Living Worship

Living Worship

Early each year, Church Music Dublin runs this popular short course in music, liturgy and worship. It aims to help church musicians understand their role in a wider context than simply playing an instrument or directing a choir.

The course usually takes place on Saturday mornings and has something for everyone – musicians, worship leaders, clergy and others with pastoral responsibility – all who have an interest in the music of worship. Practical music skills are not required to take part.

The sessions are fairly informal and dialogue between the speakers and those attending is encouraged.  Most speakers include some singing as part of their presentations. There is a break for refreshments half-way through the morning – always a splendid opportunity to greet old friends and make new.

The list of previous speakers and topics is available on our Living Worship: History page.

Living Worship 2022

Singers from across the Dublin and Glendalough dioceses gathered for the Living Worship event at Monkstown parish church on Saturday the 17th of September. The event was hosted by Church Music Dublin, and introduced by Kevin O’Sullivan. Vocal coach Suzanne Chadwick led the event, with Tom Maxwell at the organ.

We started with some full body exercises and stretches as well as vocal warmups. Everyone participated in these gentle exercises in a good natured way that set the tone for the rest of the morning. Suzanne explained how the whole body contributes to singing and even brought an anatomical model of the neck and vocal chords as an illustration.

Suzanne then introduced two hymns which we practised in four part harmony. Come, ye thankful people, come was familiar to everyone, while How shall I sing that majesty was new to some. We spent some time focused on the phrasing and pronunciation of the words, as well as learning the parts. Suzanne also taught us the anthem Day by Day by Martin How. A simple and effective anthem that our choir-for-a-day were able to learn in the short time available. It would be suitable for any parish church as it can easily be adapted to account for the available singers. We also learned a threefold amen by Rev. E. H. Whelan from the Irish Chant Book.

The coffee break provided a good opportunity to socialise. It was also a chance to review the educational material provided by Church Music Dublin and everyone went home with a free gift or two.

After coffee we revisited the anthem, with Suzanne highlighting some areas that needed a little extra attention. The day concluded with a short act of worship led by Kevin. This provided an opportunity to use the hymns, anthem and amen in context. The reading from Luke chapter 8, the parable of the sower, reminded us to take what we had learned to heart and apply it.

The logistics for the day, including coffee, were provided by Jacqueline Mullen, honorary secretary of Church Music Dublin.

Living Worship 2021

As restrictions did not permitted us to hold the annual Living Worship in person we arranged a webinar for ACCM students and other interested parties at which David O’Shea discussed suitable organ registration of repertoire and liturgical items. This was well received, and we immediately made videos to cover the topic more comprehensively. Recording took place in March and the videos were made available over the summer of 2021.

Living Worship 2020

Living Worship 2020 was on Saturday 25th January from 10.00am to 12.30pm.  John Dexter, conductor of the Goethe Choir, organist at Whitechurch parish church and former Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Patrick’s Cathedral, led a workshop on music for Holy Communion for small parish choirs.  This session involved lots of singing and everyone was made to feel welcome.

This workshop was of particular interest to those who direct and sing in small parish choirs, many of which may not have all voice parts.

The session explored how simple music can emphasise and bring significance to the liturgy and be satisfying for those who lead the singing. Most of the music used was from Church Hymnal and Thanks & Praise.  Participants brought back to their parish churches an enhanced understanding of the choral possibilities for the Eucharist in the Church of Ireland.

While this workshop was primarily for singers, choir directors, organists and clergy, members of congregations were also very welcome. 

Venue: Sandford Parish Church, Ranelagh, D06 A9P8.

Living Worship 2019