Top Catholic Songs

SEND OUT YOUR SPIRIT!
Last week we heard that, following the Ascension, the disciples, Mary, and other followers of the Lord retreated to the upper room in prayer. This week we hear that, while praying in that room, the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Jesus' post-Resurrection promise, recounted in Pentecost Sunday's Gospel, is fulfilled: the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon Jesus' followers. Saint Paul tells us that all of us, in some way, are given gifts of the Holy Spirit, gifts that can be used to spread the Good News. Pentecost is one of the Church's greatest festivals. Let us carry the refrain of the responsorial psalm with us throughout the coming week: "Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth!" (Psalm 104:30).
(c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co., from the resource Bulletin Building Blocks 2007-2008, www.wlpmusic.com

George Lower writes...
I am very excited to be a small part of the fifteenth anniversary of Worldwide Seminarian Support. This will be featured on a live broadcast of Catholic Answers Live with Jerry Usher this Friday, May 9, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. In honor of this occasion I have put together an iMix of songs dealing with vocations:

Following the papal visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States, faithful Catholics have been challenged to foster and renew their faith. Pope Benedict has continued to challenge all to pursue with greater vigor the call of Jesus to evangelize the world following in the footsteps of the Apostles to “Go and baptize all nations.” (Matthew 28:20)

In fact, in recent months the United States has seen resurgence in those who are interested in committing themselves radically to the gospel by pursuing religious life or holy orders. One organization that has committed itself to supporting vocations is Worldwide Seminarian Support. Founded by John Becker in 1993 this volunteer organization has supported the Apostolic Life Community of Priests who operate a seminary in Tanzania, Africa. Tanzania is one place where the Church has an abundance of vocations but is lacking the financial resources to train all who would like to serve.

Worldwide Seminarian Support collected private donations in fifteen states to support thirty seminarians annually for the last eleven years. In addition, Worldwide Seminarian Support has financed much needed fresh water well for crop irrigation, and is currently helping fund expansion of the seminary. These future priests will serve in Africa, the USA, and other locations around the world. Donations have also been received in support of the Apostolic Life Community of Sisters who serve Tanzania, Malawi, Kenya, India, the Philippines, Germany and the U.S.A.

It is my prayer that these songs listed here will inspire Catholics everywhere to support vocations or to consider a vocation themselves.

Nick Alexander here...
Annie Karto has a beautiful video based on her rendition of the Ave Maria. Check it out!

To the melody of ST DELIO ("Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise") [11.11.11.11]

New praises be given to Christ newly crowned
Who back to His heaven a new way hath found
God's blessedness sharing before us He goes
What mansions preparing, what endless repose!

His glory still praising on thrice holy ground
Th'apostles stood gazing his MOther around
With hearts that beat faster, with eyes full of love
They watched while their Master ascended above.

"No star can disclose Him," the bright angels said;
"Eternity knows Him, your conquering Head:
Those high habitations He leaves not again,
Till judging all nations, on earth He shall reign."

Thus spoke they, and straightway, where legions defend
Heav'n's glittering gateway, their Lord they attend
And cry, looking thther, "Your portals let down
For Him who rides hither in peace and renown."

They asked, who keep sentry in that blessed town
"Who thus claimeth entry, a king of renown?"
"The Lord of all valiance," that herald replied,
"Who Satan's battalions laid low in their pride."

Gran, Lord, that our longing may follow Thee there
On earth who are thronging Thy temples with prayer
And unto Thee gather, Redeemer, Thine own
Where Thou with Thy Father, dost sit on the throne.

--St. Bede the Venerable, 673-735. Translation R.A. Knox.

Susan Bailey writes:
Episode #86 of the GrapeVine News Minute is up

The podcast player is located on the homepage of the GrapeVine website as well as on the podcast page. Go to www.gvonline.net to access the player for easy listening.

The GrapeVine News Minute for
April 27, 2008
Episode #86

Sponsored by Gretchen Harris Music Ministry.

We talk to 2 performers (Fr. Stan Fortuna and Dana) and 2 spectators (Matthew Baute and Annie Karto - they happen to be artists too!) on their impressions of the Pope whom they saw in person during his visit to America April 15-20.

Matthew's photo album of the Mass at Yankee Stadium

Music:

B 16 Bomber, Fr. Stan Fortuna (courtesy of Francesco Productions)
We Are One Body, Dana (courtesy of HeartBeat Records)
Perfect Sacrifice, Annie Karto
Love Wins All, Matthew Baute (courtesy of World Library Publications)

Read about the Pope's visit plus other news about Catholic music on the new Music section of Catholic Online.

Check the show notes for a special iMix of songs performed by various artists for Pope Benedict during his visit - click on the Podcast tab at the top of the website page.

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Nick Alexander here...

Have you discovered Grapevine Magazine? In my mind, it is the absolute best resource to discovering the latest from Catholic Contemporary musicians, liturgical and entertainment-oriented. Run by Susan Bailey, there are musician profiles, latest events, and music reviews. The resulting magazine is quite attractive in print, and the articles draw attention to this otherwise "blind-spot" in Christian music.

Not to be outdone with print, Susan Bailey has been promoting the Grapevine News Minute (actually, about fifteen minutes), a weekly podcast which allows you to dig deeper in these stories, and get to hear songs live.

Susan Bailey, along with George Leite (of Catholic Jukebox/Catholic Rockers/Catholic PraiseCast fame) presented an informative session at the Catholic Faith & Media Conference at Franciscan U of Steubenville, earlier this month. They even got a few good blurbs about Top Catholic Songs in... Thanks So Much!! (Check out their presentation on Grapevine's main page).

Discover the blessings of Catholic Music, and check out both Grapevine and Catholic Jukebox today.

Nick Alexander here...
In anticipation of Pope Benedict XVI's trip to the United States, we thought it would be great to create a playlist that built around the theme of his visitiation:"Christ Our Hope." What follows is a list of great songs from every musical style that best exemplify this theme. (We even included a Mozart piece, since our current pontiff is a big fan).

Nick Alexander here...
In honor of the third anniversary of Karol Wojtyla's passing (aka Pope John Paul II), Mark Mallett has created this exceptional video.

Be sure to check out Mark Mallett's website.

The Second Sunday of Easter is now known as Divine Mercy Sunday, a devotion popularized by Saint Faustina. Here is a list of twenty great songs that can bless your Divine Mercy Sunday.