Fonda, Varina parishes to host Advent concert with Fr. Hemann

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
November 24, 2005

FONDA/VARINA - The Faith Formation Program of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Fonda and St. Columbkille in Varina will provide "A Celebration of Advent" beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 at OLGC in Fonda.

"We wanted to have something special during Advent," said Kerry Noethe, director of religious education at OLGC and St. Columbkille. "It is sponsored by the Faith Formation Program and it is a service project for the confirmation class. They are going to help with the set up and reception."

Father David Hemann, pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Holstein and Sacred Heart in Ida Grove, will be the special guest for the evening. He will provide a concert for those in attendance.

"Father Hemann has played here before," said Noethe. "We have used a lot of his music in our confirmation program. He is just well-liked in this area. We felt like it would be an inspirational program."

During the concert, Father Hemann will share songs along with other parts of his music ministry. Noethe mentioned that Father Hemann "has a wonderful way of using his music and spoken ministry combined."

"I think music is a universal language," said Noethe. "You don't need words when you have music. You can pray without words. Most people respond to music. It touches them on a different level than words do."

The Catholic Church puts emphasis on preparing, commented Noethe, and Advent is a time for that.

"In this day and age it is important to step back and refocus on the spiritual rather than the secular," said Noethe.

Noethe pointed out that all of the parishes in the area as well as the public are invited to attend, and a freewill offering will be taken. Father Hemann's CDs and tapes will be available to purchase.

The confirmation class will host a reception following the concert.