Annual Reunion for Christmas Eve

For the past 9 years, the music at the 5:30 Mass has had a contemporary flair and includes liturgical music written in a pop setting. This great group is comprised of varying age groups, from high school students to college graduates, who are vocalists as well as instrumentalists. This group was formed in 2008, under the leadership of Paul Gannon and Harry Duchesne who witnessed and appreciated the musical talents of many students of our parish.

It is important to note that these young musicians have a special connection and bond. They are able to stay connected with a Facebook group, and each year just before Christmas, they reconnect.  They pick a date and time to meet at St Mary’s for one rehearsal just before Christmas Eve.  Though they haven’t played together since the previous Christmas Eve, you would never know observing them at their rehearsal as they all seem to pick up where they left off last year and chat while refamiliarizing themselves with the music. This year, a contagious energy filled the room as the singers and musicians each jumped in.  Paul Gannon, who recently moved back to Shrewsbury with his wife Naomi and daughter Beatrice, popped in during their rehearsal to say hello to the group.  

Below is a short video of them at their rehearsal along with and a few photos of the group in action.