‘Love Is In The Air’ is theme for 4th Annual Sacred Heart Cabaret Night

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February 2020

The stage is set for Saturday, February 15^th at the Sacred Heart Church in Auburn for Cabaret Night, a popular musical variety show for all ages being held in the Parish Hall at 7 PM.

Guest entertainer Louis Philippe returns to host the 4^th annual event which will feature an array of talented performers connected to the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish:  Roland Bergeron, Julie Fournier Chasse, The Daigneault Family (John, Karen, Ben and Emma), Alanna Gagnon, Rita Gagnon, Ray Marchesseault, The Noddin Boys (Lee and Bruce), Mark Vaillancourt and Pam Vaillancourt (who in addition to performing will once again serve as stage/sound manager).

Cabaret Night is just one of many events the parish has undertaken as part of the overall fundraising drive launched in 2015 to help purchase, refurbish and install a 1954 Casavant Opus 2277 Pipe Organ, which, through a donation to the parish, was acquired from the Sisters of Notre Dame in Toledo, Ohio.

The secondary goal of the Sister Elizabeth Platt Pipe Organ Fund for Sacred Heart Church is to provide education and training programs to parish organists, choirs and cantors, as well as subsidized organ lessons for deserving and talented young people.

Sister Elizabeth Platt, C.O.C., who recently passed away, had dedicated more than 30 years of service to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in religious education and the RCIA program. A period of her life she often spoke about with great fondness was her years of ministry teaching children to sing the parts of the Mass. She also worked with the Boys’ Choir in Boston before coming to Maine.

With each fundraising event since 2015, the parish has seen significant progress with its musical goals—from having the massive instrument and all its parts shipped, making all necessary construction and repairs, and having the building services configured.  The exciting news is that the organ is currently being installed in hopes to fill the church with glorious sounds by Easter.

Sacred Heart Church Parish Hall is in the basement of the church, located at the corner of Minot and Western avenues in Auburn. Tickets are $15, and are available by calling the parish office at (207) 782-8096. Refreshments including beer & wine will be available for purchase. Cabaret Night has been a consistent sell-out event so early purchase is recommended.

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SACRED HEART CHURCH ANNOUNCES 3rd ANNUAL CABARET NIGHT

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February 2019

Sacred Heart Church in Auburn is announcing its 3^rd Annual Cabaret will take place on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 7 pm.  The popular variety show for all ages will once again be hosted by guest entertainer Louis Philippe.

“Cabaret Night” is just one of many events the parish has undertaken as part of the overall fundraising drive launched in 2015 to help purchase, refurbish and install a 1954 Casavant Opus 2277 Pipe Organ, which, through a donation to the parish, was acquired from the Sisters of Notre Dame in Toledo, Ohio.

The secondary goal of the Sister Elizabeth Platt Pipe Organ Fund for Sacred Heart Church is to provide education and training programs to parish organists, choirs and cantors, as well as subsidized organ lessons for deserving and talented young people.

Sister Elizabeth Platt, C.O.C., who recently passed away, had dedicated more than 30 years of service to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in religious education and the RCIA program. A period of her life she often spoke about with great fondness was her years of ministry teaching children to sing the parts of the Mass. She also worked with the Boys’ Choir in Boston before coming to Maine.

Pam Vaillancourt, a familiar talent from the L-A area, began singing in the church choir in her elementary school days. She served as music director for Sacred Heart Church for many years, is a well-known advocate of music and ministry, and will once again serve as stage/sound manager for this year’s event in addition to performing.

 “Our first two Cabaret Nights were a great success, with people asking if we were going to continue having these shows” Vaillancourt noted. “The amount of talent we have in our parish is amazing.  From singers, guitarists, magicians, and comedians, we are very lucky to have so many willing to come together and put a show like this on for the benefit of our community.”

This year’s line-up of diverse acts includes Roland Bergeron, The Daigneault Family, Cassi Griesbach, George Harris, Tony & Vinnie La Judice, “Mr. Ray” (Ray Marchessault), Magician Mark Vaillancourt, Pam Vaillancourt, and a surprise comedy lineup.

Sacred Heart Church Parish Hall is in the basement of the church, located at the corner of Minot and Western avenues in Auburn. Tickets are $15. For more information, contact the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish office at 207-782-8096.

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AUBURN CHURCH TO REPRISE POPULAR CABARET NIGHT

February 2018

Back by popular demand, Sacred Heart Church in Auburn is bringing back CABARET NIGHT in celebration of its on-going parish-wide pipe organ fundraising campaign which is nearing its first milestone goal.

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Mark the date:  Saturday, February 3^rd at 7 PM for the second annual fun-filled musical variety show for all ages, once again being hosted by guest entertainer Louis Philippe.

