What are your “Amazing Graces?"

Planning music for liturgy is enjoyable, but it can also be a challenge.  Some weeks, it seems like everything just falls into place…we have the perfect song for everything!  Other weeks, we might read the readings and think, “Um…ok…I got nothin’.”

The goal of this post is NOT to get into the details of ‘how to plan music for liturgy.’  There are a lot of things to consider when doing so. Instead, for this post, I want to focus on those times when we might be at a loss for a song, or just need to add something the assembly knows well.  Most of us, I’m sure, have certain songs we consider our ‘go-to’ choices when we’re trying to fill a specific need in a liturgy. I think those songs share a few characteristics:

- They are highly accessible (fairly simple to learn/perform/sing) for most, if not ANY music group.

- The assembly sings these songs well and consistently embraces them wholeheartedly!

- The text fulfills a particularly common theme, or seems appropriate for most Sundays.

- They are songs that have stood the test of time, whether that be a few months for a newer song, or even years for songs we've known longer.

- They are songs we just simply couldn’t do without. Any music ministry would find them effective.

For example, when it comes to a Dismissal Song, what are some good ‘go-to’ choices if you can’t think of something specific?  I know, for us, we always have songs like As It Is in Heaven (Cash/Maher),  Blessed be Your Name (Redman), Everlasting God (Brown), For the Beauty of the Earth (Bolduc), I Send You Out (Angotti), or Your Grace Is Enough (Maher) in our ‘back pocket,’ ready to go.

For Gathering Songs, if nothing seems to jump out of the readings, we can always turn to Be Still for the Presence of the Lord (Evans), Come to Jesus (Blakesley), How Great Is Our God (Tomlin), Our God (Tomlin), Shout to the North (Smith), or At the Name of Jesus (Bolduc). 

For Offertory we can always rely on Christ in Me Arise (Thomson), Offering (Baloche), Prosper the Work of Our Hands (Booth/Jansen/Tomaszek), or We Bring Our Gifts to Your Altar (Flynn).

For Communion, some of our favorites are Blessed Are You, Lord (Francois), I Am the Bread of Life (Kaczmarek),  O Saving Lamb (Booth), and We Come to You (Blakesley).

For Second Communion or Songs of Praise we might consider All Praise and Honor (Baloche), Behold the Lamb of God (Maher), Revelation Song (Jobe), or We Fall Down (Tomlin).

For Lent, some of our stand-by’s are Journey for Home (Bolduc), Return to God (Angotti), and Take Up Our Cross (Hart/Stephan/Byrd).

For Advent, Awake to the Day (Bolduc), Come, Emmanuel (Light/Tate),  Find Us Ready (Booth), Prepare the Way (Hall), and Ready the Way (Stephan) are always good choices.

For Marian feast days we seem to always turn to Blessed One (Thompson).

Maybe, after looking at this list we should really be asking: Why are these songs listed here? What makes them so accessible?

 
Here's a sample of our music ministry leading Trevor Thomson's "Christ in Me Arise" this past Sunday at our 6pm liturgy.

 

These are not exhaustive lists by any means, but these are some of our ‘go-to’ choices...our 'Amazing Graces'...when we need a song for some particular part of the liturgy.  They are, simply, songs that work well.

These are my ideas. What are yours?

March 17, 2013 – 5th Sunday of Lent

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts to consider.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by John Newton, Chris Tomlin, and Louie Giglio (worshiptogether.com) - the classic, traditional song with some new text and an added powerful chorus. Be careful to choose a key that's not too high.
Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Be Merciful, O Lord by Steve Angrisano (spiritandsong.com) - a great setting...be careful not to take this too fast. Just relax and play it...pray it... nice and easy. Great, singable refrain your assembly can sing. The verses allow for some solo singing.
Suggested use: Psalm, Second Communion/Meditation

Beautiful Things by Michael Gungor (worshiptogether.com) - a powerful song for a communion meditation..."you make beautiful things...you make beautiful things out of us." Find the key that's right for your singer(s). (From the CD Beautiful Things).
Suggested use: Second Communion/Meditation

