Bells at Assumption Church

During the July 4th weekend, the bells in the Assumption church tower pealed once again after many years of silence. There are two bells in the tower. The large one is quite heavy and several feet in diameter. When it is rung together with its smaller partner, a peal of bells is achieved. We will ring these bells fifteen minutes before Mass as a "call to worship". They will also be rung at weddings. The larger bell, known as a toll bell will be rung at funerals. We will also use this bell on September 11th to commemorate the day. Thank you, again, to our anonymous benefactor for restoring these beautiful bells.



1. God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song. God dwells within each human person, in the place
where music takes its source. Indeed, God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises.

26. Singing is one of the primary ways that the assembly of the faithful participates actively in the Liturgy.
The people are encouraged "to take part by means of acclamations, responses, psalms, antiphons and hymns..."
The musical formation of the assembly must be a continuing concern in order to foster full, conscious, and active participation.

- The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, articles 1, 26

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Music Director, Organist
Ron's ministry includes planning and accompanying all liturgies, coordination and training with the cantors, Parish Chorus, sub organist and musicians.

Cantors
Sally, Jean, Kristen, Joan and Geri are dedicated people who love music in the liturgy. Every weekend and at funerals and weddings, our cantors help raise our voices in song to worship the Lord. View the Cantor Photo Gallery here .

Chorus
The Parish Chorus received a special blessing for our ministry on November 15, 2009. Our chorale entertains the folks of our local assisted living homes twice a year. The residences are Anna Erika, Staten Island Care Center and Lakeside Manor in Silver Lake. We have presented our springtime visits with a show entitled "USA on Parade" on May 2 at Anna Erika and SI Care Center and on May 16 at Lakeside Manor. This is a wonderful and fun ministry for both the residents and our choristers alike. The Chorus enjoyed an Awards Pizza Party on May 29. A big thank you to Nick, Lynne, Paula and Eddy, Alan, Peter, and Ray.

Sub Organist
On the rare occasion that you don't see Ron at the console, there is a gifted young man from Silver Lake at the keyboard. His name is Christian Kinsella. The Regis High School senior, who has achieved high honors and who performs violin, will be attending Cornell University this autumn. In January of 2009 he was invited to the Presidential Inauguration and Inaugural Ball to perform. We are very proud to have him accompany our liturgies here at Assumption-St. Paul.

Funerals
Your family will be offered the opportunity to choose music for the Mass of Christian Burial. You may select four hymns and a psalm from an extensive list.

Weddings
Please call in advance so we can sit down and plan the liturgical music for your special day.

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Instrument Update

Assumption Church
In the autumn of 2007, the organ underwent significant restoration and repairs. It received some much needed TLC and a tuning of its electronic components. Also, your music director ascended the bell tower for a general inspection. The organ chamber was thoroughly inspected and cleaned. In December of 2008, most of the pipes were tuned by your music director. They have not been tuned in twenty years. On September 3 and October 15, 2009 the organ was serviced again to correct some minor glitches and bring it in tip-top shape. A Suzuki keyboard was purchased summer of 2008 for use with the Parish Chorus and other events.



Chapel of Saint Paul
The big Allen organ in Cohalan Hall is in good shape and ready for special occasions and feasts, Christmas and Easter. The Conn Minuet organ in the Chapel underwent a complete overhaul summer of 2008.




Assumption Organ
The magnificent organ at the Assumption Church is a hybrid instrument containing both pipes and digital electronics installed in 1986. On August 15, 1987, the 65th anniversary of the Assumption Church and the Feast of Our Lady's Assumption into heaven, the organ was dedicated. The pipes in the 'new' organ were acquired from the original organ which is an M.P. Möller, Opus (serial number) 4369 installed in 1925. Currently, the pipe portion of the hybrid contains 146 pipes in two ranks called flutes and principals. The electronics portion and console is a Rodgers Essex Series 640. The twenty-three visible pipes that you see in the loft are just for show and are called "dummy" pipes. However, when the original organ was in use, these pipes were actually two octaves of working pipes producing the low bass tones. Behind them are the current working pipes, electronics and a blower motor to supply air to the instrument.

The American Guild of Organists NYC Organ Project is an ongoing attempt to document the organs present and past that have been installed in the five boroughs of New York City. They have provided us a web page to view the details of the Assumption organ. This page, which includes photos of the organ and church as well as a short history can be viewed by clicking here .

Unfortunately, pipe organs are of a dying breed of musical instrument, however, the church fully encourages the installation and restoration of such instruments. That is because they are unmatched in their power and beauty to inspire singing and to uplift the soul:

'In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high
esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which
adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies
and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things.'

- Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, article 120