CABARET NIGHT is just one of many events the parish has undertaken as part of the overall fundraising drive launched in 2015 to help purchase, refurbish and install a 1954 Casavant Opus 2277 Pipe Organ which, through a donation to the parish, was acquired from the Sisters of Notre Dame in Toledo, Ohio.

The secondary goal of the Sister Elizabeth Platt Pipe Organ Fund for Sacred Heart Church is to provide education and training programs to parish organists, choirs and cantors, as well as subsidized organ lessons for deserving and talented young people.

Thanks to the generosity and enthusiastic support of parishioners, volunteers and the community at large, the parish is close to reaching its primary goal for the organ installation sometime this year, according to Carol DeRoy, Fundraising Committee Member and Cabaret Night Production Coordinator.

“I believe that this endeavor has brought our community closer together in sharing a mutual dream,” DeRoy said, acknowledging the many gifts made in recognition of family and friends or in memory of loved ones.

Committee Member Roland Bergeron, in charge of Finance, agrees.  “This project has lifted us up, and brought unity among our parishioners,” Bergeron stated, adding: “We are prayerfully grateful to be much closer to our goal in getting the pipe organ installed and creating beautiful sacred music for generations to come.”

At age 86, Sister Elizabeth Platt, C.O.C., currently serves as Pastoral Associate, and has dedicated over 30 years of service to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in religious education and the RCIA Program.  A period of her life she often speaks about with great fondness is her years of ministry teaching children to sing the parts of the Mass.  She also worked with the Boys’ Choir in Boston before coming to Maine.

Pam Vaillancourt, a familiar talent from the L-A area, began singing in the church choir since her elementary school days. She’s now Music Director at Sacred Heart Church (since 1994), a well-known advocate of music and ministry, and will once again serve as Stage Manager for this year’s event in addition to performing duets with Louis Philippe (Patsy Cline medley and a gospel medley).

“After our first Cabaret Night, there was so much positive feedback that we knew we had to do it again,” Vaillancourt noted.  “The cast and volunteers have worked really hard in bringing this show to our stage and much closer to our goal.  I hope that everyone who came to last year’s sell-out Cabaret Night will come back and see this one.”

This year’s line-up of diverse acts—guaranteed to entertain everyone— includes:  Ben Daigneault, Emma Daigneault, Rabbi Sruli Dredsner and his wife Lisa Mayer, The Noddin Boys (Lee and Bruce),  Philippian Troubadours (Dick Dubois, Bruce Geoffroy, Jim McConnell, Bob Morin and Conrad Vaillancourt), “Mr. Ray” (Ray Marchessault), Magician Mark Vaillancourt, Alana Gagnon and Pam Vaillancourt.

The Sacred Heart Parish Hall is in the basement of the church, located at the corner of Minot and Western Avenues in Auburn.  Tickets are $12/adults and $6/students.  FMI, contact the IHM office at 782-8096.

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AUBURN PARISH GETS ITS ACT TOGETHER FOR CABARET NIGHT

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February 2017

Stars of Auburn’s Immaculate Heart of Mary community will shine on Saturday, February 18^th at 7 PM as the parish presents a fun-filled night of music and laughter to raise money for its pipe organ project.

A parade of talented performers from the Sacred Heart-St. Philip cluster will grace the stage at CABARET NIGHT, hosted by guest entertainer and local favorite Louis Philippe in a show he says is “reminiscent of the old days when parish halls were the center of social and family life and talents shows and variety shows were held regularly.”

The emcee and singer will present an array of his own trademark songs in the program which will also feature a wide variety of individuals and groups who have all stepped up to show their support for the Sister Elizabeth Platt Pipe Organ Fund for Sacred Heart Church.

Featured acts include:  The Noddin Boys (Lee and Bruce), Alana Gagnon, Chicks With Sticks Steel Drummers (Jill Longstaff, Deanna Kersey, Diana Mawhinney and Josh Caron), Ben Daigneault, Emma Daigneault, Foothills Jazz Trio (Jim Perkins, Siiri Stinson and Dan Perkins), Shelley Harris and Rita Gagnon, Mark Vaillancourt, Ernie Gagne, Lorraine Cote and Pam Vaillancourt, Tony Lajudice, George Harris and Julie Chasse, and Neil Marchessault.

Carol DeRoy has been spear-heading the creation and development of the pipe organ effort and is also Production Coordinator for CABARET NIGHT, responsible for lining up the talent and working with the Committee to transform an ordinary parish hall into a live Cabaret setting with glitz and pizzaz.

The experience of working with so many musicians and singers (many professional) willing and eager to perform gratis for this cause has been a high note for DeRoy.  “The reception and excitement this event has stirred up in our community is truly amazing,” she said, noting “there is a demand for this type of entertainment, for an enjoyable and inexpensive evening filled with music, laughter and camaraderie.”

One person who is also excited about the event is Sacred Heart’s Music Director Pam Vaillancourt who began her journey in Music Ministry with the Children’s Choir in second grade.  With her years of experience in music and theater, onstage and backstage, she has been instrumental in developing the singing congregation.

