By Ayleen Radley, Port Elizabeth
In response to Michael Joseph Ellis’ Eucharist query about quiet time (November 28), let me offer a little insight into the lives of the choir, choir mistress and organist.
Having been involved either in choirs or as an organist for about 45 years in the Church I would very much like to have “quiet time” during Holy Communion, with soft background music, from a communion hymn or other related music.
So many times I have had to play quietly while the choir goes to Communion, then play the hymn while it gets sung, then rush to the altar to receive the Eucharist, and rush back to play the final hymn.
Even if the Eucharist is brought to the organist, the time is still very short and there is very little time to say more than a “Welcome Lord and please bless my family”.
The organist could play quietly while the priest hands out the chalice and host, go to Communion at the beginning and return to play quietly as one is able to play quietly while praying. I would very much like to see “quiet time” introduced during reception of the Eucharist time.
I try to attend Mass during the week for “quiet time” with the Lord as I feel I pray so little when playing the organ.
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