir, under Director of Music, Bernard Kirkpatrick.

In the last 10 years, the music ministry at St. Francis has flourished into a dynamic team of committed liturgical musicians, serving the 9.30am Sunday solemn liturgy and major feasts. Its mission of encouraging the active participation of the laity in the sung liturgy is complemented by a program of fine sacred liturgical music ranging from Gregorian Chant through the glorious repertoire of 16^th century renaissance polyphony, classical works with orchestral accompaniment to modern contemporary music of the highest musical and liturgical standard.

At this significant point in the our parish music ministry, it is important to look forward to future developments to consolidate and sustain the unique contribution which is made to our parish in general, and the example it offers to other parishes in the diocese and further afield. Without doubt, interest in fine sacred music is alive and well. One need only look at the proliferation of sacred music repertoire programmed into secular concert halls, the abundant use of polyphony in films and on CD, and the global revival of interest in Gregorian Chants revealed in pop-music charts and pop-music remixes such as groups like "Enigma". On the other hand, its application in the liturgy in most catholic churches today has been less than underwhelming, having been displaced by the likes of pop music styles of crooning tunes and vocalising styles of Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, or rappers like "Puff Daddy"!

The reasons for the displacement of the "Treasury of Sacred Music" from our churches are many and complex, but the perpetuation of the tradition within the church can only be maintained by training music leaders with the knowledge and skills in the specialised areas of organ/keyboard playing, vocal and choral knowledge and liturgical practice.

To this end, St. Francis Parish would do well to encourage a young musician with the interest in pursuing these skills, with a view to passing on our tradition. The best means of achieving this is to establish an Organ/Choral Scholarship to be offered to a young person at university level who demonstrates the interest and skills required of a liturgical music leader.

At this point in time, our Director of Music has identified a young Catholic student currently studying organ at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney. Should we be able to establish a scholarship to the value of $5000.00 per annum, he would make a fine scholar whom we could adopt in our parish for training.

We are therefore seeking a sponsor/s for an Organ/Choral scholarship to inaugurate this training process. Such a scholarship could be offered in memory of a deceased loved one, or anonymously, and would be a unique and practical way of making an invaluable contribution to the life of our church.

More details on the Terms of the proposed Scholarship and Scholar's Duties are contained in the PDF file here

Our parish priest, Fr. Peter McGrath (Tel: 02 9331 4043) or Director of Music (02 9798 3165) or email would be very pleased to discuss any aspects or questions regarding sponsorship of an Organ/Choral Scholar with anyone who may be interested in supporting this initiative.

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