Music has a way of connecting with people in a unique way. Through it, we experience the full spectrum of human emotions. It inspires us to do great things, and comforts us in our sorrows. It can also lead us closer to God. On Sunday 12 October, we teamed up with Edwin Fawcett to launch our project to help bring people closer to God through music, called Music Ministry.
Music Ministry is a joint initiative in collaboration with the singer/songwriter Edwin, to reach out and inspire young people to explore their musical talents. Sunday’s event was one of talks, workshops, activities, fun and games – and lots of pizza!
Edwin is an exceptionally talented musician, and Music Ministry was yet another opportunity for his gifts to be used for the benefit of young musicians in our Diocese. With his leadership, and the Westminster Youth Ministry team as support, we were able to deliver a fun and beneficial day that will hopefully inspire the young musicians who attended to continue to develop their talents.
Starting with icebreakers, Edwin then went on to give a talk about what music in the liturgy is, and how it can be used to good effect; through a slideshow, musical examples and practical exercises, he kept the audience active throughout.
After an amazing lunch which involved 15 pizzas, our four workshop leaders introduced themselves. There was: Dominic, who led the sessions on scripture and liturgy through music; Roberto, whose sessions were on drumming; Joe, who led the guitar sessions; and Magda, who focused on parish choirs. Everyone who came along to the event had the opportunity to attend two 50 minute workshops. These workshops gave the young musicians the opportunity to explore a rich variety of ways in which they could perform music in the liturgy.
Once the workshops were complete, there was a short break, before everyone went up to St Aloysius church for rehearsals – we were going to put into practice what we had learnt in the talks and workshops, by leading the music at Mass that evening!
With Edwin leading and conducting the team, our Music Ministry group enlivened the normally quiet 6pm Sunday Mass, raising the roof with our passionate witness to Christ through music.
It was a great day, and a tremendous success. And it certainly won’t be our last Music Ministry day! Music unites us and excites us in our faith, and with inspiring leaders like Edwin Fawcett, this is only the start of something great. For more photos of the event, click here.
Scholarship programme
In collaboration with Edwin Fawcett, Westminster Youth Ministry also launched its Music Ministry scholarship programme for young people interested in developing their musical talents. If you’re interested in learning more about this, click here.
Explore more
For more about the talent who helped out on the day, check out their websites: