The Commons from Spirit & Song: Recent Episodes
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The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Catholic artist Ken Canedo presents his song, "Prayer of St. Augustine." Performed by vocalist Dominic Smith, the song is based on the words of St. Augustine in Book 10 of his spiritual autobiography, Confessions. Ken discusses Augustine's amazing life and how it inspired the message of his song: that it is never too late to turn back to God, no matter how far we may feel from him. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Thomas Muglia performs and discusses his song, "Let My Tongue Be Silenced." Inspired by Psalm 137 and the redemptive story of the prodigal son, the song is a prayer that Thomas returns to again and again. It can serve as a reminder that we have never strayed so far that God's mercy cannot reach us. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, popular Catholic artist Chris Muglia performs his song, "You Are Welcome Here." Chris then discusses how he was inspired to write the song after hearing a story about refugees and immigrants on the radio. The story made him think about how important hospitality is and how Christ can be our guide and example in creating welcoming communities. He recommends "You Are Welcome Here" as a song for Communion or for gathering. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Thomas Muglia performs and discusses his song, "Let Me Decrease." Thomas explains that he was inspired to write this song after he felt called to share his faith despite his fears. He realized that he had to trust in God rather than in his own abilities - that he wanted to decrease so God could increase. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Sarah Hart performs and discusses her song for Easter, "Our New Day." Sarah wrote "Our New Day" in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic when people were unable to gather in churches on Easter. She was reminded of the Apostles, similarly isolated and afraid in the upper room, longing for the new day which began with the Resurrection. The uptempo song beautifully expresses the joy that Peter felt when he ran from that upper room to the risen Christ, the joy that we anticipate and participate in every year at Easter. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Thomas Muglia performs and discusses his song "You're Not Done." Thomas wrote this at the height of the pandemic when he was struggling with doubt and discouragement. The song came out of a time of prayer when he realized that the hope we have in Christ means we can still experience joy through these difficult times - God is not finished with us./p> The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Ken Canedo talks with Chris Muglia about the importance of Lent and the lenten themes in his song "Lead Us to the Cross." Chris then performs the song. In this powerful ballad, Chris invites us to listen in the silence of our hearts as the Spirit leads us to the Cross. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Casey McKinley performs and discusses his song "When Jesus Comes to Jordan's Streams," with lyrics written by Michael Joncas. The song is based on the Lectionary readings for the Baptism of the Lord and is ideal to use in the liturgy for that day. Casey's contemporary arrangement has a traditional feel which makes the song appropriate for use in a variety of Mass styles. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Steve Angrisano performs and discusses his song based on hymn text by James Quinn, "Ave Maria (Mary Sing with Joyful Heart)." Steve explains how the five verses of James Quinn's hymn express the five Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the finding of Jesus in the Temple. Steve reflects on the value of these beautiful prayers we are given by the Church -- that give us words to hold onto when we are struggling to find the right words to pray -- and offers suggestions for how to use this prayerful song in your music ministry. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Sarah Hart performs and discusses her song based on the beatitudes, "Blessed Are You." She reflects on Jesus' teaching which flips all of our expectations -- that we are the most blessed when our circumstances are at their worst. It is a message of hope for those who are poor, hungry for more and struggling. Sarah concludes by acknowledging the timeliness of this message during the struggles and heartaches of the coronavirus pandemic: "We are so blessed -- still and even in this, in everything -- we are so blessed." The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Thomas Muglia performs and discusses his song "Stay with Me, Lord," based on the prayer by Padre Pio. Thomas explains that Padre Pio, also known as St. Pio of Pietrelcina, would pray this prayer after receiving the Eucharist. He resonates with both the desire to stay in a place of closeness with God and with the line "You know how easily I'll abandon you." Thomas recognizes the same pattern of clinging to God and then falling away in his own life and concludes, "the only thing we can truly rely on is the grace of God -- not our own strength." The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
In this episode of The Commons, Tom Booth reflects on his and Sarah Hart's song, "The Feast Meant for Everyone," after a moving performance by Sarah and PJ Anderson. Tom explains that he and Sarah worked together to write a song that would emphasize how the Eucharist is meant for every one of us, no matter our station. Through his personal stories, Tom calls us all to reflect on how the Eucharist feeds us: "As we participate with grace, transformation happens." In this video, Josh Blakesley provides an in-depth tutorial for the chord stylings and fingerpicking techniques used in his song "Beautiful Is Your Love."
