Gratitude for Bill Fraher
October 29, 2020
,Dear friends,
I think it is safe to say that if there is one piece of our mission that has put Old St. Pat’s “on the map,” per se, it’s the gift of our music. For the many years in which I have been affiliated with this remarkable community, I bet that I hear multiple times on a weekly basis how grateful people are for the inspiration they have received from singing with, listening to, and praying from the musical genre that fills the sanctuary of Old St. Patrick’s Church. From our weekly worship to the memorable concerts of “Deck The Hall” and “Siamsa na nGael” at St. Patrick’s Day, and partnering with the gospel musical of “Too Hot to Handel,” Old St. Pat’s has, for many years, evangelized and welcomed many into our church family through the inspired sounds of our choirs and musicians. We are blessed in so many ways.
As I reflect upon the blessings of Old St. Pat’s, especially during this 175th anniversary time, I can’t help but give thanks for all those who have been the foundation on which we have been able to build such a powerful experience of church. One of those names that will forever be etched into the foundation of this church is Bill Fraher. For almost three decades, Bill has brought an overwhelming gift of musical and liturgical expertise to the people of Old St. Pat’s. We would not be where we are today if it were not for Bill’s passion, creativity, and his commitment to excellence in the area of music.
One of the key reasons why countless people have benefitted and found their way to Old St. Pat’s is through Bill’s dedication to our mission of music and how he has used that gift as a tool of building up the life and vitality of Old St. Pat’s. His vision for creating musical experiences that reflect the Gospel values of hospitality, inclusion, diversity, kinship, and building the kingdom of God by changing the church and the world for the better, has been at the heart of Bill’s musical creativity. We will forever be grateful to Bill for the solid foundation on which we stand today. He helped to create some amazing concerts and an experience of music that has blessed the souls of many who entered our sacred space. As Fr. Jack Wall once said: “Bill Fraher is one of the best, if not THE best, musical directors in the Catholic world.”
I think it is safe to say that if there is one piece of our mission that has put Old St. Pat’s “on the map,” per se, it’s the gift of our music. For the many years in which I have been affiliated with this remarkable community, I bet that I hear multiple times on a weekly basis how grateful people are for the inspiration they have received from singing with, listening to, and praying from the musical genre that fills the sanctuary of Old St. Patrick’s Church. From our weekly worship to the memorable concerts of “Deck The Hall” and “Siamsa na nGael” at St. Patrick’s Day, and partnering with the gospel musical of “Too Hot to Handel,” Old St. Pat’s has, for many years, evangelized and welcomed many into our church family through the inspired sounds of our choirs and musicians. We are blessed in so many ways.
As I reflect upon the blessings of Old St. Pat’s, especially during this 175th anniversary time, I can’t help but give thanks for all those who have been the foundation on which we have been able to build such a powerful experience of church. One of those names that will forever be etched into the foundation of this church is Bill Fraher. For almost three decades, Bill has brought an overwhelming gift of musical and liturgical expertise to the people of Old St. Pat’s. We would not be where we are today if it were not for Bill’s passion, creativity, and his commitment to excellence in the area of music.
One of the key reasons why countless people have benefitted and found their way to Old St. Pat’s is through Bill’s dedication to our mission of music and how he has used that gift as a tool of building up the life and vitality of Old St. Pat’s. His vision for creating musical experiences that reflect the Gospel values of hospitality, inclusion, diversity, kinship, and building the kingdom of God by changing the church and the world for the better, has been at the heart of Bill’s musical creativity. We will forever be grateful to Bill for the solid foundation on which we stand today. He helped to create some amazing concerts and an experience of music that has blessed the souls of many who entered our sacred space. As Fr. Jack Wall once said: “Bill Fraher is one of the best, if not THE best, musical directors in the Catholic world.”
In a recent conversation with Bill, he informed me that after some time of prayerful discernment and with gratitude for 29 years of leading the concert choirs of Old St. Pat’s, he felt it was time to hand off the directing baton. While it is hard to imagine our concert experience without Bill at the conducting stand, I know that his presence and his passionate dedication to quality and excellence will forever guide us in our future musical endeavors. As I said, Bill put us on the musical map and his ways of connecting Old St. Pat’s to some of the finest musicians and vocal talents in the city and throughout the country have been a gift of inestimable value. Because of Bill, we have a great foundation and our music ministry, both in worship and concert form, will continue to thrive and grow.
On behalf of the people of Old St. Pat’s, both past, present, and future, I express my deep and heartfelt thanks to Bill Fraher for all that he has meant to this place and our mission. I am so grateful for his joy, friendship, and the vision of church he has helped us establish here at Old St. Pat’s. We are forever thankful to Bill.
Despite these challenging pandemic times in which we find ourselves, I look forward to celebrating and honoring Bill’s 29 years of faithful service in the months ahead. Join me in raising a prayer of thanksgiving for Bill’s goodness to Old St. Pat’s.
Sincerely,
Fr. Tom Hurley
On behalf of the people of Old St. Pat’s, both past, present, and future, I express my deep and heartfelt thanks to Bill Fraher for all that he has meant to this place and our mission. I am so grateful for his joy, friendship, and the vision of church he has helped us establish here at Old St. Pat’s. We are forever thankful to Bill.
Despite these challenging pandemic times in which we find ourselves, I look forward to celebrating and honoring Bill’s 29 years of faithful service in the months ahead. Join me in raising a prayer of thanksgiving for Bill’s goodness to Old St. Pat’s.
Sincerely,
Fr. Tom Hurley