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A guest post from Dr. Kevin Vost, author of Fit For Eternal Life: A Christian Approach for Working Out, Eating, Right, and Building the Virtues of Fitness in Your Soul. (Sophia, 2007).

I was asked for an “ideal workout play list” so voila, here’s mine:

1. Irish Blessing by The Priests from the album The Priests
2. Benedictus by The Priests from the album The Priests
3. Salad Bowl by Nick Alexander from the album I Wanna Be Debated
4. Nicene Creed by Nick Alexander from the album I Wanna Be Debated
5. Pie Jesu by The Priests from the album The Priests
6. Hip to Be Square by Huey Lewis & The News from the album Greatest Hits: Huey Lewis & The News
7. Cry of the Celts by Ronan Hardiman from the album Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance
8. Ave Maria by Kitty Cleveland from the album Sacred Arias
9. I Surrender by Sharmane from the album I Surrender Single
10. Mass No.1 in D Minor for Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra: 1. Kyrie by Bernarda Fink, Christoph Prégardien, John Eliot Gardiner, Luba Orgonasova, Monteverdi Choir & Wiener Philharmoniker from the album Bruckner: Mass No. 1 in D Minor & Motets

This list should be good for at least two cardio or strength workouts. The Priests mellow tunes will gently warm you up and then boom, here come Nick’s fast-paced pieces (and Salad Bowl will help you eat right when you’re done). Let the heart rate settle down a bit with the reverent Pie Jesu, and then pump it up again with Hip to be Square. (Sure this one’s secular, but it has a good beat and Huey sings about getting in shape, to boot.) Speaking of boots (or at least dancing shoes), The Cry of the Celts from Lord of the Dance is a high-energy tune for the highest intensity portion of your aerobic session (or strength training set.) Proceed to cool down with Kitty Cleveland’s beautiful Ave Maria, until you are ready to surrender with Sharmane Adams’s I Surrender. Anton Bruckner was a devout Catholic composer of the 19th century and his Mass #1 is hauntingly beautiful and over a half hour long. Listen to it some day when you’re out taking a long walk.

May God bless you as you psyche up your minds, pump up your muscles, lift up your hearts (and give your ears a good workout in the process). Kevin Vost, Psy.D.

Nick Alexander here...

The King's Men is a great ministry serving the needs of Catholic men. I will be interviewed on their radio show this coming Friday. To support their ministry, I have compiled my personal favorite Catholic songs that call me, as a man, to follow God more ardently as a father, a husband, and a disciple. May these songs also bless you.

1. Despite by Greg Walton from the album I Won't Back Down
2. Change Me by Tom Booth from the album Change Me
3. Just Like You by Matt Maher from the album The End and the Beginning
4. In You by Paul Harrigan from the album Thank You 2
5. Press On by Bob Filoramo from the album My Beacon of Hope
6. Acclamation by Mike Harrison & Greg Walton from the album Spirit of Fire
7. Stand On the Rooftop by Chris Muglia from the album Innocence
8. No More Fear by Aaron Thompson from the album Mystical Radical God
9. Have No Anxiety by Ed Bolduc from the album Word for Word
10. This Time of Forty Days by Nick Alexander from the album I Wanna Be Debated

ETA: The episode was a success. The archive for the interview is available on Holy Spirit Radio's Archive Page.

Nick Alexander here...
Every year at this time, special focus is given for January 22, for the national March For Life. This year, the need for support is especially vital, since we are on the cusp of a new historical administration, one which promises a quick passing of the Freedom of Choice Act.

To align myself in solidarity with the Pro-Life movement, I have picked ten songs that I consider to contain very powerful sentiments towards the reality of the sanctity of life, in all forms.

Please pass these songs along. Thanks!

1. Precious Unborn Child by Margo B. Smith from the album Sending Up a Prayer
2. Whispers from Heaven by Donna Lee from the album Whispers from Heaven
3. Malediction by Atomic Opera from the album Gospel Cola
4. Rock a Bye Bye by Extreme from the album Extreme
5. Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Matt Redman from the album Beautiful News
6. It's Not the Time by Kendall Payne from the album Jordan's Sister
7. My Sweet Child by Sally Bolderson from the album Humble Beginnings
8. All My Life by Noel Paul Stookey from the album In Love Beyond Our Lives
9. What Was I Supposed to Be? by Acappella from the album Better Than Life
10. Gianna Molla (Mother's Song) by Fr. Kent O'Connor from the album Saints

Nick Alexander here...
Thanksgiving is upon us. Thanksgiving is that rare national holiday where the entire country slows down, celebrates with family, and gives thanks to God, for His provision and kindness.
The following is a playlist of the best Thanksgiving songs from Catholic and contemporary Christian artists. Enjoy, and give thanks today.

