SSG Summer School 2007

The Society of Saint Gregory (SSG) held its annual music and liturgy Summer School at Sneaton Castle in Whitby from 30 July and 3 August. The theme of the week was “Becoming the Body of Christ: Community and Mission”. Over 70 participants assembled at the beautiful site in North Yorkshire for 5 busy days of workshops, seminars, reflection and prayer.

“What kind of community are we welcoming people into?” Taking the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) as a standard, Caroline Dollard, of the Ampleforth Pastoral Team, explored with the participants how becoming the Body of Christ requires a commitment to both community and mission. Other keynote speakers were her husband, Kit Dollard, and Andy Raine, a founder member of the Northumbria Community, who spoke of the motivational gifts we all have but often neglect to use.

The week’s liturgies contained a cosmopolitan selection of music, ranging from Asian hymns and African songs to Gregorian chant, as well as several pieces by members of the Society's own composers’ group, all directed by Martin Barry, Choirmaster at Salford Cathedral. Practical workshops included instruction in English chant with Father Peter Allan CR of Mirfield, sessions for instrumentalists and cantors, and liturgical dance. For the less musically-inclined, there were seminars on catechesis and on CAFOD's livesimply campaign, of which the Society is a corporate member and supporter.

The week was crowned by a joyful and inspiring Mass held in Sneaton’s beautiful chapel.

For a full report on this year’s Summer School, don't miss the next issue of the Society’s journal, Music and Liturgy.

Next year’s summer school will take place at Worth Abbey in West Sussex from 28 July to 1 August.