"Celebrate" - the CD by St. Gabriel's Contemporary Ensemble was released at the CD Party at Bin 100 Restaurant, 100 Lansdale Ave, Milford Sunday November 21st.

The CD Release Committee were elated by the capacity turnout.  Patrons were greeted, seated or roamed around to meet friends and newcomers.  Hors d'oeuvres delighted the palate and along with several tasty side dishes created a happy atmosphere.

As master of ceremonies George Bepko acknowledged all in attendance as devoted supporters of the music group across the years.  Then Bepko made the evening memorable by calling first  on Fr. Maurice  Maroney, whose love for the microphone and an audience is legendary and who found the setting perfect for crooning a love song.  Then one by one singers and musicians were acknowledged and each were awarded a plaque. 
The evening ended a huge cake, the drawing of raffle prizes  along with more photos and saying farewell to friends and supporters of the Contemporary Ensemble.  Each patron received a copy of the CD to remind them of the delightful evening and the astounding musicianship of the Contemporary Ensemble.
Fr Maroney comments after receving a plaque in his honor.
Fr Maroney presiding over the cake cutting.  Center George Bepko, current Contemporary Ensemble director and his sister Mary Bepko Fernandez, who originated the folk choir some 40 years ago, wielding the knife gently through the layers.
CD RELEASE & PARTY - A CROWD PLEASER !
"CELEBRATE" CD     The Talk of the Town

  • Fund Raiser for St. Gabriel School
  • A Parish Event
  • A Celebration of Commitment
  • A Spiritual Lift
Click on Links Below
This page was last updated: April 8, 2011
In 2009 we celebrated the 40th anniversary of what we now call "contemporary" music at St. Gabriel.
A brief history
In the late 60's a small "folk group" was formed led by my sister, Mary Bepko.  That three person group grew into an army of children - most from St. Gabriel School - whom she taught musical skill and liturgical craft in the 70's and into the 80's.  Notably after this period, Patti Pelham and Arlene Lacerenza provided direction to adult folk musicians well into the mid 90's.  1996 gave witness to a transition from "folk" music to the St. Gabriel "Contemporary Ensemble". 

In November of 2009 and again in February of 2010, we celebrated 40 Years of Contemporary Liturgical Music; these gatherings were recorded  The February concert was organized so we could correct technical issues with a few of the 16 tracks recorded from the November concert.  These "tracks" were edited and drilled down into just 2 for each song on this CD. This second evening also featured the performance of "What a Wonderful World" by our Pastor, Rev. Maurice Maroney.  This rendition pays tribute to Rev. James Lambert who, during his pastoral tenure in the 70's, often sang the song to any and all who were honored with his presence.  With "digital" magic, children from St. Gabriel School sing with Father Maroney for a reprise of the song's bridge that was not part of the concert performance.  "I Am The Resurrection" - a song from the "folk mass" years is included as a bonus track recorded apart from the concert events.  This CD features "our" children and our ensemble as an engine firing on all 'cylinders'.  "Celebrate" is a high octane version that brings contemporary music full circle - for now.

Those of you who know our Contemporary Ensemble already know what to expect on this compact disc.  The music is "contemporary".  The songs are still prayers, just set to music with a heavy dose of "spirit".  We hope you enjoy our music and are inspired by the sung words of the Gospel.  We hope you are spiritually lifted with songs of praise to our Lord.  For those who remember - songs featured from the early days have been updated instrumentally - carefully retaining the nuances of the composers original arrangements.  These recordings are live performances.

If our "style" of liturgical music enhances your personal worship experience, we welcome you to join us when we participate in monthly liturgies here at St. Gabriel.  In the meantime...insert, press "play" and listen. Celebrate 40 years with us all over again - in Stereo.

George Bepko
September 2010
St. Gabriel Contemporary Ensemble

Sara Baluha - Vocals
George Bepko - Bass Guitar, Vocals, Music Director
Georgette Calzati - Flute
Melania Falcon - Keyboard - Vocals
Joe Fernandez - Percussion, Drums
Melissa Fernandez - Vocals
Jan Fisher - Vocals
"Gnorm" - Electric Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Steve Hodson - Lead Acoustic Guitar
Dan Marecki - Vocals
Dave Peterson - Electric Rhythm Guitar
Jennifer Sullivan - Vocals


St. Gabriel Parish is proud and honored by the contributions of the dedicated musicians who have used their skills and love of liturgy to enhance our weekend worship liturgies. 

This page of our web site is dedicated to them and the music that lives in our hearts.

We also acknowledge the genrosity of group in donating the sales of the CD to benefit St. Gabriel School and its programs.

Rev. Maurice J. Maroney, Pastor

CD Cover designed by George Bepko.
Looking Behind the 40 Years - A Brief History
To see many items and photos relating to the Anniversary Concert, click the link below and once again on the Music Page.
Chart of Songs on the CD
1. Prelude - God has Chosen Me (4:04)
2. Your Name is Holy (3:44)
3. Create in Me (4:44)
4. Gonna Sing My Lord (1:55)
5. Of My Hands (2:45)
6. The Spirit is a-Movin/Come and Go with Me (4:14)
7. Sing to God a Brand New Canticle (2:21)
8. We Believe in God (4:19)
9. Be Still (3:39)
10. The Cry of the Poor (5:02)
11. Table of Plenty (3:46)
12. Sing Alleluia Sing (3:16)
13. What a WonderfulWorld (3:00)
14. You Oh Lord Are A Great God (5:39)
15. I Am The Resurrection (4:16)


You are invited to purchase this CD which will benefit St. Gabriel School, Milford.  Click on the button below.
Click icon below to see Production Notes