Father David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, announced in a Jan. 22 e-mail to parishioners that cathedral organist Byong Suk Moon would leave the parish on Jan. 29 to return home to South Korea in order to be with his wife, children, and extended family.
“Mr. Moon joined our cathedral community on Ash Wednesday of 2020, just as the world was shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In those uncertain and difficult months, when our church doors were closed and many felt isolated and anxious, music became a vital source of comfort and hope,” Father Boettner wrote. “Through the dedicated efforts of Mr. Moon and Mr. Glenn Kahler, our livestreamed Masses during the lockdown were filled with beautiful, prayerful music that lifted hearts, strengthened faith, and united us as a parish during an unprecedented worldwide event.”
Mr. Kahler is the cathedral’s director of music and liturgy.
“Over the past six years, Mr. Moon has served our cathedral with exceptional musical excellence, deep professionalism, and a consistently cheerful and gracious spirit. His artistry at the organ, his leadership in sacred music, and his warm smile will be greatly missed by clergy, staff, choir members, and parishioners alike,” Father Boettner continued. “We are profoundly grateful to Mr. Moon for the many sacrifices he and his family have made during these years to help lead us in beautiful and reverent worship. His contributions have left a lasting mark on the musical and spiritual life of our cathedral.”
Those wishing to share a note or a message of gratitude with Mr. Moon for his service to the parish may send it care of the parish office, and it will be forwarded to him at his home in South Korea.
“Please join me in thanking God for Mr. Moon’s generous service among us and in praying for him and his family as they begin this new chapter together,” Father Boettner concluded.