Songs That Make a Difference (in the faith life of American Catholics)

National Association of Pastoral Musicians ^

[NYer]

Here are some of the selections that we have received from respondents to the survey of liturgical songs that have made a difference in the faith life of American Catholics.

All Are Welcome
Text and music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950.
I believe that the words really are words for our time, both for our Church and our world. They tell us who we ought to be and what we are to be about as Catholic Christians. It calls us to be who we say we are. When we sing it at our parish I feel a real sense of community, even though I know we have a long way to go to be the ideal Christian community. When we sing it I experience a sense of unity even as it challenges us to strive together to become that more ideal Christian community. (Linda Corey, Eau Claire, WI )

Ave Verum Corpus
Text: Ascr. to Innocent VI, d. 1362. Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756 - 1791.
In 2001, after 9/11, my church in New York City did a memorial concert and produced a CD to raise money for the firefighters' and rescue workers' widows. We chose Ave Verum among others, because it poignantly confronts suffering and yet it proclaims the core truth of our faith: Christ's suffering (and ours) is redemptive; he is with us in life, in the Eucharist forever, and in death that opens to eternity with him. (Colleen Baxter, Sarasota, FL )

Be Not Afraid
Text: Based on Is 43:2-3; Lk 6:20 ff.; Bob Dufford, sj , b. 1943. Music: Bob Dufford, b. 1943.
The message, "Be Not Afraid," is stressed multiple times by prophets, disciples, and Christ himself! This is the story of my life and this is the true word of God. He is always with us; hence be afraid of nothing! It gives much hope, comfort, and peace - things we all desire and strive for. (Andrew Berthold, Omaha, NE )

Here I Am, Lord
Text and music: Dan Schutte, b. 1947
I first heard this song shortly after publication when my sister completed her training for youth ministry. It spoke clearly of her reasons for vocation, and she and he husband (whom she met during training) still work in the field for the Oakland Diocese. Most of my family members have served our parishes as musicians, singers, CCD teachers, and ministers of the Eucharist. I still get a lump in my throat when I sing this hymn. How else do you respond to the Lord's call but to use his gifts in service to others? (Steven West, Morton Grove, IL)

Lord of All Hopefulness
Text: Jan Struther, 1901 - 1953. Tune: SLANE.
I have long loved this hymn as a prayer for God's blessing throughout the day, but it took on a new meaning as a prayer of blessing and thanks for a life when we used it for the funerals of my father and mother. (Gordon E. Truitt, Sykesville, MD)

I remember the first time I heard Lord of All Hopefulness . It was a rainy day and we were having Morning Prayer in the center hall instead of in church. I was in first grade and didn't have my own book or know the words to the hymn. I looked lost to an older boy with a book, who let me read over his shoulder. I thought it was really nice of him and now whenever I hear this song I remember it. I also think this hymn is very calming and peaceful. It makes me feel relaxed and makes me think about how God is always with me through anything. Our music teacher told us this morning that it is not only about him being there all day, but all throughout our lives, and the end of the day is like the end of our lives, and God is with us through all of it. That is why Lord of All Hopefulness is special to me. (Maria Lattanzio, Immaculate Conception Regional School , Franklin , NJ )

My Soul Is Thirsting (Ps 63)
Music: Michael Joncas, b. 1951
I find the psalms to be the richest source of my prayers. I am constantly amazed that a poet from 3,000 years ago has put into words the same experience of God that I have. Psalm 63 is one of my favorites and this setting has enabled me to memorize the psalm and keep it with me, no matter how far I may be from my Bible. (Terri Miyamoto, Staten Island, NY)

Pescador de Hombres
Text and music: Cesáreo Gabaráin, 1936 - 1991
This hymn was truly inspired by our heavenly Father as is expressed through the very eloquent expression of Gabaráin as he makes "eye contact" with the Spirit of Jesus. I have visited Catholic liturgies all over the world and have rejoiced to hear this unifying hymn sung in many different languages. This is the most requested hymn when our choir is asked to sing for funerals, weddings, birthdays, etc. (Cordelia Garcia, Santa Fe, NM)

Praise to the Lord
Text: Joachim Neander, 1650 - 1680; tr. by Catherine Winkworth, 1827 - 1878.
Music: LOBE DEN HERREN; Straslund Gesangbuch, 1665.
It is a great hymn of praise known to many Christians, Catholic and Protestant. When I was in college and sang in a concert choir, this hymn served as our theme, sung at the beginning of our concerts. When I passed my exam for my master's degree, I joyfully sang this hymn (all five of the original stanzas) on my way home in the car. I learned it in my Lutheran childhood and still use it in Catholic music ministry. (Naomi Matthews, Madison, WI)

Salve Regina
Text: attr. to Hermanus Contractus, 1013 - 1054. Music: Chant, Mode V
Connects us to 700 years of Catholics, and in its style and mood, really back to at least the seventh century. Together, the living and the dead make up the "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews), and we are connected to the great saints of the past who sang these very words to this very melody. (Joe Mulrooney, Rochester, NY)

Tantum Ergo
Text: Thomas Aquinas, 1227 - 1274. Tune: ST. THOMAS
It connects with the early days of my faith life and I still find myself humming it. (Peggy D'Elia, San Francisco, CA )

The Cross of Love Blessing Prayer
Text and music: Rufino Zaragoza, OFM
This song unites people to the cross in a way that makes the cross something one would eagerly want to take up as it is a cross of love. . . . I cried and cried the first time I read the words. It struck a nerve deep within me, close to my heart.