From the Inside Out by Joel Houston (Hillsong) – "A thousand times I've failed, still your mercy remains..." Check out this song.
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Homeward Bound by Ken Macek (WLP) - Cliff Petty sings a powerful interpretation of this song on the Voices As One vol. 1 CD Father, We Thank Thee. Also found in the Voices As One vol. 1 collection.
Suggested Use: Psalm, Offertory, Second Communion/Meditation

Hosea by Gregory Norbet (OCP) – I love this song. We've done it 'as-written' as well as with a dotted-eighth, dotted-eighth, eighth rhythm on the first three notes in the verse. (each phrase)
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Journey for Home by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – "we live and journey...journey for home." Easy to play, easy to sing. (From the CD The Face of God.)
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Return to God by John Angotti (WLP) - another great song from John's Joy Beyond Our Dreams. This song also works well at many places in the liturgy.(From the CD Joy Beyond Our Dreams) This song is also a part of the More Voices As One vol. 1 collection. (see the link on the sidebar)
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) - driving, singable, powerful... (From the CD Empty and Beautiful).
Suggested use: Song of Thanksgiving/Dismissal

 

Using Microphones Effectively

As singers, the way we use our mic can make all the difference in the way we sound, and the way the overall music sounds.  Techniques applied when singing solo can (and most times should) differ from when we are singing in a group.

In most modern, contemporary music ensembles, we frequently see ‘each one on a mic,’ meaning everyone has their own dedicated microphone.  While this is an effective way of controlling volume from a sound-person point of view, it can create some blending issues if the singers are not careful or aware of how they are using the microphone.

In choirs, for instance, the blend of voices is controlled by the conductor.  Strategically placing certain voices next to one another (or behind someone else) can create the proper mix.  This way they can be sure that certain altos aren’t sticking out, or that the bass isn’t being overshadowed by the tenors, or that you can hear the melody that the sopranos are singing. The conductor creates a ‘wall of sound’ that is heard by the audience or assembly.  A couple of mics placed well in front of the entire group pick up the entire mix of voices.

When each singer has their own microphone, that ‘wall of sound’ isn’t as easily achieved without proper mic technique. An overzealous singer can destroy a blend by misusing their microphone. I’m talking about proximity.

‘Proximity’ has to do with how far away you are from your microphone while singing into it. Singing closer to the mic creates a rounder, warmer sound, ideally suited to solo singing. Singing ‘off the mic’ or a little back from it creates a thinner, less bass-y sound more suited for ensemble singing.

Here’s what I mean:

1. Let’s say you will be singing the opening verse of a song by yourself. You are the only one singing…so get ‘on’ the mic. Sing close to it. You are the only voice, so it needs to be warm and round. A close proximity will give the best result.

 

 

 

2. When it comes to the chorus, let's say you will be joined by two more singers on melody. Since there will be three of you, back off of the mic a little. (Maybe, since you are ‘leading’ the song, you could be a little closer than the other two singers.)

3. At the same time, 3 other singers will sing alto, and 3 more will sing tenor. All of these singers need to sing ‘off the mic,’ not right up close to it. Quite simply, it will be ‘too much.’  You will have to experiment a little to find the right blend, but the important thing is to find the right blend!!! Remember, not everyone is singing a solo!



This becomes even more crucial when there are fewer singers. If there is one per part, the melody needs to be out front­– closer to the mic, while the other voices sing back a little.

Really it comes down to listening.  Everyone listening!   Don’t just assume your vocal part is the most important, or has to be heard as loud as the melody or lead singer.  Complement the other voices. Make music!

March 10, 2013 – 4th Sunday of Lent

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts to consider.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

 

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by John Newton, Chris Tomlin, and Louie Giglio (worshiptogether.com) - the classic, traditional song with some new text and an added powerful chorus. Be careful to choose a key that's not too high.

