More than 40 children from Holy Cross and neighboring parishes attended the first Sacred Music Camp at Holy Cross Parish. The camp helped eliminate language barriers and brought the entire congregation together to hear their children perform. (Lisa M. Geraci | Catholic News herald)KERNERSVILLE — Campers hit a high note at their first Vespers performance after a week of chanting, learning and fun at Holy Cross Parish’s summer sacred music camp.
“It is really humbling to see kids being able to offer their gifts to Our Lord through their voices,” said Oscar Hernandez, the church’s sacred music director and camp organizer.
More than 40 children from Holy Cross and neighboring parishes St. Paul the Apostle, St. Leo the Great, Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady of the Highways and Our Lady of Grace learned liturgical hymns sung during Mass. The camp focused on Latin pronunciation, music theory, church teachings on sacred music and polyphony (combining two or more tones).
Each night campers gathered around the piano to practice newly mastered Gregorian chants and sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Friday’s finale showcased their talents to an audience of parents and parishioners.
“Our pastor, Father Noah Carter, really goes out of his way to let us know that sacred music is really something that is needed in the Church,” said Hernandez. “He is a very big supporter of our program.”
Hernandez was adamant cost should not be a barrier, so the camp was offered free of charge. Thanks to volunteers and donors, the campers stayed happy, educated and full.
“The Columbiettes, the Knights of Columbus, our office of faith education, and our Spanish Charismatic prayer group were super kind by providing us with dinner,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez said the camp offered an opportunity for young singers to grow in confidence.
When Hernandez started at the parish six years ago, there wasn’t a sacred music program. He is hopeful that many of these young prodigies will use the experience as a stepping stone to join their own church choirs.
“Here at the parish, we try to really focus on sacred music. A lot of polyphony is what we try to do at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; however, it’s hard to do that because it takes a certain number of singers,” said Hernandez, who has played the piano since he was 6.
Hernandez believes singing in Latin helps eliminate language barriers during Mass. Each camper received a book full of Latin chants, with both English and Spanish translations.
“I wanted something both the Anglo and Hispanic communities could learn, so when we come together for Masses, it is something we can do together. So, we have something that joins us,” said Hernandez.
— Lisa M. Geraci