Mourning Martha

Refuge lost another member of our choir family, our dear friend Martha.
Martha never sang with Refuge, but she was the most supportive friend to the choir that ever could be.  In recognition of her support and considerate feedback about Refuge music Martha was designated a founding member of Refuge Quality Assurance Department.  She was loved by all - not just Refuge - for her genuine warmth and kindness.  Heaven has gained a very special soul.

Eight Years of Music Ministry

Refuge choir celebrated eight years of music ministry with a fellowship dinner and cake after Mass.

Mass for Annie

Tonight Mass was offered for our friend Annie.  We were not music ministry, but many of us were there to remember Annie again.

Mike and Mark brought the bread and wine to the altar.

Refuge at the Mass that was offered for Annie.

Celebrating Theresa's Birthday!

Guitar & Ensemble Institute 2019

Four members of Refuge attended Guitar & Ensemble Institute at Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford, Ohio.  The annual five day workshop and retreat is put on by National Association of Pastoral Musicians.

Refuge participants at NPM Guitar & Ensemble Institute.

Road trip to Ohio.  It takes about nine hours to get to Milford.

Jam session!

Performing "Annie's Hallelujah" at open mic night.

Performing "Annie's Hallelujah" at open mic night.

Rosalie lectored at Mass.

Rosalie performed a song she wrote during open mic night.

The paisanos.

Ready for the drive home.

Remembering Annie

Refuge choir remembered our dear friend Annie tonight, our first time together in music ministry since Annie passed away earlier this month. We were honored to have Annie's mother and in-laws in attendance. Our friend Sarah from Guitar & Ensemble Institute joined us. Before Mass Sal sang his "Annie’s Hallelujah." For responsorial psalm Sal cantored Steve Angrisano's setting of Psalm 63, "My Soul Is Thirsting" which was Annie's favorite and we sang for her wedding. After communion we sang Jaime Rickert's "We Remember Them" with Sal singing the verses, and for closing we rose the roof with Gerard Weber's setting of Psalm 117 "Go Out To All The World." It was Gerard who helped Annie learn to play "You Are My Sunshine" on guitar during Guitar & Ensemble Institute in 2011 so she could play it for her dad later that summer.

Sal sings "Annie's Hallelujah"

Refuge choir with Annie's mother and in-laws.

Farewell to Annie

Here are some pictures from the viewing, funeral service, and celebration of life; events that allowed us to gather in friendship to say farewell to our dear friend Annie.

Below is link to a video slide show of Annie with Refuge choir.  The songs in the video were written by Tina and Sal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx25ZvQ6oDg&feature=youtu.be

Just Us, minus Annie, performed five songs at the Celebration after funeral.

Mike performing with Just Us.

Shingle for Little Library
that will be erected in Annie's honor.

At the funeral service.

Tina and friends perform during the Celebration after funeral.

Refuge at the viewing.

Goodbye Annie

Early this morning Refuge lost our sister in music ministry. Annie was a friend to all and a work colleague to several of us. Some of us knew her for 25 years, and collaborated with her in music ministry at Old Dominion University Catholic Campus Ministry before she helped found Refuge in 2011. We shared a LOT of musical joy and fellowship with Annie. Our prayer is that she now rests in peace and comfort in the loving arms of God.

Celebrating May Birthdays

After practice Refuge celebrated May birthdays of Tina, Mark and Mansy.  Thanks to Nilda for bringing delicious cheesecake!

R. I. P. Father Jim

Refuge choir members attended the funeral Mass for Father Jim Parke at Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach. Father Parke is in the DNA of Refuge. He presided over many Masses for Catholic Campus Ministry at Old Dominion University, from which half of Refuge came to combine with Chirst the  King Sunday evening music ministers in 2011. Then, in fall of 2011, Refuge served as music ministry for Father Jim when he said Masses for a few students and faculty on Sunday evenings at Virginia Wesleyan University. Father Jim was always complimentary and supportive of Refuge. 

R.I.P. Gerry

Last week Refuge lost our new friend Gerry. Though he only sang with the choir a short time, he touched our hearts with his smile and gentle grace. He seemed to truly love the fellowship and friendships he found in Refuge. 

Fellowship and Birthday Celebration

Refuge enjoyed dinner fellowship and a birthday celebration at Sal's comfy home.

Celebrating Birthdays

After Mass Refuge celebrated Nilda's and Barry's birthdays.