April was busy! Lots of music, reading and church, so I’m linking up with Leigh Kramer to share some of what I’m into.
Books
Shirt of Flame: A Year with St. Therese of Lisieux
This has been on my to-read list since it came out about five years ago but I never got to it. Heather King brings Therese to life while integrating the saints life with her own. I learned quite a bit about Therese of Lisieux and felt inspired in my own spiritual growth.
Behind Her Eyes: A suspenseful psychological thriller
Although I read this on the couch, it’s a classic “beach read”. Suspenseful, well written, and a little weird.
Holy Spokes: The Search for Urban Spirituality on Two Wheels
I was so excited for the release of this book! Rev. Laura Everett is local to Boston and we have been connected on social media for the last few years. I finally got to meet her at the release party for this excellent book about the spirituality of living in the city through the eyes of a bike rider. I loved the local connections, but recommend this one to anyone who is interested in reflecting on what it means to live in community – especially when we are in close quarters.
Music
I had the chance to sing one of my all-time favorite choral pieces, Mozart’s Requiem, with the BSO in April. The rest of the month was devoted to rehearsals for Into the Woods, which opens in a week! I’m also working on a few pieces for a recital with Boston Singers’ Resource that will be in early June. Check the calendar for more info!
Writing
I tried to get a few more posts up on the blog this month. I wrote about the start of Holy Week, then about the end of Lent, and most recently surprised myself by quickly writing at length about how the desire to be seen as tough can be poisonous.
Additionally, I had a piece published in Classical Singer this month. Check it out on their website.
Church
This month involved a whole lot of sacraments!
Most importantly, I was honored to be a confirmation sponsor for my cousin Nick at the end of the month. I know my job is to pray for him and nag him about going to church and being a good person, but I know that I don’t have to worry at all about those last two things, so I’ll stick with praying for him.
That same week I had the pleasure of doing music for two other confirmation services, one of which included baptisms as well. It is always such a blessing to witness those moments.
There is a new shrine in the seaport district that opened earlier this month. I got to join the choir that was singing for the dedication mass and get an early peek at the new space. It is magnificent!
And of course we celebrated Easter, and I was reminded of the sacramentality of family life, and of how much grace and joy I find with the ones I love. (Apologies to my mom who was not in this picture – though she was at home and was probably enjoying the quiet time. We all had dinner together not long after this was taken).
I hope your April was just as joyful as mine (though perhaps not quite as busy!) What have you been into?
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Books look great
Oh, Holy Spokes looks like a book my husband (avid urban cyclist) might enjoy. I’ll have to keep an eye out.
Well- my wife and i have just bought a house in Cuenca, Ecuador after two years of looking. We’ll be moving there permanently in a few months. My plan is to continue and expand (I hope) my catechizing.
That is such exciting new, Christian! I’m sure it is quite a project to move to Ecuador – hope all has gone well and that your catechetical pursuits are still thriving!
Also in the last month I’ve read two Civil-War related books. The first would be interesting to anyone with a general interest in US history; the second is for a more particular readership. Both illuminating.
The Man Who Would Not Be Washington: Robert E. Lee’s Civil War and His Decision That Changed American History
Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War
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