Top Catholic Songs

Sometimes called the Golden Sequence, is a sequence prescribed in the Roman Liturgy that is sung before the Gospel during the Pentecost Mass. Scored for a variety of arrangements. (with optional chords for an instrumentalist to accompany). Accessible and appropriate for any church setting.

Sequence for Pentecost. Voice and 6-string nylon string guitar performed by Richard Schletty. Text: Sequence for Pentecost, 13th Century; translated by Peter Scagnelli, © 1983. Tune: Mode I; accompaniment by Adrian Engels, © Interkerkelijke Stichting voor het Kerklied.

There are two days on the church calendar (Easter and Pentecost) when the liturgy calls for a "sequence," a special hymn that may be sung or recited before the gospel. The sequence for Pentecost dates from the 12th century. This setting is #981 in GIA's RitualSong hymnbook and #470 in GIA's Gather Comprehensive, Second Edition.

The song art is the center portion of a massive 50-foot-wide mural I painted for Holy Spirit Parish a few years ago. Details here: Grasped by the Holy Spirit mural

Holy Spirit, Lord Divine,

Come, from heights of heav’n and shine.
Come with blessed radiance bright!

Come, O Father of the poor,
Come, whose treasured gifts endure.
Come, our heart’s unfailing... 

Scored for a 2-part choir hymn (Women on melody and Men on Harmony), Solo, Oboe and Piano. Simple repetitive chant melody followed by the soloist's counter-melody of the English text. Can be used any time the Holy Spirit is the topic.