An odd occurrence happened the first time I used this song. I included it as a song after communion for everyone to sing on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. On that Sunday I started the song and then heard strange sounds of metal clanging. I had no way of knowing this, but found out afterwards that an elderly man in the rear pew of the church had collapsed after receiving communion and an ambulance was called. We sang as they laid him on the stretcher, and as we sang the last note of the song, the ambulance workers were out the door. I of course had no idea of all that had transpired downstairs in the main body of the church, although the cantor's eyes were quite wide and her facial expressions a little unusual. It was even more startling to realize that the opening words of the song are, "May the Lord bless and keep you till your journey is complete." Fortunately the gentleman had not completed his journey just yet and was given the medical treatment needed. It was a strange coincidence for sure, but certainly for that gentleman a fitting song for the moment and a beautiful song celebrating the cross and our call to discipleship. (Katherine M. Joseph, Merrimack, NH )

The King of Love My Shepherd Is
Text: Henry Williams Baker, 1821 - 1877. Music: ST. COLUMBA, trad. Irish melody
This wonderful combination of inspired text and beautiful hymnody has found its way into my heart on many occasions, from mourning the tragic death of a young student to celebrating with my parish community. Henry Baker's text does brilliant justice not only to the psalm (23) itself, but to the remarkably well-intertwined themes of trust, faith, love, providence, reconciliation, and hope. Equally as impressive to me is the way that this extraordinary hymn-tune and the emphases of the text complement each other, within each verse and through the piece as a whole, creating a musical journey from quiet gratitude to awe-inspired joy. (Tony Ward, Omaha, NE )

The Lord Is My Hope
Text and music by M. D. Ridge
This song has been my source of strength during some of the toughest, hardest times of my life. It's so easy for shadows to confuse our vision or sorrow to claim one's heart, but the Lord is there always to help those who rely on him and his assistance and love. I find courage to move forward with this song. My Shepherd and King is forever with me; I know that I DON'T walk alone. (Patricia McGinley, Philadelphia, PA )

Voices That Challenge
Text and music by David Haas, b. 1957
When we first used this song at the campus ministry at James Madison University in Virginia , a young woman came up after Mass with tears in her eyes and said, "I've never heard anyone mention AIDS in church before. My brother died of AIDS, and I've been afraid to tell anyone about him, until now." Ironically, I had considered not singing that verse, because I didn't want to offend anyone. the young woman was voice that challenged me to keep singing for those who need their voices heard. (Steve Raml, Glendale, AZ )

We Are Called
Text and music by David Haas, b. 1957
This song speaks to me as a Christian who is called to make a difference in my world, whether that's in my family, my neighborhood, my work, or my main ministry, which is serving the people in Haiti through the PTPA program. It also reminds me of God's call to me that I experienced when I made a Cursillo weekend in 1995. (Mary Rehovsky, Nashville, TN )

[markomalley]

I've suggested re-looking at the OCP subscription to our parish liturgy committee. Doubt it will do any good with our current pastor, but you never can tell!

[markomalley]

I've suggested re-looking at the OCP subscription to our parish liturgy committee. Doubt it will do any good with our current pastor, but you never can tell!

[conservonator]

"Lord of the Dance" was never intended as a hymn. It's a poem set to music by Sydney Carter. He writes good stuff, but it's not church stuff. It's sort of folk.

I agree, it may be a delightful song, but Church music it ain't!

[conservonator]

Had never considered your reasoning on the Here I Am, either. I choose not to think that way, I guess..........or just I'm naive.

Not naive, just a more generous person than I am.

[klossg]

No "Dude of Cool" is not real yet. But I can see it happening. The ancient metaphor of the Lamb of God is not enough. We must go beyond and away from the innocence of a little lamb.

[AnAmericanMother]

The Lamb

John Tavener setting of the William Blake poem.

[rogator]

I also can see it happening, perhaps in a children's Mass designed for teenagers. That's why I asked.
I have also heard "prince of peace etc."
Perhaps we can thank the likes of Oregon Catholic Press for this kind of stuff also.

[sitetest]

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God"

I know, I know. It's Lutheran.

So burn me at the stake.

;-)

[Claud]

Have you seen The Anglican Use Gradual?

WOW!!! Thanks for posting that link!

The more I see what the English-language liturgy *could have been* if its architects were not out-and-out barbarians, the more @*&*$*#($*& I get.

