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Looking for a mass that has uplifting, prayerful and innovative music that enhances each Sunday’s liturgy? Then all family members will enjoy the liturgical accompaniment of “Worship & Praise” found at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass.
Under the leadership of director/guitarist Stephen Hurd (503-580-6573), Praise & Worship is St. Cecilia’s contemporary music ensemble. Its members are called to serve God’s people through music…with a new beat, rhythm and harmonies of inspired singers and musicians playing various contemporary instruments. We are always looking for new members who want to share their talents with these active, fun and spiritual individuals. As one of the members of Praise & Worship you will also have the opportunity to participate as one of the Cantor Ministers.
Practices are held each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. inside the Church (5th Avenue side entrance). Contact Stephen Hurd if you are interested in lending your talent at a practice to see where you may blend with our members.
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History of “Praise & Worship”
St. Cecilia's Praise & Worship started out in 1975, being known as "The Folk Group". The music was something new to St. Cecilia Catholic Church. The songs were not found in the old traditional hymnals and it had a different beat and feel to it. The group consisted of about 4 guitarists and 8 singers. At that time all music choirs/groups sang from the Choir loft where the pipe organ was stationed. The music was chosen the night of practice by popular vote of the members of the group.In 1981, Joanne Skidmore was asked to lend a hand with directing and liturgically choosing the music from the new Today's Music books. Then, in 1982 Stephen Hurd (who was a co-director at St. Anthony’s in Tigard) was asked to help the guitarists in the St. Cecilia's Folk Group; so he was playing and singing in both parishes for several years.
In 1992, the pipe organ and music choirs/groups were moved from the choir loft to where we are now just off the alter, but we were behind decorative wood screening panels. This format for the music programs continued for years, until there was another change in the air for the church.
Fr. Scott Vandehey became the pastor of St. Cecilia's, and the screen at the alter area was removed. The pipe organ was moved up to the choir loft again, a new sound system was installed, and the Folk Group was now visible to the whole church assembly, bringing more opportunity for participation of the congregation to sing along. Stephen Hurd was asked to become the director of the Folk Group and take the music in a new direction. Stephen gave some of the older music new life with different beats. He asked St Cecilia’s Church to purchase new music books (Voices As One) from World Press Library to give a new contemporary sound in the church. It is not uncommon for the congregation to applaud this fine group of musicians after the priest has left the sacristy.
Now, in 2014, our members feel that it is time to change the name by which we are known. We want a name that is easy to say but reflects the spirituality we believe we bring to the celebration of the Mass. Today, we sing from “Breaking Bread,” “Voices As One,” “Voices As One (vol.2),” “Spirit & Song,” and “Spirit & Song (vol.2).” We have not reached a final name but are taking one out for a ride to see how it feels…that name is “Praise & Worship.” With the retirement of Fr. Pat and the re-assignment of Fr. Joseph on June 30th, we are, again, expecting changes. Fr. Cary and Fr. Mark arrived July 1, 2014, Pastor and Parochial Vicar, respectively. Praise & Worship looks forward to working with the new religious leaders of God’s Church, St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Beaverton, over the next years to institute any changes that it is believed will benefit God’s people in coming to know Him better. -
Contact Us
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Stephen HurdDirector, Praise & Worship (Contemporary Music Ensemble)
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