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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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University of Notre Dame Folk Choir
to Perform at St. Agnes Cathedral
Proceeds to Benefit Diocesan Catholic Elementary
Schools |
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, May 12, 2005 - The
University of Notre Dame Folk Choir will perform a
benefit concert for the Catholic elementary schools of
the Diocese of Rockville Centre at St. Agnes Cathedral
in Rockville Centre on Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 7:30
p.m. All donations will go to the newly-formed Diocesan
Education Foundation.
The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir is an ensemble
of 55 singers and instrumentalists. Their arrangements
of sacred music include four-part choral harmony, flute
and strings, ethnic percussion instruments, guitar and
organ. The music ministry of the choir has led them to
sing in both prestigious and disadvantaged places
throughout the world. They have sung before the late
Pope John Paul II at the ’93 World Youth Day in Denver.
The Diocesan Elementary School Foundation will serve as
the vehicle to solicit financial support from both
individual Catholics, corporations and secular
institutions. The foundation will raise funds to be used
for financial assistance to existing and new students
and support for specific projects. It will also serve as
a vehicle for a diocesan endowment for Catholic
education. In light of a perceived urgency of providing
financial support to students to help maintain or
increase enrollment, the foundation will apply the first
$2 million raised each year to financial assistance and
project support.
Financial support provided to students would be in the
form of partial scholarships based on need. It is hoped
these funds will keep children in diocesan schools who
might otherwise leave and encourage other children to
attend. The foundation will administer “Angel” giving
programs whereby the donor agrees to provide support for
a student for a number of years.
For ticket information, contact Sister Lorraine
McDonald, assistant superintendent of elementary
schools, Diocese of Rockville Centre at 516-678-5800,
ext. 545.
# # #
About the Notre Dame Folk Choir
The Notre Dame Folk Choir began singing in the late
1970's. Since then, the choir moved far beyond the
conventional definition of a "folk group." There are now
more than four dozen men's and women's voices, flute,
organ, violins, guitar, string bass, Celtic harp, cello,
and bodhrán (Irish drum). On special occasions during
the liturgical year, a brass contingent adds another
dimension to their praise. The choir has successfully
achieved a remarkable synthesis of organ and guitar
technique, bridging the gap between contemporary and
traditional choral repertoire.
While the choir is primarily an undergraduate
organization, there is an increasing number of graduate
students, faculty, and professional staff from the
University who have joined in recent years. The
camaraderie between students and professionals within
the academic community is one of the things that make
this group unique at Notre Dame.
About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Diocese of Rockville Centre was formed in 1957 and
covers 1,222 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk
Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million
Catholics (total population in both counties is
approximately 3.3 million). There are 134 parishes in
115 towns. Last year over 20,000 baptisms, 18,000
confirmations, 20,000 first communions and 5,000
marriages took place in the diocese. There are 2,137
students in Catholic kindergarten, 23,825 in primary or
elementary school, 12,628 in secondary school and 3,300
in higher institutions. There are 76 Catholic elementary
and high schools and one Catholic college in the
diocese. Catholic Health Services of Long Island
consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, two
home-care agencies, two senior housing complexes, a
community-based home for those with special needs and a
hospice. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more
than 80,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and
disadvantaged on Long Island. For more information,
visit www.drvc.org
For more information:
Sean P. Dolan
sdolan@drvc.org
516-678-5800, ext. 625
Cell: 516-510-0473 |
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