O God of Every Longing" is a reminder of God's comfort and faithfulness through these difficult times. Sarah Hart was inspired to write this gentle song of hope after a conversation with her parents during the coronavirus pandemic. Distraught that she could not be with those she loved and missed so much, Sarah poured out her feelings of longing and trust in God's presence and mercy into this song. She ends with an appeal to the God who knows everything we suffer, "O God of every longing, fill us with the hope of Christ. In this video, Josh Blakesley provides an in-depth tutorial for the chord stylings and fingerpicking techniques used in his song "Beautiful Is Your Love."
Steve Angrisano and Tom Booth share a live, informal performance of their gentle Eucharistic hymn, "I Am the Bread of Life," based on the compassionate words of Jesus: I am the Bread of Life.
Co-written with Sarah Hart and Tom Booth, Greg Walton's "Holy Spirit, Come" is a wonderful meditation for Pentecost and for confirmation celebrations. The song incorporates two different prayers in a petition for God's spirit to fill the hearts of his faithful: the Veni Sancti Spiritus and St. Augustine's prayer to the Holy Spirit. In this video, Josh Blakesley provides an in-depth tutorial for the chord stylings and fingerpicking techniques used in his song "Beautiful Is Your Love."
In a year fraught with anxiety, where do we find peace? Our faith brings us comfort, so we ask God for mercy, peace, and healing -- for ourselves, yes, but for our neighbor too. Sarah Hart's "Petition" is a song that lifts up in prayer many of those for whom we have found new gratitude: caregivers, health workers, teachers, and for those most in need of our prayer: patients in hospitals, struggling students, the hungry, the lonely. As we strive to understand that which those around us endure, we are grateful for the gift they give us. Sing or listen to this song in prayer groups and personal devotions. O Lord, have mercy on us all,
Based on Revelation 21, Ken Canedo's anthemic song "See, I Make All Things New" transforms the Biblical author's visions of a new heaven and new earth into lyrics full of hope and welcome. Especially useful throughout the Easter season and for the Order of Christian Funerals. Come, let us go to a bright and holy city,
This buoyant and joyful Easter song hearkens back to Bob Hurd's early folk style, yet bears the same hallmarks of all Bob's work, including its foundation in scripture and its theological depth. Useful throughout the Easter season, especially as a gathering song or for sending forth, the lyric of "Alleluia! He Is Risen" deftly connects the Resurrection with our baptismal call and the call to community. In this video, Josh Blakesley provides an in-depth tutorial for the chord stylings and fingerpicking techniques used in his song "Beautiful Is Your Love."
The Apostle Paul exhorted the early Christians in Philippi to think about "whatever is true...honorable...just...pure...lovely...gracious." In Hebrews, the author encourages "let us...persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus." Our focus is important! In "With Our Eyes on the Cross," Greg Walton's scripturally-rooted lyrics show how our focus on the sacrifice and call of Christ leads us to love for our neighbor and into unity with each other. Oh, the riches of this life.
Ken Canedo's tuneful setting of Psalm 91, "Be with Me, Lord," became a favorite for young people who in today's world experience challenges their parents never faced. The song helps them realize that even when they are in trouble, God is still with them. Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.
Inspired by Saint Paul's wisdom in the fifth chapter of the Letter to the Romans, PJ Anderson shares "We Adore You," a compelling prayer of gratitude for the love that Jesus poured out for us upon the Cross. The grace in which we stand:
Thomas Muglia was inspired by a prayer attributed to Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val of Spain who served as friend and advisor to Pope St. Pius X. This gentle setting of the Litany of Humility is a call to live in imitation of Christ, whose humble heart offers healing for the extreme divisions of today's world. From my desire to be loved,
In his search for God's will, Tom Booth found encouragement in the words of Thomas Merton, an American Trappist monk whose life of contemplation inspired the world. "Solitude Song" is a prayerful heart to heart dialogue between seeker and God.
Sarah Hart and Sarah Kroger, sisters in faith, composed this lovely reflection on the gift of the Eucharist. The appealing and lilting melody invites the community to walk with Jesus from the Last Supper, through the trial of Calvary, and onward to Easter joy. We remember the night you broke the bread,
Casey McKinley and his pastor, Father Reynold Furrell, collaborated on this reflective contemporary Christmas song that brings a much needed message of hope to our wounded and weary world.
