Wednesdays with Father - WWF

Blessed Sacrament School

Considering the creativity and passion of music juxtaposed with the structure and prescriptive nature of a computer, one would not initially think of these two interests intertwining.

But for Jim Jones, director of music at Blessed Sacrament beginning July 1, they do. Jim has master’s degrees and simultaneous careers in both music and computer science. He explains his proficiency in the two: “Musicians make good programmers because we are used to a symbolic language. Dots are important in both.” In the same vein, he sees computers as the performance arm of technology.

As director of administrative computing (in other words, chief information officer) at Newman University since 1996 and music director at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Wichita since 1982, Jim has found a blended combination of these talents.

His career at Newman actually started when he became director of choral activities in 1982. He left after eight years for a stint at Foulston Siefken but was drawn back to Newman and the technology job. Prior to that, he taught music at North Dallas High School, All Saints in Wichita and St. Mary’s in Derby after completing his bachelor’s degree in music at Southern Methodist University. His graduate degrees are from Southern Methodist University (music) and University of Central Oklahoma (computer science).

Jim grew up in St. Anthony Parish, and he and his wife Mary live in the Blessed Sacrament parish; Mary teaches first grade at the school. They have two adult children, Zach and Andrea.

He was partly drawn to the music director job at Blessed Sacrament because of Father Shawn McKnight. They worked closely when Father was director of the diocesan Office of Worship.

Even though he wants to have time to assess the program before making changes, Jim’s overall objective is to build upon the fine work already done and continue to improve the quality of the music in the parish. He describes his liturgical music style as “eclectic.” He values the text in worship music and says it should be “ritually appropriate” and the musical setting needs to be “inviting and supporting of the celebration” both in congregational hymns and in special choral offerings. He plans to draw from a variety of musical resources and be less dependent on hymnals.

Some alterations to the church also would assist to improve the vocal and instrumental quality, he said. The flat ceiling and acoustic tiles are not conducive to sound bouncing off the way it should – enhancing the sound of the assembly. A survey of the church facility will take place this year to address these and other concerns.

Because his role will include direction of the 11 a.m. Mass adult choir, Jim plans to call the choir together for its first rehearsal with him as director the Wednesday following Labor Day.

Through the listening sessions last summer, the parish membership emphasized that the experience of Sunday Mass was the most critical factor for the parish community and that the music needs to be improved. To this end, Father McKnight has faith in Jim enhancing the quality of worship music. He called the new music director “gifted, knowledgeable, able to draw interest in a music program, and competent regarding the Catholic perspective of music in worship. He will be a great benefit to our parish.”

Choir Openings
Openings for Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass section leaders for choir. Requirements: excellent sight-reading skills; vocal training; ability to assist section in learning parts and good vocal production; be present for all scheduled rehearsals, Masses and other services; willingness to serve as Cantor/Song Leader as required at non-choir Masses. Anyone interested, please call Jim Jones to schedule an audition. Cell: 250.1457; home: 685.8026 .

Forms for the 09/10 school year are available here to download or contact Christina Weber, 682.8916 or cwber@wichitagrowthcenter.com. Return registration form by July 1st for early bird discount.

The 1st Annual K4J Family BBQ will be held at 6pm on July 4th at Tim and Jennifer Frashers’ ranch located in Cheney, KS. Their address is 4406 E. Surfboard Dr.  Their phone number is 542.0333. Each family is asked to bring lawn chairs, a side dish, enough hot dogs/hamburgers to grill and buns for their family.

Feel free to bring any games to play outside!

K4J Parent Information Meeting - Monday July 20, 7pm in Bishops Hall - Childcare & refreshments provided

Blessed Sacrament is accepting applications for the ’09-’10 School term.

Pre-School students must be 3-years-old or 4-years-old, respectively, by September 1, 2009. Placement is first come, first served, with registered parishioners receiving priority. Paperwork is available in the school office during regular school hours, 8am-4pm, M-F. A $50, non-refundable deposit is due with the application

We are also accepting Kindergarten registration forms for the 2009-2010 school year.  If you did not attend the Nov.10th mandatory parent meeting, call the school office, 684.3752, to make an appointment.

You will meet with our Principal, Mr. Grogan and discuss registration.

Click here to download registration form for more information on the School website >

1. Check schedule: e-mail, school or it’s always in the bulletin
2. Find sub if you can not serve
3. Be there 15 minutes early
4. Girls: keep hair pulled back, no make-up, fingernail polish, jewelry or hair accessories ( giant, bows ribbons etc.)

Altar Server schedules will now be available on your child’s Power School site (except when the site is closed before grading periods).  To Login to PowerSchool to download the Altar Server Schedule, click here. Schedules will no longer be sent home with the students, beginning soon. You may also check the church bulletin.

Please remember that being an altar server is an important commitment, a service to Our Lord, and is to be taken seriously. If you are scheduled, please show up 15 minutes prior to mass beginning. If you cannot serve, you must secure a substitute to cover for you. To review the Altar Server Checklist, click here to print out the checklist.