Nick Alexander here...

This past June 29, on the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul, Pope Benedict XVI has issued forth a special year in celebration of St. Paul. This is in keeping with the traditional belief that he is celebrating his 2000th anniversary of his birth.

From vespers:

We are therefore gathered here not to reflect on a story from a past that has irrevocably gone. Paul speaks to us - today. That is why I proclaimed this special Pauline Year - to listen to him and to learn from him, as our teacher, ‘faith and truth’, in which are rooted the reasons for unity among the disciples of Christ.

We at TopCatholicSongs feel it is imperative to take this year seriously. Therefore we are going to be focusing upon the life and writings of St. Paul each month, until his feast year has run its course.

The list above is a focus on St. Paul himself--the man, the convert, knocked off his horse en route to Damascus, making a complete 180-degree turn in his life, and focusing intently on spreading the Gospel as far and as wide as He could. One of the great things about St. Paul is that he lived in a time where there was also a multi-cultural society, and he had the stamina and the fortitude to take a stand for Christ, which he understood to be the fullness of truth, no matter how hard his road would take him. And his writings today are seminal for the upbuilding of the New Testament church (as it is today)... linking his training in Greek philosophy with the prophetic words of the Old Testament.

And he is responsible for the most beautiful words ever throughout Scripture. Romans 8. 1 Corinthians 13. 2 Corinthians 5. Ephesians 6. Phillippians 3. 1 Timothy.... imminently quotable, inspiring, filled with great wisdom.

It is our intention to find songs that will quote many of these remarkable texts verbatim, in a musical format that is inviting, thoughtful and even fun... so that these texts may be committed to memory with ease. In the meantime, enjoy these songs from a mix of Catholic Contemporary artists, Christian Contemporary artists, and classical musicians, so to be able to understand more of the Great Witness that is Saint Paul.

Every year Franciscan University of Steubenville plays host to a series of youth/young adult conference weekends that provide great talks, inspiring worship, opportunities for adoration and confession, and great, great fun. This year, is no exception. The theme of the conferences this year is "Witness", and the accompanying verse is Acts 1:8.

From the Franciscan Youth Website:

The promise of God is that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we will receive power. What is that power? How do we access that power? How do we use that power? Pope Benedict VXI, himself, recently wrote, "Who is the Holy Spirit? It is a fact that for many Christians He is still the "great unknown." This summer we will seek not just to learn about the Holy Spirit, but to get to know Him as the living presence of God in our lives. And we will get to know His power – the power he wants us to have that we might be witnesses.

And what is it that we are to witness to? The undeniable reality that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of our heavenly Father, took on flesh and became a man like us, except without sin. And that this Jesus, who through signs and wonders revealed His divinity to all whose hearts were open, committed the ultimate act of love and sacrifice by taking up the cross and dying on that cross in our place. Through His death, Jesus conquered our greatest enemy – death. And now, through faith in Jesus and the waters of Baptism, we have been brought into the family of God and have access to heaven through our union with Jesus. That is our faith! That is our hope! That is what needs to be proclaimed to our lost and dying world!

But a witness is more than someone who talks. A witness shows through his life that Jesus is Lord. The word "martyr" in Greek means witness. That is why there is blood on our logo – to remind us that being a true witness to Christ may cost us our very lives.

Here at TopCatholicSongs we wish to provide a great service to those who will be driving long distances, and for those who wish to be reminded of the themes throughout the year: the "Franciscan Steubenville Youth - Witness" playlist is a list of phenomenal songs from both Catholic and Contemporary Christian artists whose very songs reinforce the themes of this weekend.

• Witness by Bob Rice on Steubenville Theme Songs
• Evangelize by Nick Alexander on Eternal Life: The Party Album
• Go Make A Difference by Steve Angrisano on Make A Difference
• As It Is In Heaven by Matt Maher on Overflow
• Jesus Freak (Live) by tobyMac on Alive and Transported (Live)
• Ignatius Of Antioch (Like Wheat) by Fr. Kent O'Connor on Saints
• I Cannot Tell It All by Tom Booth on Find Us Ready
• It's Time by Last Day on We're Here
• From Nothing to Everything by Ben Walther on Where I Want to Be
• In the End by Full Armor on Against the Flow
• Mission's Flame by Matt Redman on Facedown
• Tears of the Saints by Leeland on Sound of Melodies
• Ain't No Party by Fr. Stan Fortuna on Sacro Song 3
• Dare You to Move by Switchfoot on The Beautiful Letdown
• Follow the Son by Valerie Von Fange on Steadfast Love
• Doing Something by Sean Clive on Amazed
• City On A Hill by Third Day on City On a Hill - Songs of Worship and Praise
• Here I Go Again by Casting Crowns on Casting Crowns
• (Ichthus) by Nick Alexander on I Wanna Be Debated
• Be God's by Danielle Rose on Mysteries
• You Will Reign by Gerard Faucheux on How Can You Think of Me? (studio Version)
• Open Wide The Doors by Martin Doman on Praying Twice, Vol II
• Inside by Chris Padgett on Golden
• Tell the World by Hillsong United on Look to You
• Share It With The World by Critical Mass on Completely
• God of Justice by Tim Hughes on We Must Go (Soul Survivor Live 2005)
• Let Your Kingdom Come by Sovereign Grace Music on Valley of Vision
• Micah 6:8 by Charlie Hall on Flying Into Daybreak
• Salt and Light by Jami Smith on Immerse
• Hero (Red Pill Mix) by Superchick on Regeneration
• Teaching Them to Read by Nick Alexander on Eternal Life: The Party Album
• Song of a Servant by Bob Filoramo on My Beacon of Hope
• Go Light Your World by Mel Kennedy w/ M-N-M Music on Hope-N-Light
• For Zion's Sake by John Michael Talbot on The Regathering
• Go Out And Tell by Bobby Fisher & Who Do You Say I Am on Go Out And Tell

Be energized in your faith, be motivated to be bold for Christ, and be inspired to give your all for Him.

