Two parish musicians honored at St. Cecilia Mass

By John Gleason

For the first time in its five-year history, two pastoral musicians were recognized for their work in parish music ministry at this year’s St. Cecilia Mass. The liturgy is named after the patroness of musicians.

The Mass, held at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Wheat Ridge, was celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

Honored this year were Patricia Guadnola and Donna Bogard who, between the two of them, have given more than 120 years to sacred music.

Upon learning that she was one of this year’s honorees Patricia, known to her many friends as “Patsy,” was surprised and said she didn’t deserve it.

“Oh, it’s very nice, but you know, I’m not much for honors,” she said.  “I’m just a firm believer that God gives you gifts; you’re not responsible for what you get.”

Patsy has put in a lot of hours at the keyboard at St. Stephen Protomartyr Church in Glenwood Springs.  While not having an exact number of weddings and funerals she’s played for she estimates that it’s in the hundreds. Odds are the number will continue to go up because even after 73 years, retirement is not something she is planning on anytime soon.

“I was given a wonderful gift,” she said. “I consider it a gift from God and I’m honored to give it back.”

An avid music lover, Patsy played the piano from an early age and began playing the organ for Sunday Mass when she was 12, quite a responsibility for a child, but one that she took seriously.
“I spent many days practicing the organ in the choir loft,” she said.  “I was so excited, I couldn’t wait to start.”

Patsy studied music at Colorado State College of Education and the prestigious Julliard School in New York City before returning to Glenwood Springs to teach music in the public school system and later at St. Stephen’s School.

Patsy said that she was pleased to be part of the Mass honoring the patroness of musicians, but as far as she is concerned, she doesn’t want a lot of fuss; it’s not about her.

“Let’s give the honor and the glory to God,” she said.

Although she officially retired from the University of Colorado at Denver where she taught music, Donna Bogard continues to teach out of her home.  Growing up in a musical family in Indiana, she developed a love for music as a child.  Before she even started school Donna was studying piano and at the age of 10 she was playing for Sunday school. 

For the last 50 years, Donna has been part of the music ministry at Shrine of St. Anne’s Parish in Arvada, singing, playing the organ and conducting the choir at Mass.

When notified she was one of this year’s honorees, Donna said she wished the award could be shared with all who praise God in song.

“I think that all pastoral musicians should be so honored,” she said. “They all deserve to have this kind of recognition placed upon them.”

Considering St. Anne’s as her “home away from home,” Donna said it’s a place where people always go out of their way for you.

“It’s comforting knowing that there are people there when you need them,” she said.In addition to her work at St. Anne’s Church and teaching at CU, Donna also taught music at St. Anne School, served as choir director and liturgist at St. Rose of Lima Church and has played the organ at many of the Catholic churches in the metropolitan area. And for a short time she taught music in China at the International College in Beijing.

“Music is universal,” she said. “It can reach anyone.”