Saint John’s Abbey recently increased the number of known sex offenders from the monastery from eighteen to twenty-three. [ View ] However, the monastery refuses to name the five newly ordained offenders — and has taken the names of the original eighteen offenders off of the abbey web site.
In light of the increase and the abbey’s continual lack of transparency, is this really a good idea for Fr. Anthony Ruff to parade high school kids around this anonymous group of sexual deviants?
The choir worships together as a group with the Benedictine monks on campus and with the Benedictine sisters in nearby St. Joseph and conclude each day by singing Compline.
According to the Diocese of Salt Lake City web site:
National Catholic Youth Choir — June 17 – July 2, is seeking Catholic high school students entering grades 10, 11 and 12 in fall of 2013 to audition for the 2013 camp and multi-state concert tour. Camp is at Saint John’s Abbey and University, Collegeville, Minn. The cost is $900 (scholarships available, includes meals, lodging and tour expenses). Apply online at www.CatholicYouthChoir.org or visit the website for information. [ View ]
About the Choir:
The National Catholic Youth Choir (NCYC) [ Web Site] was founded in 2000, by program director Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, is sponsored by Saint John’s School of Theology·Seminary, and meets on the grounds of Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota. The choir began under the mottoSpreading the Catholic Faith Through Great Music as a response to the call of Pope John Paul II for a “new evangelization.” The choir sings music of various Christian traditions, ranging from medieval Gregorian chant to twentieth-century music and is led by choral conductor, Dr. Axel Theimer. The primary focus of the choir is liturgical. NCYC seeks to implement the directive of Vatican Council II that the “treasury of sacred music” be preserved and fostered in the modern liturgy.
Up to 45 students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 from across the United States are selected to participate in the choir based on written applications, formal recommendations, and recorded auditions. The summer camp generally takes place the last two weeks in June and includes extensive choir rehearsals, repertoire–based classes in religion, music theory, and/or music history, recreation, recording a CD, and daily prayer. The choir worships together as a group with the Benedictine monks on campus and with the Benedictine sisters in nearby St. Joseph and conclude each day by singing Compline. The choristers receive cantor training as encouragement for music ministry in their home parishes and throughout their adult life. The two week camp includes a multi-state concert tour with up to seven performances. In past years the choir has sung throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, and Georgia.
If your parish is interested in hosting a concert performance please contact dkantor@csbsju.edu.
The registration fee for 2013 is $900 (less than $57 per day) and includes all meals, lodging and travel during camp and the multi-state concert tour; travel expenses to and from home are not included. Scholarships up to $400, based on financial need, are available.
Once accepted participants are encouraged to seek financial assistance through their school, parish council or board, parish women and mens groups such as the Knights of Columbus and youth organizations. These groups, school and/or parish often agree to make a donation or to help raise funds by sponsoring a pancake breakfast, spaghetti dinner, bake sale or garage sale. Local, regional and state art organizations/boards may have grants or scholarships available to help with registration fees or travel expenses. Local businesses may also be willing to assist if asked. NCYC is happy to list any organization, business or donor in the annual concert program and on the NCYC website.
