Warde Products Lead Parishioners & Bishop Lori in Song at St. Patrick Church in Bridgeport

The following was written by Tony Procaccini, Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976 reunion chair.

Andrew Warde High School 1976 classmate and 2006 30-year Reunion Committee Chair Tony Procaccini (pictured below right), Music Director of Saint Patrick Church, led the church's choir in song this morning as Bishop William E. Lori of the Diocese of Bridgeport celebrated the 10:00 Mass at the historic Bridgeport parish.

The singers were assisted by Tony's Andrew Warde classmate Stephan Lang (pictured above left) on string bass. About two weeks earlier, in one of their frequent communications, Tony realized that Steve, now living in Canada, would be in Connecticut at this time, and so he lent his string bass to Steve, who volunteered his services.

Tony and Steve have remained in contact since "finding each other" in classmates.com in 2002. The two were fellow string bassists in Warde's Concert Band, going back to September of our freshman year, 1972- 1973.

Music selections included Mozart's "Ave Verum," Joel Raney's "He Lives," and a Gospel version of "One Step, He Leads."

A reception followed in the Parish Center, where the Bishop greeted many of the parishioners.