A precious fountain : music in the worship of an African American Catholic community / Mary E. McGann.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McGann, Mary E.

Series:

Virgil Michel series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Catholic Church--United States--Liturgy.

Catholic Church.

Catholic Church--United States--Hymns.

African American Catholics.

Liturgics.

United States.

Genre:

Hymns.

Physical Description:

xxxiv, 326 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

Collegeville, Minn. : Liturgical Press, [2004]

Summary:

A defining example of liturgical ethnography, A Precious Fountain probes the rich particularity of one worshiping community-Our Lady of Lourdes, San Francisco-whose roots and practice are at once Black and Catholic. Compelling accounts of actual worship services, with perceptive commentary by community members, offer the reader a rare exploration of African American gospel music in Catholic liturgy. Narrative chapters are intersected by five intermezzi (Time, Space, Words, Flow, Embodiment), which are more reflective/analytic in character, and conclude with an inquiry into the distinctive theological and liturgical understandings embodied in this community's practice. Intended for both scholars and pastoral leaders, this volume forges a path along a new frontier of liturgical studies-the intersection of lived worship and liturgical theology.

Contents:

"Having a good time in the Lord!" (enjoying worship)

"I needed that song!" (rhythms of life and liturgy)

"Take your time!" (musicians and their craft)

Intermezzo : time

"I've been a guest of the Almighty!" (brother banks)

Lourdes' miracles (growing up in the church)

"When I hear my Savior say, 'welcome home!'" (being home)

Intermezzo : space

"It's about a message!" (singing the gospel)

"Preach it!" (an oral/aural art)

"Lord, help me to hold out!" (mosaics of sound and meaning)

Intermezzo : words

"Having church" (being church)

"Lord, let your spirit fall on me!" (spirit-directed worship)

"Oh, Lord, how excellent!" (movement toward communion)

Intermezzo : flow

Rhythms of the body, rhythms of the spirit (a God who loves singing and dancing)

"Dig down deep!" (women leaders)

"The spirit incorporates the body" (a vision of communal life)

Intermezzo: embodiment

Speaking theologically

Epilogue: Our Lady of Lourdes.

Notes:

"A Pueblo book."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 304-320) and index.

ISBN:

0814662072

OCLC:

55665362