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

 

 

Beautiful Things by Michael Gungor (worshiptogether.com) - a powerful song for a communion meditation..."you make beautiful things...you make beautiful things out of us." Find the key that's right for your singer(s). (From the CD Beautiful Things).

Suggested use: Second Communion/Meditation
 

 

Desert Song by Brooke Ligertwood (worshiptogether.com) - great song for Lent. We actually started this on the First Sunday, but I hadn't played it yet, and I didn't want to recommend something I'd never done before.  :-) (Mp3 download).

Suggested use: Second Communion/Meditation

 

 

From the Inside Out by Joel Houston (Hillsong) – "A thousand times I've failed, still your mercy remains..."  Check out this song.

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion
 

Hosea by Gregory Norbet (OCP) – I love this song. We've done it 'as-written' as well as with a dotted-eighth, dotted-eighth, eighth rhythm on the first three notes in the verse. (each phrase)

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

 

Journey for Home by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – "we live and journey...journey for home." Easy to play, easy to sing. (From the CD The Face of God.)

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Return to God by John Angotti (WLP) - another great song from John's Joy Beyond Our Dreams. The verses by Alan Hommerding are beautiful and so appropriate for this season. John added a great refrain and...the whole thing just works well. This song also works well at many places in the liturgy.(From the CD Joy Beyond Our Dreams) This song is also a part of the More Voices As One vol. 1 collection. (see the link on the sidebar)

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

 

Taste and See by Steve Angrisano (spiritandsong.com) - another nice setting of this Psalm text.

Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm, Communion

Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) - driving, singable, powerful... (From the CD Empty and Beautiful).

Suggested use: Song of Thanksgiving/Dismissal

Using Technology Effectively in Worship

This week, guest blogger Craig Colson suggests ways we, as ministers, can benefit from modern technology in this week’s edition of Setting the Tone.

Let me first start by saying how honored I am to be writing this week’s Setting the Tone for mentor and friend Ed Bolduc. Thanks Ed for the opportunity!

"The Twitter"

About a month ago, the Associate Pastor at my parish, who is 79 years old, remarked in his homily about how Pope Benedict had "The Twitter." I had to laugh at the fact that he called it "The Twitter" instead of just "Twitter" and that others had told my priest that he should purchase "The Twitter" when, in reality, it's free! The reason I bring this up is because if my 79 year old Associate Pastor, as well as our 85 year old Pope, are using Twitter, or even just talking about it, certainly the use of technology plays a role in our Church today. Of course, most of us use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social networking sites on a daily basis, but how can modern technology help us in our music ministries?  Certainly communicating with others through social media is much easier than calling each individual choir member or musician to let them know about an upcoming Mass or rehearsal, but there are many other technologies and tools that can cut down tremendously on the amount of time and resources we expend in our daily ministry.

Making and Sending PDF’s

To cut down drastically on rehearsal times with our choirs, cantors and instrumentalists, consider putting together a PDF of the sheet music you will be using for a particular Mass or event, and send it out to your groups before your rehearsal. I know what you're thinking....that means I have to be organized. Well....yes! It's a new year...maybe you haven't made a resolution yet. :-) My challenge to you is to get organized! Many copy machines now have the capability to scan documents to PDF. A lot of sheet music is now purchased via digital download online in PDF format. So, why not either scan the songs together into one large PDF, or send individual PDF's out to your group a day or two before your rehearsal? Many people can learn and follow their part more quickly, having seen it ahead of time.

(Editor’s note: be sure you have purchased a REHEARSAL LICENSE from the publisher of the music you are sending. Though they all vary, most allow you to create or send ‘rehearsal’ copies to your musicians. Contact the individual publishers for details.)

