This episode of Ministry Monday is sponsored by GIA Publications, Inc.
GIA proudly announces the release of Tu Pueblo Canta—our new Spanish-language hymnal. With 520 hymns and songs and 10 complete Mass settings, Tu Pueblo Canta reflects the diversity of Latinos across the globe and enshrines the journey of the Hispanic / Latin-American people in sacred song, representing over 30 styles from bolero to salsa. Two assembly editions are available—a beautifully embossed hardcover in the GIA tradition as well as a soft cover lyrics-only edition.
See the full index of titles and all available editions at giamusic.com/tupueblocanta.
Today we’re stepping inside a truly monumental moment in modern Church history.
When a beatification takes place, like all liturgies, the music doesn't just accompany it—it gives voice to the joy and devotion of the entire faithful. The recent beatification of Blessed Fulton Sheen is no exception. Joining us today is NPM member Monty Bennett, who served as one of the assistant organists for the beatification liturgy. Monty shares what it was like to support such an historic celebration, how the musical team selected and rehearsed the repertoire, and the unique pastoral responsibility that comes with playing for a liturgy filled with such profound history and grace. Not only that, we get to hear the special story about the organ used for the beatification liturgies, and where it is now.
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Bio: Monty Bennett
R. Monty Bennett began musical studies at an early age in his native California. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, he was a student of Dr. James Welch, with whom he studied organ, carillon and harpsichord. Early keyboard studies were under the tutelage of William Bagileo, Herbert Nanney, and Dr. Roger Nyquist.
Monty has performed around the world as an organist, and in 2005, he made his European debut playing a recital for the 22nd International Festival of Organists in Turin, Italy, where he played the European première of a collection of African-American spirituals by Calvin Taylor. He has performed for numerous chapters of the American Guild of Organists, as well as playing at major churches and universities across the country. As a champion of the music of Black composers, he was chosen to play the world première of the Franco-African Triptych by the Nigerian composer, Godwin Sadoh.
For 10 years, he served as the Principal Organist at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina, where he designed and dedicated the five manual, 168 stop, Fratelli Ruffatti pipe organ. Most recently he was both the Membership/Music Director at Temple Israel and the Music Director/Organist at Park Road Baptist Church, both in Charlotte, NC, and now serves as the Director of Sacred Music/Principal Organist at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, Lancaster, SC. In light of his musical accomplishments, he is listed in Who’s Who in America and has been featured on the renowned American Public Media broadcast Pipedreams.
Monty holds the Colleague certification of the AGO, the Fellowship diploma of the Three Counties School of Music (UK), is a Fellow of the Guild of Musicians and Singers (UK), a Fellow of the Cotswold Society of Church Musicians (UK), a Fellow of the Fraternity of St. Cecilia (UK), and is a Certified Nonprofit Executive (NANOE).