St. Martha's Folk Group

Copy by the Newsletter Staff, and photos by Kathleen Lyons

From the late 1960s through the early 1990s, St. Martha's had a folk group. In addition to performing at the 10:30 downstairs Mass (baby boomers will remember "the Hootenany Mass") (and later the 9:00 Mass), they even recorded an album in the late 70s! Here are the cuts from the album.

They're recorded in MP3 format. On the player below, click on the side you want, and then click on the track you want.

Click on the rear cover of the album for a closer look (It'll be large so you can read all the names).

Media Player courtesy of www.mcmediaplayer.com

St. Martha's Folk Group Reunion, July 12 & 13, 2008

Stretching over two decades, the Folk Group of St. Martha’s sang at Mass each Sunday. Sr. Elizabeth Myles, CSJ, organized and conducted the group during its lifetime. The group was privileged to sing at the Papal Mass at Madison Square Garden during the Papal visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979. In July, the group held a reunion beginning with a celebratory Mass on Saturday July 12th here at St. Martha’s. Mass was followed by a dinner reception that evening and a picnic on Sunday. Over 40 former members of the group plus family members attended one or more of the events. A cross-section of the many “young people” who were part of this significant ministry of the parish, rehearsed and treated the faithful at the 5:00pm Mass to a beautiful rendition of many all-time favorite hymns. Msgr. Caldwell was the primary celebrant and was assisted by Rev. Anthony Trapani who was an Associate Pastor here during the “heyday” of the Folk Group. Also assisting was Rev. John O’Kane who as a young parishioner was part of the group. Children of Folk Group members served as Altar Servers and Lectors.