The organist librarian

Got drenched going on the bus to the cathedral - we had to be there at 9.45 a.m. Enjoyed the ordination of Bishop Paul Mason at St George's cathedral Southwark. Being in the choir had a great view and lovely to see so many priests I know. Pity everybody was not together in the marquee afterwards especially the ecumenical guests as I know 3 of them! There was a great deal to sing but the people were able to join in as it was well-known.  I endured the choir rehearsal on Saturday for the consecration of our new bishop which happens today. I did find it irritating that the music booklet called it "the ordination" and some of the composers were not given. The hymn tunes not printed either - why? Some of the Diocesan choir cannot read music but lots can. For the first time some of the youngsters from the Cathedral choir are singing with us. It remains to be seen if the organ will be used.    As a tenor I find the attitude towards harmony puzzling. Why some items in harmony a...

Arrived at cathedral at 1 for ordination of 9 Jesuit deacons. Turns out all it was was moving chairs! Any way it was enjoyable and the cardinal was on good form. Rebecca really does get up everybody's nose acting as an assistant MC! She had said she wasn't coming! Farm St and Sacred Heart Wimbledon choirs sang new piece by Jackson with effective organ part, Haugen and Inwood. Mawby Ave verum and Cardinal giving communion and Brian with the chalice was a wonderful moment. A nice reception afterwards and saw a lot of my Heythrop friends and nuns. Told Damian about contacts with Muslims. Michael Barnes was in the congregation. Saw Joseph from Kerala and he remembered our visit. Had tea at Marks and Fr Alexander was celebrant at Mass. Byron consort of Harrow school sang Lassus and lovely Jackson O sacrum convivium. Watched Don't tell the bride and programme on WWI. Darcey Bussill on ballerinas.

Arrived to find a new Mass booklet for Advent including Kyries. Bill sang a Haugen one and found accompaniment in Alan's folder so we used that. 4 rehearsed carols - Debbie last to appear so missed warmup but she seemed to improve but was back to the bad forced tone during the service! We sang Wake o wake and I played the Bach and Walther also Bairstow on Veni emmanuel. Practised a bit before baptism at 12.30. Mandela described as a prophet. I suppose he was but he himself said he was no saint! And I'm not sure about his faith either. 

Woke late and spoke to Ann. To Mass which was led by guitars and we sang Benedictus instead of the psalm - very odd! Also Behold the lamb of God as the Agnus Dei. Nice song by Marty Haugen at the end. To coffee and chatted to Michael Smith. Worked in library and went to first meeting of the Arrupe group Faith in action. Much discussion about what to do! I suggested linking up skills available to needs e.g. language skills and literacy skills. Lion newspaper want copy tomorrow! Dinner with Fr Etienne on sabbatical. Martin Ganeri was much better as we asked questions and got him away from his script. Michael Barnes gave us coursework which looks O.K.

Tuesday to Tooting Bec school for 7 p.m. The session actually started at 7.40 p.m. Marty is sensational. I liked his stories and approach and especially the idea that the musician helps the community to remember. This is so true of many of our music choices. Learned some useful stuff including a song for the interfaith group from Ghana "May peace be in your homes" and a lovely end of day song. Stephen Dean did 2 of his numbers which were good. Met lots of people - Lyn, Dorio, folk from Thornton Heath (Lewis gave me a lift home) and Kilburn and Grove Park. Over 200 there! Quite an experience! On Monday I set off at 7 for Victoria to get a train to Beckenham junction for the Catenian meeting there but abandoned the attempt after 30 minutes as no trains going there. Had I gone the Crystal Palace route I would probably have got there!