The Mass of our Celtic Roots 2017

This Mass was initiated more than 15 years ago to provide a welcome and an opportunity for Mass for visitors to the Celtic Connections Festival. Organised by the Music Committee of the Archdiocese of Glasgow, with the St Mungo Singers and the choir of St Mungo’s Church, Alloa, the Mass is based at St Aloysius, Garnethill – close to the Royal Concert Hall – and where the clergy and the community have always been so welcoming.

The Celtic Roots Mass each year retains some of the music of previous years, such as St Patrick’s Breastplate and the Iona Boat Song, and introduces some new elements. The 2017 Mass will include Catherine Walker’s setting of Psalm 120, Gerry Fitzpatrick’s Gospel Acclamation ‘Blessed are the poor,’ a new setting of the Sanctus and Memorial (and there may well be a fresh setting of Eucharistic Prayer 2 for Reconciliation) and James Quinn’s Blest are the pure in Heart’. The readings and Intercessions will include contributions in Scots and Irish Gaelic.

Fr Michael Hutson of Rothesay will preside and the preacher will be Fr Michael Savage of St Margaret Mary’s, Castlemilk. Bailie Margot Clark will represent the Lord Provost of Glasgow. The Piper this year is Chris Edwardson, and the harpist is Carissa Swan. The Ensemble includes Clare O’Neill, John Allan, Anne Marie Berry, Annette McKirdie, Monica Dyer and Pauline McNichol.

Priests are welcome to concelebrate – and this is an occasion for our using the magnificent vestments designed by Netta Ewing and created by the Sacred Threads (Embroidery Group)