Second Sunday of Advent (Year A) December 15, 2019 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. (Isaiah 35:1)

 

Reflection   The Holy Land is dry, dry, dry. I had the good fortune to see this firsthand on a pilgrimage a few years ago. The arid landscape is a dominant memory of my trip. It is ever-present now, as in biblical times. That explains the rare power of the desert in full flower.   This past spring I experienced a super bloom in the Mojave Desert. The area is usually brown and gray with some dusty green, but after abundant winter rains, untold acres of yellow, lavender, and orange appeared. It was thrilling, and photos were all over the internet.    The transformation of the landscape was remarkable, and those who saw it rejoiced. I’m not exaggerating! It felt like we really were witnessing the “glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.”    In today’s first reading, Isaiah declares that the “parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom . . . with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song.” These are signs of God coming with vindication to save us.   What are our personal “deserts?” When do we see them bloom? Perhaps in relationships restored or forgiveness shared. Perhaps in wondrous music that springs forth after dreadful rehearsals. Perhaps in hope fulfilled after a long wait. Perhaps in an encouraging word in a time of trial. Perhaps in those moments of awe that confirm, deep in our being, that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.     Prayer   Eternal God, in this time for hopeful waiting, help us to see, and help us to be, signs of your love and salvation, including abundant “blooms” and joyful song.           Michael Connolly Emeritus Professor of Music, University of Portland Former NPM Board Member and Chair Copyright © 2019, National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Parish members of NPM may reproduce this material for use in their own parish.

Tom began accompanying Mass at St. Michael in 1994 and took on the Music Director role in 1999.  He met his wife Lori when she joined the choir in 1994. They were married in 1997.
Tom received his B.A. in Music Composition and Theory from VCU and earned an M.A. in Theology from Notre Dame in 2008. 

Tom and Lori reside in Rockville on 5+ acres (Camp Rockville) with their two sons, Jack (14) and Sam (12), and their dog Jazz, a standard poodle. Tom has a daughter from a previous marriage, Macy, who, along with her husband Matt, is raising two young daughters in Glen Allen. Jack and Rita (85 and 83 years young!), Tom’s parents, recently moved to Short Pump to join the fun out at Camp Rockville.

Most of Tom’s free time is devoted either to writing or chasing his sons’ sports teams around.
Tom is an avid Packers fan (a sports fan in general), a trait he shares with Lori and all his children. Tom enjoys the company of his family, whether watching a game, going to the movies, making music, or working outside in the fresh air together. Joe Sarver is one of the more in-demand bass players in the Central Virginia area.  He has been playing the bass professionally since the age of 12.  A native Richmonder, Joe has spent the better part of his musical career working with many of the most notable musicians in the Central Virginia region in every venue imaginable.  Over the years, he has been fortunate enough to have some wonderful musical associations with great veteran jazz players on the Richmond scene, as well as a number of key figures in the jazz world of national prominence.  Joe is a National Endowment of the Arts award recipient for Jazz Studies.  He has a passion for Brazilian music, especially Brazilian jazz.  St. Michael is so fortunate to have Joe in our Music Ministry. 

To get to know Joe and his musical endeavors, visit his website at joesarver.com.

The Daughter of God Ensemble



Jill Stuckey

Jill has been a member of the St. Michael Music Ministry for many years.  She spent her early years in the Rhythm Section, being mentored by our seasoned members and working extremely hard—she rehearsed for two years before she ever played “live” at Mass!  Her dedication and commitment to the ministry allowed her a spot at the drums regularly.  Some of her favorites to play are Blessed Be Your Name, Our God Is Here, A Rightful Place, and This Is the Day.  We have been blessed to have her as a devoted member of our Music Ministry.  Jill is a rising sophomore at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.  Prior to attending the Academy, she was a Drum Major at Henrico High School. 
 
Say Hi! to Jill when you see her celebrating with us over the Christmas break.  We love having her “home,” as she brings a joyful and irrepressible energy to our liturgies.  There is always a seat at the drum kit for her.  Godspeed, Jill!