By George P. Matysek Jr.
gmatysek@CatholicReview.org
David Haas, Marty Haugen and Michael Joncas have composed some of the most recognizable liturgical music of the last 30 years.
Beloved works such as “You are Mine,” “Eye has not Seen,” and “On Eagle’s Wings” are heard in Catholic churches throughout the English-speaking world.
The trio will make a rare appearance together Oct. 11 at St. Andrew by the Bay in Annapolis in a concert that will benefit “Music Ministry Alive,” a summer youth institute dedicated to the development of young liturgical ministers and leaders.
“Their music in particular achieved that perfect balance of singability and Catholic theology that some other composers were unable to achieve after the Second Vatican Council,” said Zack Stachowski, music director at St. Andrew by the Bay and an instructor at the Minnesota-based Music Ministry Alive. “Their music has a timeless nature.”
Founded in 1999, Music Ministry Alive has graduated more than 1,700 youths – many of whom have gone on to work in music ministry within their parishes. Maryland is among the top five states for sending participants to the program, according to Stachowski.
“They come from all over the country and the world,” he said. “It focuses on youth music ministers, providing workshops and training to help form them as better musicians and all-around liturgical ministers.”
Stachowski, who studied in Music Ministry Alive as a high-school student, noted that the program also has an adult track. St. Andrew sends up to five youths to participate in the program every year, he said.
“They come back just on fire for music ministry and anything they can do for the church,” said Stachowski, who will play the violin during the upcoming concert.
The benefit concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 purchased in advance and $35 at the door. Advance tickets must be ordered by Oct. 7.
For more information, call 410-974-4366 or email zstachowski@standrewbythebay.org