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Sounds of praise, worship and jazz music filled the sanctuary of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where faith met festivities for the annual Jazz Mass.(WLOX)<\/p>\nLONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) – Sounds of praise, worship and jazz music filled the sanctuary of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where faith met festivities for the annual Jazz Mass.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what Mardi Gras is: thanking God for all his blessings, looking back and continuing, you know, into the land to ponder more, coming closer to God and doing what\u2019s right,\u201d Father Satish Adhav said. <\/p>\n
Sounds of praise, worship and jazz music filled the sanctuary of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where faith met festivities for the annual Jazz Mass.(WLOX)<\/p>\n
Father Satish Adhav has been leading the congregation during the Jazz Mass for three years. He says the combination of tradition and rhythm uplifts the church every Mardi Gras season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has kind of become a tradition to continue into the liturgy, into the worship, that it uplifts people\u2019s spirits, saying, \u2018Yes, God alone is our help and our strength,\u2019\u201d Father Satish said. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt this time of the year, it\u2019s just appropriate, you know, because you hear a lot of jazz music during Mardi Gras season, so the timing, you know, for this is perfect,\u201d Music Director Lauren Hymel said. <\/p>\n
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Father Satish Adhav has been leading the congregation during the Jazz Mass for three years. He says the combination of tradition and rhythm uplifts the church every Mardi Gras season.(WLOX)<\/p>\n
Hymel has led the Jazz Mass choir since the tradition started in 2004. She says the tradition ties in directly to the roots of Mardi Gras.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were inspired by one of our keyboard players; he was an amazing New Orleans musician, and we got to talking and we decided that we\u2019d go ahead and try to celebrate the mass and praise God with jazz music,\u201d Hymel said. <\/p>\n
Since then, it has grown into a vibrant, joyful service – one that guides the congregation through a celebration of faith and fun. <\/p>\n
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The special Mass has grown into a vibrant, joyful service – one that guides the congregation through a celebration of faith and fun. (WLOX)<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very blessed to be part of this and very blessed to be a part of my church, and during the mass, all I could think about was, \u2018Lord, thank you so much for all that you do for us and thank you for, you know, the gifts that you give us and thank you for the opportunity to praise you this way,\u2019\u201d Hymel said. <\/p>\n
As the good times roll through the walls of the church, Father Satish hopes to keep spreading the most important message every Mardi Gras season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis brings everybody together, knowing that our focus is God and our salvation,\u201d Father Satish said. <\/p>\n
Following the Jazz Mass, the church held a king cake social for members.<\/p>\n