Clap along to the rich harmonies of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Mass Choir on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. as they return to the Egan Chapel for Fairfield’s annual Gospel Mass.
The Gospel Choir will be directed by Music Minister Danney Gibbs, and will provide a link between the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and Black History Month. Because of this exciting celebration, there will be no 5 or 9 p.m. Mass this Sunday.
“I always look forward to this Gospel Mass because it is a great collaboration between Christian communities in Fairfield and Bridgeport,” said Director of Campus Ministry, Fr. Mark Scalese, S.J. “Gospel music is a rich part of our American faith tradition and a wonderful way to deepen our experience of Mass. It is especially important to celebrate this Gospel Mass in proximity to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, when Christians of diverse traditions pray for greater collaboration, unity, and communion."
Fairfield’s tradition of inviting the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Mass Choir to campus has been occurring for over 30 years. Previously, the Gospel Choir used to sing at Fairfield’s Palm Sunday Mass, but two years ago this tradition changed. Fr. Mark Scalese explained that he always thought it would be more fitting to have a service combining a Catholic Mass with a Protestant choir during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Additionally, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity falls during Fairfield’s week-long celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. and nears the start of Black History month in February, which is why Campus Ministry ultimately decided to move the Mass to the last Sunday in January. This will be Fairfield’s third year following this tradition.