Michael Avolicino's appealing and melodic setting of Psalm 27 is a heartfelt expression of the psalmist's confident hope in God, who gives us the courage to overcome the darkness and fears of life.
Tom Booth was inspired by his friends who were working to welcome persecuted Catholics around the world into the United States. Utilizing Matthew 25 and John 21 as his Scriptural sources, Tom composed this stirring ballad that challenges us to follow Christ by serving the poor, the forgotten, and the oppressed.
Josh Blakesley, Sarah Hart and Marc Byrd composed a song of praise and thanksgiving that serves as a bridge between Communion and adoration. After we receive the Body of Christ in the sacred liturgy, we turn to him with loving hearts during adoration, when Jesus loves us in return through the mystery of his eucharistic presence.
As we receive the Body of Christ in the eucharistic liturgy, the Church on earth sings in union with the heavenly kingdom. This powerful Communion song inspires us to bring Christ's love to the world. Word became flesh, now flesh becomes the word
When Mary Magdalene and the disciples encountered the Risen Jesus, he empowered them to run and share God's love with everyone. Sarah Hart's new song inspires us to do the same: Go forth from our parish community and share with the world all that we have seen and heard in our celebration of the Eucharist.
Saint John Henry Newman's prayer, "Radiating Christ," was a beloved favorite of Saint Teresa of Calcutta and her Sisters of Charity, who recited the prayer daily after Communion. They in turn inspired Tom Booth to express this prayer, almost word for word, as a gentle, guitar-driven meditation that will inspire today's generation.
Sarah Hart's new song has a simple refrain that people can sing from memory as they process to the altar for Communion. The verses express the eucharistic theology of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, poured out continuously across time as our source of life and unity.
Originally composed by Jan?t Sullivan Whitaker as a theme song for a youth conference of the same name, "We Are One" is a timely song for every generation. We acknowledge our differences, even as we celebrate our unity as the Body of Christ.
Tom Booth says the inspiration for "Sacred Silence" arrived upon him during group prayer. "The priest stopped talking, I stopped playing music, and we all sat there in beautiful silence." This new Spanish translation by Iv?n D?az and Fr. Juan Sosa unites the wider Church community as we enter together into this profound experience with the God who dwells within.
Sarah Hart composed this song for the Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts as part of Love as Never Before, her upcoming collection of music for the Eucharistic liturgy. In "Drawn to You," Sarah reflects on the liturgical action of bringing our gifts to the altar as a sign of God drawing us to himself. We unite our offering with the offering of Christ.
Iv?n D?az and Chris Muglia collaborate on a new Spanish and English version of Chris' popular contemporary worship song. Originally composed as a way to invite people into the sacred liturgy, this bilingual setting expands the song's outreach and offers an opportunity to unite diverse communities of faith.
Influenced by his love for chant and classical music, composer and pastoral musician James Poppleton composed a setting of the shorter poetic text of the Sequence for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This combination of official text and music invites the assembly to prayerfully reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist. This Sequence setting leads immediately into the Alleluia and verse before the Gospel, thus providing a seamless flow between the second and Gospel readings of the day.
The rich imagery of Sarah Hart's lyrics is underscored by a striking and simple melody that is housed in a contemporary arrangement. The result is a masterpiece of hymn craft that celebrates the boundless and generous love of God.
In this episode of The Commons, Jesse Manibusan and Remi Fonseca Bauer discuss the origins of sequences in the Church and their role in the liturgy today, as well as the role of Paraclete, "God who accompanies," in our lives. Jesse's spark of a simple melody inspired Remi to compose a new song that eventually became a setting of the Pentecost Sequence. Utilizing the official poetic text of the Lectionary, this gentle setting truly expresses the sweet consolation and hope of the Holy Spirit.
Curtis Stephan had an inspired idea for music that celebrates Christian joy. Cooper Ray, Tom Booth and Steve Angrisano joined him, and together they composed an upbeat, bluegrass-based song that truly unites people in their love for the Lord who heals and brings new life.
As a gift to Mother Teresa, Tom Booth composed this beautiful song that was inspired by a prayer written by Blessed Charles de Foucauld. The composer shares a moving story on how the Saint from Calcutta reconnected Tom with his father through this song. Father, I give myself to you.
In a fascinating conversation, Steve Angrisano and Curtis Stephan reveal how they co-wrote their inspiring ballad, "High Above Our Way." Prayer is the key to collaboration, as well as a conviction that "we" are not the way. Christ is the way!
