Meet the Board
President/Secretary
Vice President
Treasurer
At-Large Members
Chaplain
Ex-Officio Members:
Advisor to the Board
Membership Chair
Gail Shepherd
Robert Kiersz
Elizabeth Clay
Carolyn Liarokos
Joseph Morreal
Luis Clay
Fr. Seán Paul Fleming
Board of Directors
"I play the notes as they are written,
but it is God who makes the music." - J. S. Bach
History
Our founders were in the forefront of the liturgical ferment of those post-War years. In the 1950s, they published the Cantate Omnes Hymnal - the first vernacular hymnal for Catholics in the United States. It was published in several editions, the last being the Community Mass Book in 1967. At that time, it was the official hymnal of the Chaplaincy of the U. S. Army.
The primary goal of our Guild has always been the continuing education, enrichment, and fellowship of the musicians of our church at Buffalo, toward ever-more-worthy music in our worship. We have provided and sponsored a regular calendar of workshops, lectures, concerts and other events. Through all its years, the Guild has published a periodic Bulletin concerning local and general items of interest for our membership. We have also financially supported various causes and projects beneficial to the musical life of our diocese.
Over the years, we have provided funds to individuals for the study of organ performance, which has come to be the annual Msgr. Henry Kawalec Organ Scholarship. The scholarship is funded in part by a bequest from Msgr. Kawalec. The Frank Scinta Music Scholarship, initiated in 2024, fosters the growth of young instrumentalists in our Diocese. New in 2027, The Bridget K. Blesnuk Memorial Cantor Scholarship helps develop the leadership and vocal skills necessary to cantor at Mass.
Another part of our education effort has been our Diocesan Convocation of Church Musicians. Starting in 1990, we have organized day-long seminars for our musicians, featuring leaders in liturgy and music from around the country.
In 1976, in recognition of the broader spectrum of musicians in our post-Vatican II worship, we re-named ourselves the Church Musicians' Guild. In 1983 we became the local diocesan chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. In 2021, the CMG leadership separated from NPM in order to focus on serving the needs of our local musicians.
Our Vision
The membership of the Church Musicians Guild of Buffalo includes organists, choir directors, singers, instrumentalists, clergy and many others involved in music ministries throughout the Buffalo Diocese.
The Church Musicians' Guild was founded in 1945 by a group of visionary musicians and clergy who recognized a need for education among the church musicians of the time. Their work focused on chant and organ playing skills. They created the Catholic Choir Masters Guild and attracted church musicians eager to improve their choirs.
With the Second Vatican Council the Choirmasters needed to adapt and the name was changed to the Church Musicians' Guild of Buffalo which now embraced all musicians who served Catholic congregations. Educational goals now include a wide variety of instrumentalists, sound systems, and technology necessary in today's world to support the Liturgy.
We became an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians in 1983 and then separated from NPM in 2021 to focus on serving our local church musicians. We maintain our dedication to assisting every pastoral musician in improving their musical, liturgical, pastoral and leadership skills. The youngest chorister to the most accomplished organist will find a place to learn and refresh within our organization. We abide by all church documents and instructions, and have excellent relationships with our diocese and clergy.
We greatly value the gift of our call to this most creative ministry. We pray together and enjoy the support of fellow musicians, learning from each other. We celebrate accomplishments and mourn losses together.
There are so many benefits to membership: Our yearly schedule of meetings are carefully planned to meet the needs of our WNY congregations-urban, suburban and rural. News is regularly sent by mail or email with announcements keeping everyone informed of CMG and Diocesan events. Each member is provided with a membership directory which provides contact information and a list of substitutes. This is an invaluable tool for networking and finding members with an area of expertise easily.