“Music is very important and helps elevates one’s thoughts,” says Vaillancourt.  “I love how everyone gets involved and participates in the Mass, and I love hearing everyone singing along with the choir.”

In addition to singing in CABARET NIGHT along with her mother Lorraine Cote, Vaillancourt will wear the Stage Manager’s hat, tending to the needs and easing the nerves of the performers. “Hopefully this will be the first of a series of events that will showcase the incredible talents we have in the Lewiston/Auburn area.”

The Sister Elizabeth Platt Pipe Organ Fund for Sacred Heart Church was established in 2015 to highlight the richness and significance of the church’s liturgical celebrations through sacred music and inspire active participation within the community.  At age 85, Sister Elizabeth Platt, C.O.C., currently serves as Pastoral Associate, and has dedicated 30 years of service to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in religious education and the RCIA Program.  A period of her life she often speaks about with great fondness is her years of ministry teaching children to sing the parts of the Mass.  She also worked with the Boys’ Choir in Boston before coming to Maine.

All proceeds from CABARET NIGHT will go to the Sr. Elizabeth Platt Pipe Organ Fund for the purpose of refurbishing and installing a used 1954 Casavant Opus 2277 Pipe Organ which, through a donation to the parish, was acquired from the Sisters of Notre Dame in Toledo, Ohio, after their chapel closed.

In addition to helping defray expenses for the purchase, relocation, and installation of the new instrument as well as on-going maintenance and improvements, the fund will provide education and training programs to parish organists, choirs and cantors, as well as subsidized organ lessons for deserving and talented young people.  David E. Wallace & Co. LLC of Gorham has been selected for the design work which is expected to be completed soon, DeRoy reported.

“There’s a noticeably inspiring energy at the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish,” Philippe noted.  “Having been involved with Music Ministry for over 40 years, I know how important good music is to the Liturgy and I know that music can be filled with His anointing. So when a church invests in its music program, it opens the door for the Spirit to work,” the singer added.

Tickets are $12/adults and $6/students.  FMI, contact the IHM office at 782-8096.

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Louis Philippe Concert to Benefit Sacred Heart Organ Fund

April 2015

Maine singer and recording artist Louis Philippe, a favorite entertainer to Central Maine music fans, will grace the stage—the altar, that is—of Sacred Heart Church in Auburn on Sunday, May 1^st, for a concert that will benefit The Sister Elizabeth Platt Pipe Organ Fund and the parish’s music program.

Louis Philippe’s program will feature selections from his latest CD, The Funeral Singer: Songs of Comfort and Healing During Life’s Transitions, including traditional hymns, Catholic favorites, southern Gospel tunes and contemporary Christian songs of inspiration.  Those in attendance will be invited to reflect on the messages of the lyrics or sing along in the peaceful, prayerful church setting.

It is not unusual for Louis Philippe to lend his talents to support musical causes or encourage up-and-coming artists, which is why he’s particularly excited about this event and the parish’s musical goals.  And with 40 years of Music Ministry experience he enjoys a reputation of organizing a plethora of diverse singers in lively, nourishing worship music.  “I can’t wait to meet Sister Elizabeth,” said the singer, “she sounds like an amazing woman.

Sister Elizabeth Platt, C.O.C., who currently serves as Pastoral Assistant, is 84 and has dedicated almost 30 years of service to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in religious education and the RCIA Program.  But a period of her life she often speaks about with great fondness is her years of ministry teaching children to sing the parts of the Mass.  She also worked with the Boys’ Choir in Boston before coming to Maine.

Last fall, the parish procured a 1954 Casavant Opus 2277 Pipe Organ from the Sisters of Notre Dame in Toledo, Ohio when their chapel closed after 60 years.  The Pipe Organ will replace Sacred Heart’s aging organ which is in need of repairs.  The new organ will be professionally installed once some logistical improvements and interior modifications are made.

The Sister Elizabeth Platt Pipe Organ Fund for Sacred Heart Church was established to highlight the richness and significant of the church’s liturgical celebrations through sacred music and inspire active participation within the community.  Contributions to the Pipe Organ Fund, as well as proceeds from the concert, will help defray expenses for the purchase, relocation, and installation of the new instrument as well as on-going maintenance and improvements.  The fund is also designed to provide education and training programs to parish organists, choirs and cantors, as well as subsidized organ lessons for deserving and talented young people.

The concert begins at 2 PM on Sunday, May 1^st at Sacred Heart Church in Auburn, located at 8 Sacred Heart Place (off of Western Avenue).  Tickets are $10, $8 per person for groups of five or more, $5 for youth.  Tickets can be purchased for the next two weekends following all Masses at Sacred Heart and St. Philips Churches, or can be obtained at the church office.  Reservations can also be made by calling 207 782-8096, and tickets will also be sold at the door.

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