While at prayer, Cooper Ray found inspiration to compose this thoughtful ballad. Deep within our own personal storms, our love for God is set free by the Cross.
Lent calls us to journey inward with God, and Sarah Hart's new song invites us into deep prayer as a procession song during the Distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday.
In a powerful performance video, Tom Booth shares a stirring song on contemplation that he co-composed with Sarah Hart. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven lives within us. It is a journey of growth and discovery.
Jesse Manibusan shares the inspiring story behind his beloved signature song. Born from a simple Lectio Divina reflection on Scripture, "Open My Eyes" has blossomed into a multicultural favorite, including the bilingual English and Spanish version that is shared in this video. Open my eyes, Lord.
After hearing the iconic John 3:16 proclaimed at liturgy, Chris Muglia reflected on what it means that "God so loved the world." His upbeat song is an engaging celebration of how God pours out mercy and love through his Son, Jesus Christ, who empowers us as Church to bring hope and compassion to the world.
Curtis Stephan invites us into his home to discuss his arrangement of the 4th- or 5th-century chant celebrating the mystery of the incarnation. Musicians will appreciate Curtis' instruction on how to play his simple, jazz-inspired arrangement that is reverent and respectful, even as it breathes new life into the soaring ancient melody.
In this classic episode of the Commons from 2008, Matt Maher talks with Sarah Hart about her song "We Adore," and she reflects on the birth of Jesus within the larger context of his role as Savior of the world. This thoughtful and beautiful ballad is perfect for use during the Christmas season. And be sure to book Sarah for your next concert, retreat or parish mission!
Josh Blakesley performs his updated take on the 9th-century hymn "Creator of the Stars." A lovely ballad-style piece, Josh offers his own arrangement with added refrain, while utilizing the original hymn tune of CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM for the verses. He also worked to maintain many of the traditional elements of the hymn when writing the refrain, even going so far as to repurpose the language used in the translation of the Latin text.
In this exclusive Commons video, Azeneth González sings her spirited "Gracias, Señor," a song of thanksgiving from her joyful Spanish Mass setting, Misa Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús (Mass of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus). As a full-time missionary of music, Azeneth has shared her faith all over the world as she inspires everyone, especially young people, to discover the love and mercy of Christ.
With inspiration taken from the Gospel of John, Tom Booth's "In My Father's House" tells of God's love and mercy, and our chance to join him in heaven. Speaking with composer Ken Canedo, Tom recounts a friend's near-death experience, her powerful description of the event, and our inability to truly comprehend life after death. While it may worry us, we do not need to fear death, as it allows us to return home to the Father.
Chris Muglia shares the story behind his uplifting song "Chosen and Called (Greatness)." Originally titled "I Am a Child of God," the song reminds us of our meaning and purpose in life. We are each given a task. We have a calling that is both unique and similar. For together, we are here to serve the world through kindness and compassion. Every moment, large or small, is an opportunity to live as a child of God. Greatness happens when no one is watching.
Jesse Manibusan's gentle song is a prayerful litany of hope for today's world. Despite life's painful storms, grace and mercy are overflowing when we hold on to God's love.
In this video from The Commons archives, Curtis Stephan and Sarah Hart share their song "Take Up Our Cross," co-written with Marc Byrd. Reflecting upon his performance with Steve Angrisano at World Youth Day 2008, Curtis shares the song's origin and his remarkable collaboration with Sarah and Marc. The resulting piece is one of sweet devotion and dedication to Christ.
Josh Blakesley and Sarah Hart share with us their beautiful song "Divine Praises." Together they recall their experiences leading Eucharistic Adoration at youth events and how it led them to create this memorable piece for leading the assembly into deeper worship.
Tom Booth sits down with Cooper Ray to discuss his new song, "We Gather As One." Written with Josh Blakesley, the song is written from a place of real life, brokenness and struggles, but it's a song of hope for today's world.
Josh Blakesley gives this classic Catholic hymn a fresh prayerful arrangement, respecting the melody with guitar-friendly chords that lift the song to new heights. "And when our life-breath leaves us, O Maria! Show us thy Son, Christ Jesus, O Maria!"
Inspired by Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical, "God Is Love," Ben has composed a thoughtful and powerful song on Jesus' compassionate mercy and justice.
Composed in response to the Columbine tragedy, Janèt sings of the hopes and dreams of parents for their children in today's world. "Oh, let us work, oh, let us pray, oh, let us live for peace."
