This Mass came about as a result of the physical and emotional devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 and the desire on the part of the Choir at St. Cyril's to commemorate the event in some memorable way. It seems a fitting tribute to the City, its people and its music to create a Mass combining the common musical language of New Orleans Jazz with the text of the Catholic Mass, especially on the last Sunday before Lent, thereby creating a unique Mardi Gras celebration. We show our profound respect for both the Mass and the music of New Orleans by offering this musical hybrid as a voice of the people as we approach Lent, the time of prayer and penitence.