Liturgical dance is another way to worship at Mass, a kind of prayer of the whole body, which expresses joy and beauty, just as David danced before the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament.

In a recent document from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, we learn: "The dance can be an art: a synthesis of the measured arts (music and poetry) and the spatial arts (architecture, sculpture, painting). As an art which, by means of the body, expresses human feelings, the dance is especially adapted to signify joy. Thus, among the mystics, we find intervals of dancing as an expression of the fullness of their love of God. Recall the cases of St. Theresa of Avila, St. Philip Neri, St. Gerard Majella. When the Angelic Doctor wished to represent paradise, he represented it as a dance executed by angels and saints. The dance can turn into prayer which expresses itself with a movement which engages the whole being, soul and body. Generally, when the spirit raises itself to God in prayer, it also involves the body. One can speak of the prayer of the body. This can express its praise, it petition with movements, just as is said of the stars which by their evolution praise their Creator (cf. Baruch 3:34)."

Psalm 150 says it best: Praise God with timbrel and dance!"

We have a dedicated group of young dancers who grace our worship occasionally with dance, especially during the Opening and Closing Songs, and the Preparation of the Gifts.  They are assisted in the choreography of their danced prayer by other young members of our parish. All of these dancers have deep faith and significant dance experience. They have danced at our annual Outdoor Mass, during Holy Week, and this year, at Christmas Eve and Epiphany.

We welcome new dancers and choreographers. For more information, email Fr. Mike