CATHOLIC UNDERGROUND (Chicago) is held on the first Thursday of (nearly) every month. It is hosted by the JP2 Newman Center at University of Illinois Chicago, right in the heart of downtown Chicago. It started in September 2008and runs during the academic school year at UIC. It is produced by Spirit Juice Studios
Catholic Underground was originally started by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and was a direct response to a call that began with Pope John Paul II, and is continued by Pope Benedict XVI. Pope John Paul II said that because the Gospel lives in conversation with culture, we must be fearless in crossing the cultural threshold of the communication and information revolution now taking place.
Each Catholic Underground consists of three parts:
PART 1 - Eucharistic adoration, which provides a window for each person to personally encounter Jesus Christ.
PART 2 – The showcasing of Catholic artists which includes music, poetry, visual art dancers, film, etc.
Here we experience the “new evangelization”.
PART 3 - Food and Drinks are provided for fellowship with each other.
Here is a video of the band Last Day at Catholic Underground.
H/T: Last Day
Nick Alexander here...
Were you there? Did you catch any of it? Have you read the texts of Pope Benedict XVI's messages?
Here's some incredible footage I've discovered on YouTube. Enjoy.
Stations of the Cross
Refiner's Fire / I Love You Lord
Your Grace is Enough
Prayer
Street Warriors (Hip Hop)
Nick Alexander here...
This is a video of the official theme song for World Youth Day 2008. Guy Sebastian, who sings this track, won Australian Idol. Paulini adds very beautiful support. This is a very well produced single that is both very reverential and strong lyrics.
Sadly, I could not find this song on iTunes. If anybody has any information as to how to download this song, please feel free to leave it in the comments.
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.
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...
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.
As a music director/organist, I am always looking for additional sources for new, old, and forgotten hymns and other music. This resource would also be an excellent way to broaden my view of hymnody through history, hymnals, composers, sources, etc. I look forward to new discoveries!
I sing @ St. Vincent in Menifee & St. Peter's in Fallbrook. I am seeking musicians to form a band. I live in Menifee, so local guitarist, keyboards, & female vocals are sought. Dedicated only, & disciplined to practice alone & with group, weekly.
As a young Catholic who adores hymns, I would like to become more aware of those I haven’t heard before. I’m also looking for a space to help identify songs I’d heard once but lost to my memory
Engagée dans la diffusion de la musique catholique, je cherche à partager des chants pour contribuer à l’œuvre d’évangélisation selon mes humbles moyens. Que Dieu veille sur chacun de nous !
I've written a Mass setting, got it approved by the USCCB, several psalm settings, and a couple years of gospel acclamation verses. Looking for a place to publish my works.
As a Catholic songwriter and singer myself, I want to contribute to the community and receive info on how to promote good Catholic songs to a wide audiences.
I am Catholic and a piano teacher. The Catholic Church has the most beautiful treasury of hymns.
I want my students to study hymns. Also, I want to memorize the words of some of the hymns that are in Latin and having access to the sheet music will help with that. Thank you.
I'm a music director at a Cathedral and a composer. I would love to hear other composers, music, ideas, etc. Additionally, I'd like to share my own music.