[Carolina]

Did you notice how much easier the Alleluia chant is instead of the Celtic Mass or Jesuit Mass Alleluia. It took me several weeks to learn either of them. And I'm a musician, too, and I've sung in choirs for most of my life.

[Claud]

I'll take a look at the Alleluia...I only skimmed through so far :)

There's this "pop" Alleluia in like 4/4 I've heard only starting recently that is utterly atrocious. With c as the root... c-d-e-f, f-e-d-c. f-e-f-g, f-e-d-e. {shudder}

The Anglican musical tradition is so much more Catholic than the average parish fare that's served up nowadays.

[fortunecookie]

Everytime I hear Marty Haugen's name brought up, I know we're in for some huggy, touchy feely, new agey mush, careful to avoid reference to anything that might be traditionally considered Catholic, whether outwardly or not. And he top's the list. *eyeroll*

OTOH, I love Salve Regina and centuries later it's hard to top Tantum Ergo, St. Thomas Aquinas is a genius, a real treasure for us. And I do enjoy Pescador de Hombres.

[NYer]

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God" I know, I know. It's Lutheran. So burn me at the stake.

Lol ... not today :-)

I have truly enjoyed the posts to this thread. They resurrect memories from my former parish. The new 'light in the loafers' pastor, had a penchant for anything less than orthodox, especially the music. We already had two choral groups when he arrived - a contemporary group that 'performed' at the 9am 'Family' Mass and the staid 'choir' that sang at the 11am Mass. Preferring the choir, I always attended the latter where I enjoyed the more traditional hymns. Many of the young families preferred the 9 o'clock and some absolutely loved the more contemporary music. Father gave the contemporary group, 'pride of place' during high holy days. I recall one Christmas Vigil Mass where Father smiled broadly when a 2 year old child jumped up on the pew and began 'boogeying' to the contemporary music.

Thank you all for your contributions to this thread. Here is mine.

Maronite Sacred Music

Aside from the liturgical chants, the hymns sung during the Maronite Divine Liturgy are quite old and limited. Like the chants, they are sung to a similar musical form. The most recognized Maronite hymns are 'O Bread of Life' and 'The Lord is My Shepherd'. The Maronites are not into innovation and Father is occasionally challenged to 'update' the music by those Maronites who have attended the Latin NO Mass. He smiles and reminds them of their roots. Bless him! (and thank you for not introducing these novelties into our liturgy.

[Carolina]

I recall one Christmas Vigil Mass where Father smiled broadly when a 2 year old child jumped up on the pew and began 'boogeying' to the contemporary music.

A "liturgical dancer" in the making. *rolls eyes*

[kstewskis]

Taking the Lamb of God and changing it to anything but Lamb of God. ... "Prince of Peace" ... "Merciful Lord" ... "Dude of Cool" Takes away the sin of the world ...

LOL, but disgusted at the same time, it's so sad and true at some parishes!

[kstewskis]

I also can see it happening, perhaps in a children's Mass designed for teenagers. That's why I asked.

It was precisely this type of mass I attended about a year ago at my sister's parish in Idaho, where it came pretty darned close to this.

It took all I could not to leave in tears. I kid you not.

Fortunately, there were a lot of complaints afterwards (from what I heard) and things toned down a bit.

[klossg]

It took all I could not to leave in tears.

Oh I know. And it is amazing the lenghts some music ministers will go to make the Mass more vibrant! I hope and pray it is because they do not know what they are doing.

But the Priests know better. And generally I have found that when I get to know the more lax priests (and I have lived through more than a couple), I find that they were Alcoholics or had a unconventional childhood or have issues themselves. They are lax because God has been so merciful to them. So, they need prayers and comforting more than others. I do hope the Seminaries understand these issues when they allow them to join the seminary. I am sure they see the connection. But, they can't stop everyone from becoming a priest. But it would be nice to get a bunch of well raised young men to make the "Dude of Cool" songs a little less prevalent.

[siunevada]

I despise Oregon "Catholic" Press...

I'll second that!

I'll also chide choir directors for following blindly every suggestion OCP thinks is appropriate.

I mean, Adoro Te Devote and O, Sacrament Most Holy are in the Music Issue OCP publishes but we never, ever sing them. But we get plentiful helpings of the more 'modern' tunes that the congregation sings half-heartedly, if at all.

[siunevada]

the choir director played a little number during the Alleluia that he ended by running his fingers up the keys...it sounded like something from a New Orleans burlesque show.

Must be a classmate of one of the choir directors at our parish. Before Mass, when he's warming up, he has a bad habit of 'noodling' blues riffs. Incredibly obnoxious. And, sorry dude, completely un-hip.

If Duke Ellington or Ray Charles wouldn't do that in church, he shouldn't either.

I think he must regret not having a misspent hard-rockin' youth to look back on.

I wish he would just form a cover band and go out and try to get some paying gigs on Friday nights.

[Salvation]

Bumping this again.