In this video, Tom discusses his song "Go Into the World" with friend and fellow composer Curtis Stephan. Inspired by the wisdom of Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Tom Booth composed a more thoughtful kind of mission song with a slow Gospel style that prayerfully calls us to share Christ with the world. But the song also calls us to immerse ourselves in humanity -- to be of service through and for Christ. For it is by our actions that we are asked to spread the Good News.
In this video, Sarah Hart sits down with Ben Walther to discuss his new song, Ablaze. As you are sealed with the truth, so may you seal the truth in your heart. Write God's word upon your soul, and know you belong. May you walk ever in the Lord, may you w
Steve Angrisano and Tom Booth share a live informal performance of their gentle Eucharistic hymn based on the compassionate words of Jesus. I am the Bread of Life.
In this very special studio performance, co-composers Tom Booth and Carl Herrgesell share their moving ballad inspired by Saint Mother Teresa's challenge to "go into the world, loving the people that you meet." You are a miracle, just as you are.
Inspired by the Palm Sunday celebration of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Cooper Ray got together with his friend Steve Angrisano to compose a powerful song that reminds us of Christ's saving presence in our lives. Behold the one who comes to show the way, to seek the lost and all who go astray...
Sarah Hart offers a rare glimpse into the recording studio as she and her singers lay down vocals for "Gather at the Water," a standout track on Baptism from her recent album, Sacrament, featuring songs for each of the seven Sacraments of the Church.
The crowds that called for Jesus to be crucified are the same you hailed him as the Son of David on Palm Sunday. Tom Booth has given the Church a contemporary version of this classic Palm Sunday text.
Tom Booth and Sarah Hart crafted a simple contemporary setting of Psalm 46's call to contemplation for our busy and complex world. In the video, Steve Angrisano joins the composers as they sing in exquisite three-part harmony.
Psalm 51 is prayed often during Lent, at the Liturgy of the Hours, at Reconciliation Services, and on other occasions throughout the liturgical year. Steve Angrisano shares the story behind his classic contemporary setting that has inspired generations of young people to humbly ask God for mercy and forgiveness. Be merciful, O Lord.
Chris Muglia and Tom Booth share a tender personal song that inspires us to deepen our relationship with Jesus by believing that we are truly forgiven. The Bridge creatively prays through the Prayer of St. Francis as a litany of mercy.
In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, God is there. In this powerful song, Cooper Ray sings of faith in the Lord's love and mercy.
Inspired by the social justice outreach of her parish, Janèt Sullivan Whitaker sings of ministry and service in "As Christ Is for Us," a song for Communion or Sending that calls us to bring Christ into the world.
In the spirit of Saint Damien of Molokai, Tom Booth and his friends from Hawaii composed an energizing call to service and ministry. Saint Damien's love for Christ was so great that he always said "Yes," even at the risk of contracting the disease of the people he loved and served.
Steve Angrisano shares a moving family story of how his grandfather reflected the light of Christ. Curtis Stephan then joins Steve in performing their new song that will bring joyful hope to the liturgies of Christmas, Holy Family, Epiphany, and all celebrations of the Christmas season.
Sarah Hart's setting of the Magnificat captures the joy of Mary's iconic prayer as she reflected on all the wondrous things God had done for her. This is a thoughtful song for Marian feasts, Advent, Christmas, and all celebrations of joyful thanksgiving. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
Greg Walton looked to ancient hymns as inspiration for this contemporary Advent song about the journey from our broken darkness toward the bright promise of Christmas.
To a modern world that often seems obsessed with power, wealth and easy gratification, Jaime Cortez presents the example of the Servant King who kneels down to wash our feet.
Tom Booth's soulful ballad calls the listener to contemplation with the profound truth of God's loving presence within us. "There's no reason to fear; I'm living inside you. With every breath that you take, you whisper my name... Come to me."
Sarah Hart collaborated with her friends Josh Blakesley, Sarah Kroger and Ike Ndolo to compose a contemporary hymn that celebrates the compassionate heart of Christ. Through his kingship, Jesus reveals his abiding presence and deep love for us.
The Eucharist is the Sacrament of unity and the center of our lives. In this beautiful song for Communion, Curtis Stephan respectfully bridges the generations by blending the traditional feel with the contemporary.
Inspired by Isaiah 49 ("I will make you a light to the nations"), Ben Walther composed this energizing song of our mission to bring Christ's light to all people. "Your love within us, a beacon bright, to a world that needs to know your might."
