Top Catholic Songs

Nick Alexander here...
I cannot help but be stunned by the fire that consumed much of the property on John Michael Talbot's Hermitage, in Berryville, Arkansas. I have been a fan of John Michael Talbot's music, ministry and lifestyle for many years, and have been privileged to have visited the Hermitage on more than one occassion. Of all the places I have visited, this place ranks very high in the "most peaceful places on earth".

To hear that much of what I had admired... the gardens, the chapel, the very unique design that had the offices and cafeteria... all destroyed by the fire... it is quite unsettling to me. Certainly, they will build again. I pray they do.

In light of this, let's support John Michael Talbot by revisiting some of his best songs. I have compiled a list of my thirty favorites--too hard to break into ten--that comprise his career from his earliest days as a guitarist for Mason Proffit, up to his fiftieth album last year. Some of these may not be entirely familiar to you. It is my hope that you come to appreciate the breadth and vastness and truly unique giftedness of John Michael Talbot's music.

George Lower writes:
By now many of you have heard of the terrible fire that burned much of the common areas of the Little Portion Hermitage in Arkansas. Personally, I felt a deep sadness as the loss the community there has suffered. As a musician and a Christian John Michael Talbot has been a real inspiration for me. His spirituality and his music have provided me with much comfort as I have faced challenges on my own journey.

At times like this I ask myself, "What I can do?" First of all, I know that I can pray for the community. Prayer is certainly an important part of dealing with adversity. I know that I can also give thanks because this fire did not result in any loss of life. Buildings can be rebuilt and possessions can be replaced. God did protect his children from physical harm in this instance.

However, since I do not possess large financial resources I am trying to do something small to give back to a person and a community who has given much to me. I have selected some of my favorite John Michael Talbot songs and compiled them to an iMix available through iTunes. These songs are ones that have supported and sustained my spirit over the years. I hope that many will choose to listen and download this music in an effort to support John Michael and the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.

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...
The votes have been tallied and counted, and according to the community of Top Catholic Songs, this is the list for the Top Songs of Mary. Each of these songs express a particular devotion to Mary, or are songs based out of her words from Scripture. The key to Marian songs, of course, is to honor her as one would honor one's own mother, but not to the level of worship (reserved for God only). It was her "Yes," after all, that opened the door for Jesus to come into the world, that, in turn, opened the door for salvation for all humanity.

1. Queen of Heaven by Mark Mallett
   
   You, you are the Queen of Heaven
   And we honor you
   ‘Cause you, you said “I will”, to the Father
   For all of us and you
   You take our prayers
   And you wrap them in your mantle of love
   Ya, you lead us to
   The only Son of God our Lord above
   O blessed are you among women
   O and blessed is the fruit of your womb
   
   

2. Mary's Song by Sean Clive
   
   We need to imitate Mary in her acceptance of God’s love and complete surrender of herself to the Maker of all things. Do we praise God enough for the good things He has done for us? I don’t. Not nearly enough for so many gifts. (Luke 1:26-56)
   
   

3. Hail Mary, Gentle Woman by Gretchen Harris
   
   This popular song by Carey Landry has such beautiful, gentle lyrics ... I love how our Blessed Mother is called "Peaceful Dove!"

   My ministry is Marian, with the desire to encourage Marian devotion and in turn inspire more frequent prayer of the Rosary, all in hopes of consoling our Blessed Mother.
   
   

4. Medjugorje by Paul Harrigan
   
   Our Blessed Mother Mary got a hold of my sick heart and brought me to her Son Jesus, our Divine Physician. And He has healed me!

   Please visit my YouTube page to view my EWTN performance of "Medjugorje."
   
   

5. Magnificat by Fr. Kent O'Connor
   
   It is based on the words that Mary speaks to Elizabeth at the Visitation. It is a duet with myself and a good friend, Steve Courtney.

   I wanted a version of the Magnificat that was a bit more upbeat than the versions that I often hear. Originally written a little more "rowdy," it was re-arranged, and now it is a song that starts gently but slowly builds to a joyful end.

   I also wanted to stay very close lyrically to the version that I pray every evening.
   
   

6. Do Whatever Tells You by Nick Cardilino
   
   I originally wrote this song back in 2000 in celebration of the beatification of Fr. Chaminade, who founded the Marianists. "Do Whatever He Tells You" became Fr. Chaminade's motto and the way he tried to live. Mary's spirit of obedience to God's will was how he sought to live out his life. So, my hope in writing this song is to encourage all of us to turn to Mary as a model of true discipleship.
   
   

7. Song to Our Lady of Guadalupe by Annie Karto
   
   From the popular melody "Lord You Have Come to the Seashore" are beautiful lyrics honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of America. Trumpets and acoustic guitar add a Mexican flair.
   
   

8. Ode to Mary by Mark Mallett
   
   When I was born many years ago
   You were there to greet my cry
   Fruit of my mother’s womb
   You became the Mother of my life
   I was baptized, beneath your eyes
   With the Father, Spirit and your Son
   Full of grace... I turned my face
   O your work had just begun

   Hail Mary, Hail Mary, Mary mother to me
   Hail Mary, Hail Mary, you are the Queen of my life
   
   

9. Ave Maria by Trish Foti Genco
   
   Classic rendition of the Bach/Gounod. A favorite of mine to sing.
   
   

10. Queen of Apostles by Nancy Krebs
    
    This song won the EWTN Marian Song Contest in 2004, and went on to represent the U.S. in the XX World Festival of Marian Songs in Guatemala. I went there to sing it, and the song came in 5th among 24 nations. It was a great honor and a thrill to be there and to see how people from all over the region loved this festival in honor of the Blessed Mother.
    
    

Feel free to check out these excellent songs, and to deepen your devotion to Our Lady for this year.

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.

We love your feedback!
Call the hot line at 206-600-6940

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).

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.