The following is a letter from our former Chapter Director, Ruth Novak, in which she reflects on the recent decision by the Bishop of the Cleveland Diocese to close the church where she has served for many years. Her thoughts remind us to place our trust in God.

After Reading this message, feel free to send your own personal reflections or comments to editor@clevelandnpm.org and we will post them on the web site for all to read. (not quite a blog, but close)

Dan Bergen, Editor

Ruth's letter .... June 2009

The parish where I have served as music director for the last 14 plus years was told to close. This came as a complete shock to the parish since it went against the cluster recommendation, particularly in light of the fact that we are financially sound and have a good physical plant. Other parishes more visible than ours experienced similar shock and outrage. Appeals to the bishop were denied in our case and most others. Some in the Diocese, and in my parish, are still trying and hoping that by some miracle these closings can be reversed.

Regardless, we face the reality of ministering to people experiencing grief in its many stages and forms, as well as dealing with our own grief. It is now that we are really challenged to take what we've learned and practice the faith and compassion to which Christ calls us. I am committed to staying at St. Wendelin until the closing, which is slated for May 23 (Pentecost) of 2010. To leave before that would feel like a betrayal to my choirs and the parish. What happens after that, I trust God to reveal in His time.

"Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled." Last summer at our Cleveland NPM Convention, Christopher Walker in his talk titled "Spirituality for Change" gave us a simple song to remember four steps in making it a constant and conscious part of our lives. "Talk to God everyday. Stay in communion with one another. Share God's love with all the world, and remember that the star is Jesus." Taking his four points to heart for our time and place: 1) Talking to God in prayer is certainly important for discerning God's guidance in this difficult time. 2) How do we as pastoral musicians stay in communion with one another? How can we support each other? 3) Share God's love with all the world can certainly include the welcoming of displaced music ministers from closed and merged parishes. A member of my choir has macular degeneration, so I make up 110 pt. font music word sheets for him and record his parts to a CD so he can listen and memorize the music parts. Are you prepared to do what you can to welcome choir members or instrumentalists who are looking for a new parish to become involved in music ministry? 4) Remember that the star is Jesus by keeping the focus on Jesus Christ and doing His will.

If any of you wish to share thoughts on the changes in the Diocese and our response to these changes, it could be very helpful to have a posting of these responses or thoughts on our website for supporting and encouraging each other.

May we continue to give thanks to God in all circumstances and to praise Him for the wonders He has done and continues to do. Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous deeds.

Yours in Christ,

Ruth Novak, outgoing Chapter Director