1. Hallelujah, My Father by Annie Karto from the album Perfect Sacrifice
   
2. Thanksgiving Prayer by Bobby Fisher from the album If We Dare to Hope
   
3. Thanks by Ceili Rain from the album Erasers On Pencils
   
4. Thank You Lord by Denis Grady from the album Running Too Long
   
5. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise by The Festival Choir and Hosanna Chorus from the album 100 Church Classics
6. With All Our Hearts by Jesse Manibusan from the album Love Never Fails
   
7. Father, We Thank Thee by John Angotti from the album Testify
   
8. Thanks and Praise by John Angotti & Meredith Dean Joesph from the album Strong In Faith: Contemporary Songs of Faith
   
9. Give Thanks to the Lord by John Flynn from the album Cry Out
   
10. Jesus Christ, I Think Upon Your Sacrifice (Once Again) by The Kings Chamber Orchestra from the album String Heaven
11. Thank You, Lord by Margo B. Smith from the album Because You Love Me
    
12. Lead Me Home by Matt Maher from the album Welcome to Life
    
13. Thank You for the Blood by Matt Redman from the album The Father's Song
14. Unconditional Love by Nancy Krebs from the album The Journey
    
15. Now Thank We All Our God by National Philharmonic Orchestra of London & The London Philharmonic Choir from the album Hymns Triumphant, Volumes 1 & 2
16. Holy God We Praise Your Great Name by Nick Alexander from the album I Wanna Be Debated
    
17. What Can I Do by Paul Baloche from the album A Greater Song
18. We Plow the Fields by Ralph Carmichael from the album Ahh Capella Hymns
19. Jesus, Thank You by Sovereign Grace Music from the album Worship God Live
    
20. Thank You for Loving Me by Tommy Walker from the album Make It Glorious
    

Nick Alexander here...
This is a list of my favorite songs that fit the theme "Formed by Living Water." This is the theme for NCCYM 2008 (National Conference for Catholic Youth Ministry), to be held in Cleveland, OH on Dec 4-7, 2008. These songs are great songs for me to listen to while traveling to this conference. I, and some of the artists represented here (Bryan Murdaugh, George Lower, and Nick Cardilino, along with Paul Hilts) hope to meet you there...
Booth #429
sponsored by the Catholic Association of Music.

1. How Life's Supposed to Be by Last Day off the album Happy Medium
   
2. Living Water by Paul Harrigan off the album Thank You 2
   
3. You Alone Can Satisfy by Ross King off the album Soulspeak
4. Discover the Way by Nick Cardilino off the album Discover the Way
   
5. You Are the Lord by Jaime Jamgochian off the album Above the Noise
6. With Living Water by Margo B. Smith off the album Sending Up a Prayer
   
7. Thirsty by Bryan Murdaugh with Total Strangers off the album With Everything I Know, It's a Long Way Home
   
8. Rain Down by Delirious? off the album World Service
9. Universal Prayer by George Lower off the album Of Saints and Angels
   
10. Melt Me by Nick Alexander off the album Eternal Life - the Party Album
    

Nick Alexander here...
Christmas and Advent 2008 is upon us. This is a tremendous opportunity to wait in expectant hope for the coming of our Risen Savior, but also a time to reflect upon His first coming as a precious infant. These albums provide the best in both contemporary and traditional carols, both servicing Advent and Christmas. I invite you to check them out at your leisure, and introduce them to your family.
Peace!

1. Christmas Joy by Gretchen Harris
   This Christmas album has a mix of classics and contemporaries, and an original, "Promised Messiah." (Try out: Joy to the World)
   
2. Bethlehem Morn by Chuck Stevens
   This project contains 9 original songs and 4 traditional Christmas songs. These songs range from reflective, meditative, folk, and contemporary; the title track, "Joseph (Bethlehem Morn) was included in the Spiritwing Records "Catholic Christmas" compilation in 2007. All of the original pieces, and the traditionals came about as a result of prayer and reading the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke, the book of the prophet Isaiah, and several are from the possible viewpoint of several of the participants in the Gospel infancy narratives. (Ex: Once in Royal David's City)
   
3. In His Presence...the Gift of Christmas by Trish Foti Genco
   Beautifully orchestrated Christmas Classics. Including contemporary, arias, and New Orleans Jazz. (Ex: What Child Is This)
   
4. Happy Birthday Jesus-A Christmas Album by Donna Lee
   This is a collection of traditional as well as original Christmas songs written by me and a couple of my fellow Catholic friends and musicians. (Ex: As I Kneel Before You)
   
5. Christmas Peace by Michael Zabrocki
   A beautifully crafted collection of some of the most loved Christmas standards and some surprises. The beautiful orchestrations enhance Michael's warm vocals. Sure to become a Christmas standard. (Ex: The Cherry Tree Carol)
   
6. Peace On Earth (songs for Advent and Christmas) by Sean Clive
   Recorded early in Sean Clive's solo career, Peace on Earth - songs for Advent and Christmas is a beautifully reflective album filled with traditional songs creating a mood that sets the listener apart from the fast-paced world of shopping and sales. This music will certainly soothe the weary soul during these hectic seasons. (Ex: Away In a Manger)
   
7. Christmas All Year Through by Lynn Geyer (Ex: Night of Silence/Silent Night)
   
8. Come to the Stable by Nancy Krebs
   This CD contains both original and traditional Christmas songs as well as one of my all-time favorite songs to sing. (Ex: Mary, Did You Know?)
   
