Dorfen - The Advent singing in the Dorfen parish church aims to bring light into the darkest time of the year.
A nice idea, especially in the pandemic, that is being implemented responsibly.
Open the door, the gate opens wide: In the coming weeks, Father Stephan Matula and the Dorfen church musicians Lydia Ulrich-Riedl and Ernst Bartmann invite you to Advent singing in the parish church of Maria Dorfen.
Advent is the darkest time of the year, when the nights are the longest and the days are the shortest.
But in the next few days the big Advent wreath will be hung up, and soon the first candle will burn and bring light to the hearts of the believers.
And Advent songs will also sound through the nave.
"Especially in times of Corona, believers have a great longing for tradition and spirituality, which has always shaped our lives," says Bartmann.
Last year the choirs did not perform well, this year they will be present again.
"That is also a valuable signal: We are still here, we can go on," explains the organist and church musician.
And his colleague Lydia Ulrich-Riedl adds: "That strengthens the singers but also the believers and gives a lot of strength - is good for the soul."
Above all, it is the sense of community that has gradually been lost in the corona pandemic, says Bartmann. “That is the crux of the pandemic. We are supposed to isolate ourselves. We are alone. "That is why it is the task of the choir director to bring back together what belongs together:" Church and music. "
In addition, the choirs must not break apart, says Ulrich-Riedl. “With the performances we have another goal in mind.” On the first Sunday in Advent, November 28th, the men's choir starts at 4 pm with the Advent singing. In addition, Father Stephan reads contemplative texts. On the second Advent, also at 4 p.m., the young choirs can be heard. Under the direction of Ulrich-Riedl, the Singsterne and the youth choir will perform a small Singspiel, followed by Lyrico Vocale and the church choir on the following Advent Sundays.
There will also be a rorate again this year. Works by Handel, Vivaldi and Bach are part of the Engelamt, as is the early beginning, on Fridays at 6 a.m. "The festive atmosphere with candlelight and baroque music touches our hearts, makes our lives brighter - a very special start to the day," says organizer Susanne Gelsheimer and invites all early risers among the Dorfen Catholics to the parish church. The angel office in St. Georg in Oberdorfen takes place on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
“Advent is a time of grace.
Corona forces us to think more about God, ”says Pastor Matula.
Therefore it is more important than ever to him and to all other responsible persons in the community to set an impulse.
“So that we can experience love and draw strength.” And the pastor adds: “God has not forsaken us.
In these difficult times it is more important than ever to celebrate Christmas in order to show all Christians that they are not alone. "
Of course, Father Stephan is also critical of the sudden development of the fourth corona wave.
But he firmly believes that Advent and Christmas can be celebrated in the church this year in almost the same way as before the pandemic.
"Church services and Advent singing will in any case be streamed this year too, and the current G-rules will be announced in good time." MICHAELE HESKE
