Anointing of the sick & Concert: Andrew Goldstein, Steward for Music Ministry, Saint Michael’s Parish

 Last week, our oldest daughter invited us to mass today, the First Saturday of May held at The Chapel of  Mary, located in The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, popularly known as The Grotto, a Catholic outdoor shrine and sanctuary located in the Madison South district of Portland, Oregon, United,  After mass, there was going to be a concert by some members of the choir from Saint Michael’s Parish in Olympia, WA led by Andrew Goldstein, Steward for Music Ministry

As we are trying to get ready for Mothers Day, we reluctantly accepted and got reward bigly:  While we have been to mass at the Grotto several times, this time the church was overflowing, as it coincided with the anointing of the sick  The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament in which the priest prays, lays hands and anoints the sick person with blessed oil in the name of the whole church. Anyone who is seriously ill due to sickness, injury or old age may be anointed. The sacrament is intended for serious mental or emotional illness as well. We were touched.

After mass, we were ready for the concert.  It did not start on a good note, as the sound system was not in working order. Undaunted, Andrew kicked it off playing the piano and singing with a voice that is a cross between Sergio Pereira, founding member of the Tenors, my favorite monk, John Michael Talbot

and gospel singer Michael W. Smith.  Saint Michael’s website describes Andrew not as Music Director but as Steward for Music Ministry:  “Andrew helps people encounter Christ through sung prayer. He shepherds the gifts of volunteers in the adult choirs, children’s choirs, orchestra, and contemporary band, as well as provides support for concerts and other music-related events.” 

 Such description reminded me of a conversation I recently had with my twin 9 year-old granddaughters. Because I usually stream Christian Music as we are driving, they asked why the genre.  My response was that such music is a form of prayer.  They nodded approvingly.  It turns out they also sing beautifully, as biased as I may be.  They are also in the church choir.

Needless to say, we were double blessed:  Attended a beautiful service and were treated to an outstanding free service.  We just had to get Andrew’s by donation CD.  Life is good!  If you want to hear Andrew’s music so we can compare notes, perhaps is best to contact him at the Parish.