LITURGICAL MUSICIAN DIES — Musician, composer, liturgical music specialist and longtime Prairie Messenger contributor and columnist, Zita Maier of Humboldt, Sask., died Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. She was 73 years of age.

Maier was a lifelong church musician who had a master of arts in liturgical studies from St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN. Church musicians from across Canada and beyond have come to depend on Maier’s regular listing of liturgical music selections found in the Prairie Messenger.

Maier had a long association with the Ursuline Sisters of Bruno. Marian Noll, OSU, said one of the things she is most grateful for is the music Zita composed, not only for their choir, but also for the Ursuline Divine Office. “There’s nothing more beautiful than the O Antiphons,” said Noll.

In addition to other congregations, Maier made a significant contribution to the Benedictine Office at St. Peter’s Abbey and also co-authored with Andrew Britz, OSB, some publications on liturgy. Among her many passions was a love of cooking, and those who knew her well knew she could bring a sense of joy to any gathering.

A prayer service will be held on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Schuler- Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt. The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church.