Happy Hour Band

Happy Hour, the contemporary Christian Band sings weekly at the Sunday evening mass at 5 p.m. with rehearsals at 3:00. The group uses guitars and piano to lead the congregation in folk and contemporary music that brings an informal and inspirational mood to the evening service.

Founded six years ago to provide music for the new five o’clock Sunday mass, Happy Hour has grown to 14 volunteers under the direction of founder, Augustine Jalomo. “I knew exactly what style would be appropriate for this new mass as I had volunteered for many years at SMU’s Catholic Campus Ministry. I worked closely with the Catholic Campus Minister Judy Henneberger to learn everything she knew about music ministry. I owe a lot to her talent and spiritual guidance.”

Happy Hour specializes in singing songs that use guitar, piano, percussion, string and wind instruments that are upbeat and uplifting with distinct harmonies rising above the melody that put a contemplative spin on many well-known Christian songs. Among the composers in their repertoire are Matt Maher, David Kauffman, Bob Hurd, Marty Haugen, Dan Schutte and David Haas. Additionally, Happy Hour enjoys sharing secular songs that have positive messages such as Dixie Chicks and Simon and Garfunkel.

“We’ve been so fortunate to have such a talented bunch of musicians who share a sense of ministerial duty to the community every Sunday,“ said Reverend Rex Hayes, Parochial Vicar. “It’s been a real blessing to us here to have such dedication; they really know how to call upon the Spirit!”

The happy hour Band had their 7th annual concert, Cry the Gospel, Sunday, November 22nd at 6:30 p.m. The concert was held in Trinity Hall located on the lower level in the main sanctuary. The community was invited to join the band at the Sunday five o’clock mass in fellowship to start the celebration with a “mass of Thanksgiving.” Next year's concert will be Sunday, November 21st, 2010.