9. Wait With Me: Advent of the Promised Son by Susan Bailey (Ex: Lo, How a Rose E'ere Blooming)
   
10. Take Me Back to Bethlehem by Elizabeth Schmeidler (Ex: Mary's Little Boy Child)
    

Nick Alexander here...
On the weekend of September 14 the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Triumph of the Holy Cross. In celebration, we have hand picked ten songs best suited for the occasion. These songs range from modern hymn classics to contemporary praise songs. Artists as varied as Matt Redman, Sean Clive, Hillsongs, Gerard Faucheux, Jeremy Riddle, Apostolica, and The Good Shepherd Singers are all represented.
Happy Feast Day!

Nick Alexander here...

Going to the SCRC Convention?

Every year the Southern California Renewal Communities hosts a major conference intended for the upbuilding of the faithful. This year is no different.

The theme for this year's confernce is Be Transformed!, based on Romans 12:2:Be transformed by the renewing of your mind....

One great way to help renew our minds is by listening to songs that continually call upon God to change us, transform us, and mold us into His image.

Feel free to listen to these great songs. Further, know that a number of these artists, notably Donna Lee, Lynn Geyer, Gretchen Harris, Mel Kennedy, and John Grassadonia will be there. Be sure to visit them at the CAM--Catholic Association of Music booth.

Happy Travels!

Nick Alexander here...
A couple of days ago, a reader of this blog asked if we could come up with some recommendations for a youth-oriented baptism service. He was looking for the great song that would tie everything together.
After putting our heads together, we came up with the following list. I hope it helps others looking for something similar.

1. Receive the Power by Guy Sebastian and Gary Pinto...(currently not in iTunes)
2. Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher
3. Spirit of Fire by Mike Harrison & Greg Walton
4. Come Holy Spirit (Veni, Sancte Spiritus) by John Michael Talbot
5. SpiritSong by Lynn Geyer
6. Create New Hearts by Tom Booth
7. Healing Waters by Trevor Thomson
8. Jesus, I Trust in You by Angus McDonell
9. Overflow by Matt Maher
10. River of Life by Josh Blakesley
11. Sacred Silence by Jenny Pixler
12. Your Grace Is Enough by Bob Rice
13. Come to the Water by Matt Maher
14. Grace Like Rain by Todd Agnew
15. Worthy Is the Lamb by Darlene Zschech
16. All Who Are Thirsty by Brenton Brown
17. I Give You My Heart by Michael W. Smith
18. My Savior My God by Aaron Shust
19. Nothing but the Blood by Matt Redman
20. Holy Spirit Rain Down by Natalie Grant
21. Kindness (Live) by Chris Tomlin
22. What the Lord Has Done In Me by Reuben Morgan
23. I Will Never Be by Hillsong
24. Who Am I by Casting Crowns
25. Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) by Chris Rice
26. Healing Rain by Michael W. Smith
27. Let It Rain by Michael W. Smith
28. Water by Catholic Kids Worship
29. Shine for You by Michael Gleason
30. Veni, Creator Spiritus by John Angotti
31. Breath of God by Bob Millspaugh

Finally, if you are looking for suggestions for retreat themes, or religious services, or prayer nights, or whatever, we would like to be of help. It's free. Just contact us, and we will do our best. It would give us no greater joy than to introduce others to those great songs that can minister to you and your community.

Nick Alexander here...
It's fun to look back at all the competitions we have had throughout the last year. In doing so, we want to profile some artists that you may have noticed throughout these lists.

1. Lynn Geyer
   Seven-Time Top Ten Artist, including Top Ten Songs for Lent, Easter, and Advent. Check out her album "Christmas All Year Through"
2. Paul Harrigan
   Paul's Song "Medjugorje" earned him #4 on the Top Ten Songs for Mary. Check out his album "Thank You2."
3. Gretchen Harris
   Five-time Top Ten artist, including: Top Ten Songs of 2007, and Songs for Weddings. Check out her Album "Sing of Mary".
4. Fr. Kent O'Connor
   "Little Way (St. Therese of Lisieux)" was #8 on the Top Ten Songs for Children. Check out his album "Saints."
5. Mel Kennedy
   Four-Time Top Ten artist, including Top Ten Songs for Weddings, Easter, and the Holy Spirit. Check out her Album "Beinaventrados."
6. Bryan Murdaugh
   You can find Bryan on our Top Ten Up and Coming Catholic Recording Artists. Check out his Album "With Everything I Know..."
7. Last Day
   This Catholic band landed #3 on the Top Ten Songs for Lent with their song "A Simple Cry." Check out the album "We're here."
8. Bob Metivier
   Bob's song "Father (the Passion)" was #8 on the Top Ten Songs for Holy Week. Check out his album "The Lord Takes Broken Pieces."
9. George Lower
   
   Three-time Top Ten artist, two for the Top Ten Songs for Lent, and one for the Holy Spirit. Check out his album "Of Saints and Angels."
10. Annie Karto
    Three-time Top Ten artist, including Top Ten Songs for Mary, Holy Spirit, and Up & Coming Catholic Artists. Check out her Album "Perfect Sacrifice."

Be sure to check out more of these lists at our Top Tens page.