Audio links

Another great tool to send along with the PDF is a 'listening link' of the song. Hearing the song before coming to practice will definitely speed up your rehearsal and help both your instrumentalists and singers learn the music faster. Most music publishing websites have links for listening online (including voicesasone.com, spiritandsong.com, giamusic.com, worshiptogether.com, ccli.com, etc.). Another great website that has links from WLP composers, as well as other publishers, is mycatholicvoice.com. Sending a link to a video on YouTube that contains a recording of the song is also helpful. To send a link in an email, just simply copy the internet address from the window at the top of the web page containing the link and paste that link under the title of the song. Here's an example of what it could look like in your email:

Salvation Belongs to our God:

http://www.wlp.jspaluch.com/download/017305-004.mp3

Journey for Home

http://www.mycatholicvoice.com/media/szPOd1

Even if you play the songs a little bit differently than the recording, at least your musicians have heard the song a few times and have a better idea of how the piece goes. I have found that this not only cuts down on rehearsal time, but also greatly improves the quality of the music.

Music on the iPad

The next thing I would like to touch on today will require having an iPad. iPads are amazing tools that can help us in so many different ways in our ministries. Today, there are many sheet music apps for iPad that will take our existing PDF's and compile them in one place that is portable to be with us at any funeral, wedding, retreat, etc.

I have been using an app called Forscore for over a year now and it has made my life infinitely less complicated. The app only costs $4.99.  Within it you can download PDF's directly from www.dropbox.com (free account). You can download PDF's from digital downloads you have purchased online or within the app itself, or by ‘scanning in’ your own PDF's.  There are also several wireless foot-switch pedals that use Bluetooth to seamlessly turn pages, or you can turn pages forward and back by touching the screen.

Some added benefits of using an ipad for music scores include:

1.    No need for music stand lights

2.    Take music anywhere...it’s always with you

3.    Bluetooth music wirelessly to other ipads (no internet needed)

4.    Write on music and mark it up within the app

5.    No need to carry around your music books

6.    Easily assemble playlists for different Masses or events

Here's a link to a quick video demonstrating the use of the ipad with the Forscore app:

You may be thinking that purchasing an iPad is a big investment for you or your church, but we've really only scratched the surface of their use in this blog. The iPad also has the capability to be a digital soundboard controller, as well as a remote control for certain lyric and video projection programs such as Pro Presenter 5. You can even use it as a credit card machine to sell different products for your ministry or church.

Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to explore some more technological uses that can enhance our ministries in the future, but whatever technologies you use, we always need to be sure that they do not distract from our prayer, but add to it. As we continue to live in this digital age, may we all use our best pastoral judgment to build up the body of Christ through the work that we do and use whatever means necessary to reach out to a new generation as we seek new ways to evangelize and minister to all people.

–Craig

Check out Craig's website at www.craigcolson.com.


Craig has a new CD (EP) coming out soon from WLP entitled "I Am the Way."  Click here for some audio samples.

(The song suggestions below are by Ed Bolduc)

March 3, 2013 – 3rd Sunday of Lent

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts to consider.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

Beautiful Things by Michael Gungor (worshiptogether.com)  - a powerful song for a communion meditation..."you make beautiful things...you make beautiful things out of us."  Find the key that's right for your singer(s). (From the CD Beautiful Things).

Suggested use: Second Communion/Meditation

Can We Love? by Tom Booth (spiritandsong.com) – powerful song that challenges us by asking: can love like Jesus did?  I love the line: "It's more than raising our hands...it's more than singing his praise...it's saying "yes." Everything, from the lyrics to the melody to the rhythm section of this song just works!  Our assembly loves and comments on this song every time we sing it.

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Dismissal/Song of Thanksgiving

From the Inside Out by Joel Houston (Hillsong) – I can't count the number of times I've been asked to sing and play this song.  Our teens have been so moved by the lyrics and melody of this piece. Definitely check it out.

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Journey for Home by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – a very singable refrain and an assembly part in the verse. It also seems to work well at many places in the liturgy. (From the CD The Face of God.)

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Return to God by John Angotti (WLP) - another great song from John's Joy Beyond Our Dreams. The verses by Alan Hommerding are beautiful and so appropriate for this season. John added a great refrain and...the whole thing just works well. This song also works well at many places in the liturgy.(From the CD Joy Beyond Our Dreams) This song is also a part of the More Voices As One vol. 1 collection. (see the link on the sidebar)

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Offertory, Communion

Take Up Your Cross by Curtis Stephan and Sarah Hart (spiritandsong.com) A great fresh sound with a powerful opening lyric: "Behold the wood that bears our name..." Beautiful...singable. (From the CD Amid Passing Things).

