Fingers In The Holy Water

One of the many little things I love about being back in the Catholic Church is the holy water fount. It has become an opportunity to thank the Lord for my baptism -- my being joined to Him and His family, the Church. If I stretch that moment to three seconds, I’ll give thanks for my parents who took me to church, placing me on Jesus’ lap so to speak. And I thank God for my godparents, Uncle Harry and Aunt Millie, who truly made me feel special throughout my childhood and even well into adulthood.

The holy water fount is a little sign that preaches a big sermon: For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26, 27)

It makes sense that the fount is located by the entrance doors of the church because baptism is our entrance into Christ's Church.


For Christians a special gratitude is due to those from whom they have received the gift of faith, the grace of Baptism, and life in the Church. These may include parents, grandparents, other members of the family, pastors, catechists, and other teachers or friends. "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you." CCC 2220

The Duse is gone.

I was shocked to learn that legendary ad executive Phil Dusenberry passed away last week at the age of 71. When I was on staff with Hummingbird Productions in the 1980s, I composed and produced several radio spots for Phil's agency, BBDO. He always had the best people working on his projects and some of my friends in the business were a little fearful of him. But he inspired me.

Years later I created a scenario to help me order my world. Phil Dusenberry is the central figure in this imaginary scenario and it still exists on my "to do" list:

"Invite The Duse to my studio to hear my reel (an audio sampling of my ad music work) and then have lunch at my condo that would include a tour of our home."

The idea was to lift me out of the murkiness of mediocrity to do the more excellent thing.

So what does Phil Dusenberry have to do with worship? If I knew Phil was going to be attending services where I was directing music I would want to do an extraordinarily stellar job. I know. That is totally bogus. I'm already working in the Presence of Greatness Himself who calls His musicians to play skillfully with a loud noise. But God Himself wants us to encourage and inspire one another. Phil Dusenberry's reputation for excellence did that for me.

May his soul rest in peace.