After preparing her kids for school one day, Sarah received an email from Rick Modlin of OCP, which mentioned the need for more songs focused on the light of Christ.
Jesse Manibusan and Tom Booth crafted an exquisite contemporary litany - a series of short prayers asking Mary, the First Disciple, for guidance and intercession. This litany utilizes the many multicultural titles of Mary, who leads all people to her Son.
Curtis Stephan offers a fresh new take on Psalm 34, which is one of the most utilized common Responsorial Psalms in the Lectionary.
Ken Canedo reflected on Jesus' teaching on the Bread of Life in John 6:22-71. He shared his thoughts with Jesse Manibusan, and together they composed this Communion song that challenges us to make a decision of faith on the Eucharist.
In this episode, Curtis Stephan shares the story behind his inspirational song "Ready the Way," and gives us insight into what was going through his mind, and his heart, when he wrote it. While primarily performed at the Advent season as a processional, I
Chris Muglia's signature song emerged from his ministry as a pastoral musician and leader of parish missions. An inter-generational favorite, "Our God Is Here" helps unite the People of God as they gather around the Table of the Lord. "Here we become what
Inspired by their love of both traditional and contemporary hymnody, the two have collaborated on a new song for Eucharistic adoration. "Exposition/O Saving Victim" is a call to deeper contemplation in the presence of the God.
Sarah Hart composed a touching ballad for her daughter's Confirmation. With special verses for graduation, this song sends young people out into the world to stand always in God's light.
Steve Angrisano, Jesse Manibusan and Sarah Hart collaborated to write an Easter song that is perfect to celebrate Christ's victory over the grave!
Sarah Kroger presents Josh Blakesley's stirring contemporary arrangement of this iconic American folk hymn, beloved by Christians of all generations. "What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul? What wondrous love is this, O my soul? "
Jesus stands knocking at the door of our hearts. How do we respond? Tom Booth shares a thoughtful reflection on the Lord's desire to enter into friendship with us. "I am yours . . . you are mine."
The new song from Fish With Me is based on John 3:16, which is perhaps the most famous passage in the entire Bible, memorized by generations of Christians. Ken Canedo composed a contemporary setting for liturgy and prayer that highlights this foundational...
Inspired by the writings of Thomas Merton, Sarah Hart and Dwight Liles share a song of contemplation for those who feel called to discover God by walking in the desert with Jesus.
In this episode of the Commons, Ben Walther sits down with Cooper Ray and Sarah Hart to discuss We Come Alive, a song that they wrote together for Cooper's new album, Anywhere For You.
In response to his own experience of loss and grief, Trevor Thomson's powerful song is a heartfelt prayer for God's light and peace.
In this thoughtful and beautiful ballad, Sarah Hart reflects on the birth of Jesus within the larger context of his role as Savior of the world.
Steve Angrisano composed a thoughtful song from the point of view of the Magi, whose courage led them through uncertainty to the Son of God.
Michael Avolicino presents his fresh and appealing approach to Isaiah 40, the classic Scripture passage for Advent that offers hope to those awaiting salvation.
Curtis Stephan was inspired to compose this thoughtful ballad after reading Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si'. All creatures share one common home.
Ken Canedo sits down with Jesse Manibusan to discuss the inspiration behind his new song, All Are Welcome (All Belong). While listening to Pedro Rubalcava giving a talk, Jesse was struck by Pedro's thought, "God's house isn't holy because all are welcome. God's house is holy because all belong. " Jesse started writing the song from there.
Robert Feduccia sits down with Cooper Ray to hear the story and listen to the song. "Rain on me, won't you rain your love on me?"
Josh Blakesley sits down with Sarah Hart to discuss the song, "Heart of My God," written with Kelly Minter. Sarah and her friend co-wrote this thoughtful ballad on the boundless depth of God's love.
Jesse Manibusan sits down with Tom Booth to discuss the joyful and fun new song, "More Than Conquerors." Based on Romans 8:37-39, this energetic rocker by Tom Booth...
Jesse Manibusan and Tom Booth composed this contemporary Marian song with an appealing beat and sound theology. Mary is our model of faith. We humbly pray that she will lead us to her beloved Son, Jesus.
From the iconic Prologue of John's Gospel, Jesse and Ken crafted a dynamic contemporary song that brings the ancient text into the troubled times of today's world.
