Top Catholic Songs

Nick Alexander here...
This past June 29, on the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul, Pope Benedict XVI has issued forth a special year in celebration of St. Paul. This is in keeping with the traditional belief that he is celebrating his 2000th anniversary of his birth.

From vespers:
We are therefore gathered here not to reflect on a story from a past that has irrevocably gone. Paul speaks to us - today. That is why I proclaimed this special Pauline Year - to listen to him and to learn from him, as our teacher, ‘faith and truth’, in which are rooted the reasons for unity among the disciples of Christ.

We at TopCatholicSongs feel it is imperative to take this year seriously. Therefore we are going to be focusing upon the life and writings of St. Paul each month, until his feast year has run its course.

The list above is a focus on St. Paul himself--the man, the convert, knocked off his horse en route to Damascus, making a complete 180-degree turn in his life, and focusing intently on spreading the Gospel as far and as wide as He could. One of the great things about St. Paul is that he lived in a time where there was also a multi-cultural society, and he had the stamina and the fortitude to take a stand for Christ, which he understood to be the fullness of truth, no matter how hard his road would take him. And his writings today are seminal for the upbuilding of the New Testament church (as it is today)... linking his training in Greek philosophy with the prophetic words of the Old Testament.

And he is responsible for the most beautiful words ever throughout Scripture. Romans 8. 1 Corinthians 13. 2 Corinthians 5. Ephesians 6. Phillippians 3. 1 Timothy.... imminently quotable, inspiring, filled with great wisdom.

It is our intention to find songs that will quote many of these remarkable texts verbatim, in a musical format that is inviting, thoughtful and even fun... so that these texts may be committed to memory with ease. In the meantime, enjoy these songs from a mix of Catholic Contemporary artists, Christian Contemporary artists, and classical musicians, so to be able to understand more of the Great Witness that is Saint Paul.

Every year Franciscan University of Steubenville plays host to a series of youth/young adult conference weekends that provide great talks, inspiring worship, opportunities for adoration and confession, and great, great fun. This year, is no exception. The theme of the conferences this year is "Witness", and the accompanying verse is Acts 1:8.

From the Franciscan Youth Website:

The promise of God is that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we will receive power. What is that power? How do we access that power? How do we use that power? Pope Benedict VXI, himself, recently wrote, "Who is the Holy Spirit? It is a fact that for many Christians He is still the "great unknown." This summer we will seek not just to learn about the Holy Spirit, but to get to know Him as the living presence of God in our lives. And we will get to know His power – the power he wants us to have that we might be witnesses.

But a witness is more than someone who talks. A witness shows through his life that Jesus is Lord. The word "martyr" in Greek means witness. That is why there is blood on our logo – to remind us that being a true witness to Christ may cost us our very lives.

Here at TopCatholicSongs we wish to provide a great service to those who will be driving long distances, and for those who wish to be reminded of the themes throughout the year: the "Franciscan Steubenville Youth - Witness" playlist is a list of phenomenal songs from both Catholic and Contemporary Christian artists whose very songs reinforce the themes of this weekend.

1. Witness by Bob Rice on Steubenville Theme Songs
2. Evangelize by Nick Alexander on Eternal Life: The Party Album
3. Go Make A Difference by Steve Angrisano on Make A Difference
4. As It Is In Heaven by Matt Maher on Overflow
5. Jesus Freak (Live) by tobyMac on Alive and Transported (Live)
6. Ignatius Of Antioch (Like Wheat) by Fr. Kent O'Connor on Saints
7. I Cannot Tell It All by Tom Booth on Find Us Ready
8. It's Time by Last Day on We're Here
9. From Nothing to Everything by Ben Walther on Where I Want to Be
10. In the End by Full Armor on Against the Flow
11. Mission's Flame by Matt Redman on Facedown
12. Tears of the Saints by Leeland on Sound of Melodies
13. Ain't No Party by Fr. Stan Fortuna on Sacro Song 3
14. Dare You to Move by Switchfoot on The Beautiful Letdown
15. Follow the Son by Valerie Von Fange on Steadfast Love
16. Doing Something by Sean Clive on Amazed
17. City On A Hill by Third Day on City On a Hill - Songs of Worship and Praise
18. Here I Go Again by Casting Crowns on Casting Crowns
19. (Ichthus) by Nick Alexander on I Wanna Be Debated
20. Be God's by Danielle Rose on Mysteries
21. You Will Reign by Gerard Faucheux on How Can You Think of Me? (studio Version)
22. Open Wide The Doors by Martin Doman on Praying Twice, Vol II
23. Inside by Chris Padgett on Golden
24. Tell the World by Hillsong United on Look to You
25. Share It With The World by Critical Mass on Completely
26. God of Justice by Tim Hughes on We Must Go (Soul Survivor Live 2005)
27. Let Your Kingdom Come by Sovereign Grace Music on Valley of Vision
28. Micah 6:8 by Charlie Hall on Flying Into Daybreak
29. Salt and Light by Jami Smith on Immerse
30. Hero (Red Pill Mix) by Superchick on Regeneration
31. Teaching Them to Read by Nick Alexander on Eternal Life: The Party Album
32. Song of a Servant by Bob Filoramo on My Beacon of Hope
33. Go Light Your World by Mel Kennedy w/ M-N-M Music on Hope-N-Light
34. For Zion's Sake by John Michael Talbot on The Regathering
35. Go Out And Tell by Bobby Fisher & Who Do You Say I Am on Go Out And Tell

Be energized in your faith, be motivated to be bold for Christ, and be inspired to give your all for Him.

