Composer, author and award-winning performer M. Roger Holland II has a background in classical music, with his primary instrument being the piano. In his studies of music, he spent time focusing on Gospel and liturgical music, rubbing shoulders with renowned liturgists and composers – and eventually writing his own Mass setting.
“As I got older, I realized there wasn’t much music available for the liturgy that reflected the culture and aesthetics of the Black community,” Holland said. “I therefore found it important to compose some myself, so that Black Catholics could worship and ‘sing the Mass’ in a manner that was authentic to us.”
With the observance of Black Catholic History Month in November, Holland will be giving a special performance in the Diocese of Camden titled, “Getting Ready.” Presented by the diocesan Black Catholic Ministry Commission, the performance will also include participation by the Diocesan Gospel Choir. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Catholic Community of Christ Our Light, 402 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill. Mass featuring Holland’s music will be celebrated the following day, Nov. 16, at 10:30 a.m.
“Attendees can look forward to a spirited time of worship,” said Holland. “Rather than a concert, where people come, sit back and expect to be entertained, my intent is always about presenting a worship experience. There may be music where people listen and take it in, but there will be plenty of moments where people can participate and sing along – and I’ll be expecting them to!”
Holland’s career has included serving as liturgical music consultant for the New York Archdiocese’s Office of Black Ministry. He has played for the Broadway productions of Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple” and the Tony award-winning show “Memphis.” In 2016, Timothy Cardinal Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York presented Holland with the Pierre Toussaint Medallion for service.
Holland, who joined the Church at age 14, has a keen appreciation for the structure and order of the liturgy – and relishes the chance to be a part of it through his music.
“I love the formality and solemnity, as well as the way our Blackness finds a way to imbue the liturgy with spirit, inviting the Holy Spirit to come and take up residence in our midst,” he said. “Because I was formed that way – catechized – integrating my music with my Catholic faith is as easy as breathing the air.”
He added that he feels a responsibility to be his authentic self in expressing his faith as a Black Catholic.
“As Black Catholics in some places face opposition to bringing our authentic selves to the liturgy,” he said, “I feel that it is my duty, my sacred obligation, by right as a baptized Catholic, to proudly be who God created me to be every time I walk into a parish.”
Holland also emphasized how the various charisms in the Catholic Church – including Black Catholicism – serve to benefit all members of the Church.
“Our Black Catholic bishops and scholars have identified these charisms as our love of scripture, our embrace of freedom and liberation, the gift of reconciliation, and Black spirituality that is contemplative, holistic, joyful and communitarian,” he explained.
As Black Catholic History Month gets underway, Holland noted the struggles Black Catholics continue to face.
“Black Catholics are passionate about our faith and yet too often are treated as stepchildren or vagrants in our Father’s house,” said Holland. “As in the United States, the United States Catholic Church continues to struggle with its original sin – racism.”
He also shared his optimism that the Church is on a path to greater inclusion.
“The U.S. Catholic Church is poised to be truly enculturated and truly Catholic by authentically welcoming all of its members into the fold,” he said. “Black Catholic History Month is a great place to start.”
“Getting Ready” with M. Roger Holland II is free. All are welcome, and there will be a free-will offering. For more information, contact Cherryl Summers at (856) 365-0573.
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