The Commons video from Estela García-López: Cristo, Sáname / Jesus, Heal Me. Gentle and powerful ballad that can be sung by the assembly in Spanish, in English or both languages.
In this reflective song for Communion, Sarah Hart and Dwight Liles help us sing prayerfully of the selfless sacrifice of Christ: "You the body, you the blood, broken and poured out all for love."
When the pastoral care ministers of a Catholic hospital asked Jesse to write a song about healing, he gave them "Revive Us, O God." Inspired by Psalm 85, this thoughtful ballad sings of the hope that can revitalize the Church today.
An old theology professor once said that the study of theology should lead us to our knees in silence. Tom Booth shares the story and the technique behind his song, Sacred Silence, a song that should lead us to just that.
Josh Blakesley studied the history of this ancient Easter hymn and he appreciates its place in sacred music. His guitar-driven arrangement honors the tradition while giving it a fresh approach for contemporary ensembles.
Josh Blakesley's setting of Isaiah 12 is a Responsorial Psalm for Advent and for the Easter Vigil. The song's joyful vibe also makes it appropriate throughout the year for Gathering or Preparation of the Gifts.
Cooper Ray discusses Steve Angrisano's trip to Jerusalem and the inspiration behind "Leading Us Home."
This setting of Psalm 23 is one of Josh Blakesley's earliest composed songs, and it gently expresses the psalmist's confidence in the goodness of God.
Ken Canedo, Robert Feduccia, Sarah Kroger, ValLimar Jansen, Pedro Rubalcava, Ben Walther and Greg Walton were welcomed warmly by the people of Ghana during a recent mission trip sponsored by CRS and OCP. "Church of Justice" sings of the hope and solidarity they experienced on their journey.
What happens when two master songsmiths look into their "unfinished ideas" file? Steve Angrisano and Tom Booth share how the Holy Spirit inspired them to work together in composing this gentle Eucharistic hymn based on the words of Jesus.
Youth minister Ken Canedo composed this upbeat song on discipleship as an invitation for young people to follow Jesus. With its easy chords, fun melody and interactive gestures, "Fish with Me" has engaged people of all ages around the world.
"Love a child and a redeemer, Jesus born this day ...." Josh Blakesley has written a beautiful new Christmas song that is easily sung by the people you're leading. Watch the video and see how to lead it.
In this uplifting song, Chris Muglia invites us to unite ourselves with Mary and Joseph, whose unwavering faith empowers us to say, "Yes, Lord, we're ready to believe."
With infectious melody and bright guitar, Steve Angrisano brings a joyful contemporary vibe to the traditional "O Antiphons." The result is "Emmanuel," one of today's most popular Advent songs.
To help unite the generations, Sarah Kroger presents a heartfelt contemporary arrangement for a beautiful traditional hymn of the loving Shepherd who always seeks us and forgives us.
Inspired by his journey to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services, Ben Walther shares "A Place at Your Table," a Communion song that calls us into mission to bring Christ into the world.
Jesse Manibusan performs Sarah Hart's new ballad on the Holy Spirit, who breathes mercy upon us and empowers us as the Body of Christ. Appropriate for the Year of Mercy, this song will be a favorite for Pentecost and Confirmation.
Ben and Sarah worked together to craft an exquisite contemporary hymn that reflects on the life of Christ through the lens of his humility. Jesus, meek and humble, lead us to your heart! The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.
Jesus Christ is our life! Those remain in him have everlasting life. Curtis Stephan and Steve Angrisano have teamed up to bring this powerful scripture from John chapter 15 to life.
"Do This in Memory of Me" is the most popular of the recent spiritandsong.com Communion songs. Hear a wonderful performance by Chris Muglia and learn a song that is rooted in the very words of Jesus about the Eucharist.
"Make Your Home in Me" is a song about the homeless of Christ himself. Having no place to lay his head or to rest, he is in search of a home. Ben Walther is asking for Jesus to make his dwelling within us.
Sarah Hart's new setting of the Magnificat has a compelling drive not usually associated with Marian hymns. Tender yet strong, My Soul Rejoices sings of Mary's joy in the saving power of her God.
Robert Feduccia and Tom Booth present their song to the Trinity and the Holy Spirit, "Come, Holy Spirit."
The Psalms express the heartfelt emotions of the sacred author. Psalm 51 is an especially vulnerable prayer of David, who struggled with his fall from grace. Curtis Stephan captures David's yearning for God and makes the psalmist's prayer our prayer.