Suggested use: Song of Gathering, Offertory

1. The Lord Is Kind and Merciful by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - not really a contemporary 'worship-band' arrangement, but a usable, simple setting that could be nice for the season of lent. Bring in the choir/singers on the refrain and divide up the verses as individual solos. Play the verses simply, guitar/piano.  Add the bass and light percussion on the refrain. (From the CD Love One Another) 

Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm

2. The Lord Is Kind and Merciful by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - call and response setting with a little calypso feel.  (From the CD The Face of God) 

Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm

Tree of Life by Aaron Thompson (WLP) - listen to the moving lyrics of this song, set to a very a simple, almost repetitive melody.  A choral version is also available, as well as lead sheets (From the CD 10,000 Angels) 

Suggested use: Offertory, Second Communion

Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher (spiritandsong.com) - driving, singable, powerful... (From the CD Empty and Beautiful).

Suggested use: Song of Thanksgiving/Dismissal

Faith is a choice…does ‘what we sing’ help people to worship and believe?

As ministers, there is more required of us than just choosing music. Guest blogger John Angotti challenges us to a deeper understanding of why we do what we do in this week’s edition of Setting the Tone.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is an honor to contribute to Ed Bolduc’s blog that enlightens and inspires music ministers across the country.

 

 

A Wide Perspective

As I travel each week, seeing our church from a wide perspective, I see a church that is becoming irrelevant to the average person in the pew.  Here are some statistics that may seem shocking:

- 68 million Catholics are registered in the U.S. and 19% of those practice regular worship.
- It is said that 20% of those in the pews actually believe Christ present in the Eucharist!
- Therefore, 68 million becomes about 3 million people.

The issue is faith.  ‘Faith’ isn’t something I can give you.  It is something you, as an individual, have to accept, like ‘love.’  I can’t force my children to love me.  They choose to love me back.  The one thing God cannot do is force us to love God back.  So, like love, faith cannot be forced or mandated.  Faith is a choice.

 

Our actions matter…

It’s a huge ‘wakeup call’ for all of us who are ministers in the church to rethink what, why, and how we are doing what we are doing. This includes musicians, presiders, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and ministers of hospitality. We must strive for the effects of worship to reach the hearts of the individual so all may accept the mystery of faith. Then, God becomes present and relevant in the world through the image of Christ. Christ becomes visible through our actions- how we treat one another…with dignity, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness.  Only then, I believe, will people begin to see that church is relevant in the lives of the faithful. More will come to know Christ, not because someone made them, but because faith is a conscious choice.

Does ‘what we sing’ help people to worship and believe?

I’m finishing up my Masters in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and my final thesis is taking Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi and adding Lex Cantandi.  This statement means that how we worship leads to what we believe, and that leads to how we live.  I am adding: does what we sing help people to worship and believe,  and then apply that to their daily lives?  Are the texts we are singing engaging people in the rituals within the liturgy?  Are they, then, effective in the hearts of the assembly gathered?

In the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy #8: it states that people need to be ‘predisposed’ before they enter the liturgy in order to receive the effects of the worship.  In other words, is the world a better place because we worshipped God or did we just ‘punch our mass card’­­­ as if someone is keeping track?  The document also states that there is something more required by pastors of souls then to just go through the motions that govern the laws of licit worship.  Who do you really know who is ‘predisposed’ before they enter the worship?  For example, if you asked the average assembly member what Presentation of Gifts was all about, would they know? 

As ministers, there is more required of us than picking songs!

So, as musicians, it’s a call to us to realize that there is something more required of us besides just knowing the notes on the page, or how to play our instrument, or sing in tune.  Those are important, but, because we are ministers,  there is more required of us then just picking 4 or 5 songs.  How well do we know what each ritual within the liturgy is to signify? If we don’t, then, how can we really pick the appropriate song for the assembly member who has not been predisposed?