Courtesy of Chris D'Alfanso, and filmed on the island of Malta.

Courtesy of Grapevine.

Nick Alexander here...

Once again, the Top Catholic Songs Community had banded together to nominate, vote and rank the Top Ten Children's Songs. We had a great time listening to these submissions, and we hope you enjoy the music here as well!

1. Standin' on the Rock by Mike Harrison featuring Greg Walton
   
   Old-time rock and roll exhorting kids to stand firm in their Catholic faith, unified with the Pope and Christ's Church.
2. R.C.I.A. by Nick Alexander
   
   This song shows Catholic children how special their faith is, that people would go to great lengths to enter their church. And, they love the funny hand motions!
3. Tantum Ergo / Adoration by Christ Music Kids
   
   An accessible introduction to St. Thomas Aquinas' Hymn for benediction, with a stirring refrain in English.
4. Your Grace Is Enough by Christ Music Kids
   
   "... "Remember Your people, remember Your children, remember Your promise, O God!"
5. Saint Michael by Mike Harrison featuring Sal Solo
   
   An energy-filled rendition of the St. Michael prayer that will launch your kids into spiritual battle!
6. I Can Hear the Angels Singing by Celeste Zepponi
   
   "A multitude of holy angels, I can hear them, can you hear? Singing to God eternally!"
7. Bread of Life by Christ Music Kids
   
   It takes a child-like faith to look at the Eucharist and say, "Jesus, You are the Bread of Life."
8. Little Way (St. Therese of Lisieux) by Fr. Kent O'Conno
   
   St. Therese is a favorite saint for many people, including myself. Her "Little Way" is a child-freindly spirituality.
9. Fill Me O God by Christ Music Kids
   
   "Pour out Your Holy love and reach me O God; Let my heart be Yours."
10. So I Ask by Sean Clive
    
    A song that helps your child say, "God, please help me today... all day... I'm going to need it."

Let these songs minister to you and your WHOLE FAMILY!

Nick Alexander here...
Congratulations to the class of 2008! This is a list of songs that ought to be the soundtrack to this important time in your life. Songs that will encourage you to trust in the Lord in this pivotal moment, as you leave the past behind and forge ahead knowing that God is there to guide your every step.

1. Boom Bip by Point 5 Covenant from Listen. Learn.
2. Lift Up Your Eyes by Keith Roberts from This Time Around
3. Jesus Loves Me from Little Lamb Lullabies
4. Are You Amazed? by Bob Rice from Shining Like the Son (Best of 1996-2005)
5. Alleluia (Raise Your Voice) by News At Eleven from Here Till the End
6. Mary's Got My Back by Sarah Bauer from Lead Me Home
7. hope4thenew by manuel3 from Catholic Soul Revolution
8. Transubstantiation by Nick Alexander from A Time to Laugh
9. Communion by Gretchen Harris from Sign of Love
10. Take Up Your Cross by Tajci Tatiana from I Thirst - the Crucifixion Story

Nicholas Cole is the former owner of Catholic Tuneage. He has selected this Top 10 list from some of his favorite Catholic albums. These songs are really a cross section of his life over the past couple of years. Four years ago when he founded Catholic Tuneage, lullabies would have never made the list, but now that he has two children they have become quite important to his music selections. But, even with the kiddos, you still cannot shake Catholic rap from the #1 spot!

Nick Alexander here...

The Feast of Corpus Christi is taking place this coming Sunday, a week after Trinity Sunday. Since I am very much devoted to the Eucharist, I thought it fitting to share my favorite songs that incorporate the imagery of Jesus being present in the Eucharist, body, blood, soul and divinity.

Special thanks go to John Michael Talbot, who graces this list four times, including a memorable duet with Michael Card. Also included: Critical Mass, whose "Body and Blood" is one of my favorites. As goes for Bob Rice, whose I Shall Be Healed should be learned by every liturgical musician. Catholic standouts include Paul Harrigan, Matt Maher, Lynn Geyer, Bryan Murdaugh, and Gretchen Harris. There's even some great songs from Third Day, Kutless, Janet Paschal, the City on a Hill gang, and the late, great Rich Mullins. To top it off, I've included a beautiful rendering of Soul of My Saviour, which ought to be sung worldwide on this most solemn of days.

What are your favorite Corpus Christi/Body and Blood songs?

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.

Courtesy of Spirit & Song.