Courtesy of Chris D'Alfanso, and filmed on the island of Malta.

1. Boom Bip by Point 5 Covenant from Listen. Learn.
2. Lift Up Your Eyes by Keith Roberts from This Time Around
3. Jesus Loves Me from Little Lamb Lullabies
4. Are You Amazed? by Bob Rice from Shining Like the Son (Best of 1996-2005)
5. Alleluia (Raise Your Voice) by News At Eleven from Here Till the End
6. Mary's Got My Back by Sarah Bauer from Lead Me Home
7. hope4thenew by manuel3 from Catholic Soul Revolution
8. Transubstantiation by Nick Alexander from A Time to Laugh
9. Communion by Gretchen Harris from Sign of Love
10. Take Up Your Cross by Tajci Tatiana from I Thirst - the Crucifixion Story

Nicholas Cole is the former owner of Catholic Tuneage. He has selected this Top 10 list from some of his favorite Catholic albums. These songs are really a cross section of his life over the past couple of years. Four years ago when he founded Catholic Tuneage, lullabies would have never made the list, but now that he has two children they have become quite important to his music selections. But, even with the kiddos, you still cannot shake Catholic rap from the #1 spot!

Nick Alexander here... I just discovered this song. I think it is a tremendous example of great, modern hymnwriting. Apparently, Matt Maher thinks so too... Full lyrics are available HERE.

Courtesy of Grapevine magazine.

Here's a list of Trinity songs from my favorite Catholic artists. Each of these songs speaks of God as "The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." Each of these songs help give us a greater focus on the importance of recognizing and contemplating the mystery of the Holy Trinity. These include three songs from John Michael Talbot (Greeting, In the Name of God, and Father Make Me Holy), two songs from Lynn Geyer (Glory Be and Trinity... the latter of which was a cover by Celeste Zepponi), ServantSong, Brendan Delumpa, Nancy Krebs, Sal Solo, and yours truly. There were a number of songs we would have like to have included, but they were not on iTunes. "Song of the Cross", which was heard at World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, by Susan HooKong-Taylor, closes with a strong Trinitarian praise... but it's not on iTunes. Song of Unity, by Donna Cori Gibson... powerful stuff – but it's not on iTunes. Because We Believe, as covered by Jim Cowan on Behold the Lamb, an Integrity/Renewal release – but it's not on iTunes. Hopefully, these artists will get their music up shortly, for our benefit, and theirs. What are your favorite Trinitarian songs?

Annie Karto writes... This song came about as prayerful plea, asking the Holy Spirit to "sanctify" my life. We are the "work of His Hands," His dwelling place. How awesome to think about! A man named Jim Page heard the song, and made a beautiful video to accompany the song, posting it on You Tube.

Presented by GrapeVine, this video tells the story in pictures and music about the tragic fire that struck the Little Portion Hermitage, home to the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, founded by monk and well-known Catholic recording artist John Michael Talbot. This simple slide show portrays the hermitage before and after the fire, and provides information where you can go and donate to their building fund. There is also an audio podcast that goes along with this video - you can find it at www.gvonline.net/02FILES/breakingnews.htm. Please join in prayer as the Brothers and Sisters of Charity seek God’s will in the rebuilding of the Little Portion Hermitage.

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.

Note from site admin: The old iTunes iMixes were discontinued by Apple, so Nick's list was no longer visible or functional. In lieu of Nick's iMix here is Apple's comprehensive "iTunes Preview" of John Michael Talbot albums and singles:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/john-michael-talbot/id655293

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.

Note from site admin: The old iTunes iMixes were discontinued by Apple, so George's list was no longer visible or functional. In lieu of George's iMix here is Apple's comprehensive "iTunes Preview" of John Michael Talbot albums and singles:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/john-michael-talbot/id655293

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 Holy Spirit Songs... just in time for Pentecost Sunday . Each of these songs express a particular devotion to the Holy Spirit, or a deeper yearning for His presence in our lives. We pray that you make these songs your own, as you realize that the Holy Spirit is our inheritance upon baptism and confirmation, and it is also the theme for this year's World Youth Day in Australia.

1. Come Holy Spirit by Mark Mallett
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Nick Alexander here... Annie Karto has a beautiful video based on her rendition of the Ave Maria. Check it out!

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. Mary (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 He 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 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.

Hallelujah! It is with great excitement that the songs listed by the TopCatholicSongs community as the Top Easter Songs are now to be revealed. These are the ten songs that have been nominated, listened to, voted and tallied as the top songs representing a true Easter spirit, for entertainment, education and personal edification. Be continually reminded of the tremendous victory of Christ in this most blessed season by making these songs part of the soundtrack of your life.

1. Lifted Up by Sean Clive
   It is in His death, lifted up above the earth for all to see, even now, that Jesus draws all people to Himself.
2. Lift Our Hands by Mark Mallett
   The highlight of our concerts, an action song that gets the whole crowd lifting their hands to our risen Lord.
3. R.C.I.A. by Nick Alexander
   This parody takes the familiar "Y.M.C.A." and spins it so that it celebrates those entering the Church each Easter.