            Father Jim Marchionda once told me that when the preaching can’t do it, the music has to.  So, my encouragement to musicians is to really begin a theological journey of study in deepening your faith to unfold the beautiful treasure that is held inside the liturgy.  Remember, the liturgy is a skeleton.  How you ‘dress it’ is up to the creative skills of the minister. They must relay to people (who may not ‘get it’) the truth held inside each rite and ritual action.  Then, by what we sing, we can come to know the depth of our faith and worship with full, active, and conscious participation.  Then, the world is a better place because we gathered and then are sent forth to love and serve the Lord, glorifying our God through our lives!

What we sing affects how we worship, which challenges us in what we believe. That is visible in how we live, and reveals God to the world in a relevant manner that makes the world a better place.

Peace on the journey home…

- JOHN

Check out John's website at http://johnangotti.com/


(The song suggestions below are by Ed Bolduc)

February 24, 2013 – 2nd Sunday of Lent

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts to consider.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

 

Christ in Me Arise by Trevor Thompson (spiritandsong.com) – your assembly will love singing and praying this song!  A simple, singable, haunting melody that really captures the text.  (From the CD Christ in Me Arise.)

Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion

 

Here in This Place by Brian Flynn (WLP) - beautiful song that can be used during many times of worship. The refrain is great for an assembly. The verses, while certainly not difficult, offer an opportunity for a soloist to sing and pray these words while the assembly closes their eyes and prays.
(From the CD Born Again)


In the Light of the Lord by Michael John Poirier (WLP) – I fell in love with this song years ago at a Life Teen training conference. It has stuck with me ever since. Michael's gift of lyric and melody is ever-present in this song.  Please check it out.  (From the CD In the Light of the Lord)  Another, 'stripped-down' recording is available on the wedding music collection "Love One Another."
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion


Journey for Home by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – written as a parish Lenten theme song back in...a long time ago...this one seems to have lasted through the years. Written in 6/8, it has a very singable refrain and an assembly part in the verse. It also seems to work well at many places in the liturgy. (From the CD The Face of God.)
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion


Let the Weight of Your Glory Fall by Steve Merkel (Integrity) - I was introduced to this song years ago in a mailing from Integrity! Music. I can't remember whose recording it was (probably Steve Merkel) but it really impacted me. We've been using it ever since, and our assembly has really come to call it their own! We've created an arrangement, complete with instrumental parts, in Voices As One vol. 2. (From the CD Come, Holy Spirit)
Suggested use: Gathering/Entrance, Offertory/Song of Preparation, Communion, Dismissal/Song of Thanksgiving


Listen to Him by Danielle Rose (WLP) – beautiful, unaccompanied piece for 4 voices and solo. A chellenge to learn, but powerful. Check out the recording. (From the CD Mysteries.)
Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion


Return to God by John Angotti (WLP) - another great song from John's Joy Beyond Our Dreams. The verses by Alan Hommerding are beautiful and so appropriate for this season. John added a great refrain and...the whole thing just works well. This song also works well at many places in the liturgy.(From the CD Joy Beyond Our Dreams) This song is also a part of the More Voices As One vol. 1 collection. (see the link on the sidebar)
Suggested use: Entrance/Song of Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion


Take Up Your Cross by Curtis Stephan and Sarah Hart (spiritandsong.com) A great fresh sound with a powerful opening lyric: "Behold the wood that bears our name..." Beautiful...singable. (From the CD Amid Passing Things).
Suggested use: Song of Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory


The Lord Is My Light by Ed Bolduc (WLP) - assembly-friendly psalm setting. (From the CD Awake to the Day) Another, 'stripped-down' recording is available on the funeral music collection "We Will Rest in You."
Suggested use: Responsorial Psalm


There's a Presence by John Angotti (WLP) from the opening piano intro, this song sets a beautiful tone. The refrain, "I believe in you" is so simple, and necessary! (From the CD I Believe)
Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Communion, Second Communion