A Letter from Our Music Director
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Dear Parish Family,
Our cherished pipe organ at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, a cornerstone of our Mass celebrations, has suffered significant water damage. This majestic instrument, with some parts up to 60 years old, urgently requires your support for its repair and restoration.
The restoration and upgrade of the organ will be structured in two phases spread over several months. This phased approach ensures minimal disruption to our weekend Masses, allowing the organ to remain playable throughout the restoration process. The entire project is estimated to cost between $70,000 and $100,000. Initially, the restoration will focus on critical protections during tower work, including the removal of all pipes to prevent further damage. The first phase aims to bring the organ back to a reliable working condition, while the second phase will enhance its sound quality.
Achieving our full funding goal will enable us to not only repair but also significantly enhance the organ's sound, making it a beautiful symbol of our community's spirit and faith. However, should we fall short of this goal, rest assured that all contributions will be prioritized towards essential repairs to ensure the organ's functionality.
This project is not just about preserving a piece of musical heritage—it's an investment in an instrument that uplifts spirits, enriches our liturgies, and connects us deeply with our Catholic history. Your support will allow this voice to resonate with strength and beauty in our community for generations to come. Please join us in sustaining the music and spirit of Saint Thomas the Apostle Church.
WHY INVEST IN BEAUTY?
In the Catholic tradition, beauty is often understood as a reflection of the divine nature of God. It is considered one of the transcendentals, alongside truth and goodness, reflecting the ultimate reality and unity of God. The concept of beauty in Catholicism is deeply tied to the idea of harmony, order, and radiance, aligning with the belief that beauty is a means through which humans can experience the presence of God.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions that "the beauty of creation reflects the infinite beauty of the Creator" and can lead us toward love and desire for God. This connection between the created world and divine beauty is fundamental, suggesting that beauty is both a path to divine truth and a manifestation of God’s goodness.
In musical terms, beauty within the Catholic context often emphasizes harmony, proportion, and emotional depth, which can lift the spirit towards the divine. Church music, particularly through compositions like Gregorian chants, sacred music, and hymns, aims to transcend the merely aesthetic by inspiring worship and deepening the faith of the listener.
The beauty of sacred music is not just in its technical execution but in its ability to evoke the sacred, to touch the divine, and to articulate the ineffable mysteries of faith. Thus, beauty in music for the Catholic Church is both an artistic and spiritual endeavor, meant to elevate listeners closer to the divine order and beauty of God.
With love,
Dr. Patricio Molina, Music Director
