Nick Alexander here... Ash Wednesday is early this year (February 6, 2008). With this comes the arrival of Lent, one of the most solemn, most holy seasons in the Church Calendar. To me, this is an opportunity to truly stretch oneself towards holiness in ways they've never considered before: reading that classic devotional, attending (or trying to attend) daily mass, going to Stations of the Cross, adoration, tithing, and fasting. For too often I've heard people try to inject their own apathy as a paltry joke: "You know what I'm giving up for Lent? Church." Yeah, I've never heard that one before. Instead, I wanted to craft a comedy song that explored all the nuances of this incredible season, while still tickled the funny bone. Considering that this song has been very strongly received (even becoming the top downloaded song of 2006 from CatholicMusicNetwork means that it hit a chord. (Previously, I didn't want to do a parody of a song Weird Al had already written... but the opening lines to this song trumped that rightaway...) Check out the video appearance of this as well. Have a laugh about Lent, before it comes... This Time of Forty Days by Nick Alexander (Parody of "King of Pain" by The Police) There's a little black spot on your head today I guess it must mean today is Ash Wednesday And we enter a time when we will give things up For some it's so easy but for me it's rough I hope I can last without it being a pain On Friday's no meat, but at least fish is okay We just got our throats blessed on the Feast of St. Blaise And it starts right this week, this time of forty days. There's a little black spot on your head today (Is my soul prepared?) It's to remind us that from dust we came (Is my soul prepared?) Guess I should read a good book, and watch the t.v. less (Is my soul prepared?) Should I complete the Old Testament, or Prayer of Jabez? (Is my soul prepared?) I hope I can last without it being a pain On Friday's no meat, but at least fish is okay I guess I should stop calling my sister bad names And it starts right this week, this time of forty days. When you fast don't act like all those Pharisees Rumpled hair, bruises on your hands and knees Instead wash yourself, put on a happy face And on the Feast of St Joseph you can take a break... Forty Days Well, Jesus He fasted thru the wilderness (Is my soul prepared?) With all the church offers, can we do no less? (Is my soul prepared?) There's a little black spot on your head today Is it dark, is it bold, or has it faded grey? I hope I can last without it being a pain On Friday's no meat, but at least fish is okay When I've completed this Lent, don't want to be the same As I am right this week, upon these forty days. Forty days... You'll always need forty days... Copyright (c) Nick Alexander Music 2006

Today, January 28, is the Feast Day of St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). He is the author of the Pange Lingua, which is one of the most beautiful chants in our Church Tradition. Meditate upon these lyrics today:

Latin text

An English translation

Pange, lingua, gloriosi Corporis mysterium, Sanguinisque pretiosi, quem in mundi pretium fructus ventris generosi Rex effudit Gentium. Nobis datus, nobis natus ex intacta Virgine, et in mundo conversatus, sparso verbi semine, sui moras incolatus miro clausit ordine. In supremae nocte coenae recumbens cum fratribus observata lege plene cibis in legalibus, cibum turbae duodenae se dat suis manibus. Verbum caro, panem verum verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum, et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sincerum sola fides sufficit. Tantum ergo Sacramentum veneremur cernui: et antiquum documentum novo cedat ritui: praestet fides supplementum sensuum defectui. Genitori, Genitoque laus et jubilatio, salus, honor, virtus quoque sit et benedictio: procedenti ab utroque compar sit laudatio. Amen. Alleluja.

Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory, of His flesh the mystery sing; of the Blood, all price exceeding, shed by our immortal King, destined, for the world's redemption, from a noble womb to spring. Of a pure and spotless Virgin born for us on earth below, He, as Man, with man conversing, stayed, the seeds of truth to sow; then He closed in solemn order wondrously His life of woe. On the night of that Last Supper, seated with His chosen band, He the Pascal victim eating, first fulfills the Law's command; then as Food to His Apostles gives Himself with His own hand. Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature by His word to Flesh He turns; wine into His Blood He changes; what though sense no change discerns? Only be the heart in earnest, faith her lesson quickly learns. Down in adoration falling, Lo! the sacred Host we hail; Lo! o'er ancient forms departing, newer rites of grace prevail; faith for all defects supplying, where the feeble senses fail. To the everlasting Father, and the Son who reigns on high, with the Holy Ghost proceeding forth from Each eternally, be salvation, honor, blessing, might and endless majesty. Amen. Alleluia.

Nick Alexander here... Within the past week, there has been a steady stream of pro-life oriented songs. These are the songs that speak of the different voices surrounding life issues, from artists as varied as soft contemporary to jazz-infused rap. There's songs of joy and regret, love and forgiveness, strength and struggle. I was raised in a home that, in short, did not share these views. In fact, my mother was very vocal in the "women's rights" movement, and oftentimes would march for "our bodies, our selves." As a teenager, I became a huge fan of Steve Taylor. Of all the Christian rock that I listened to in the mid-80s, none spoke more persuasively about the sanctity of life. Because of his tenacity of addressing this issue amongst many songs, I was able to understand the importance of taking a stand for life, at all stages. Life is a gift, and regardless of one's circumstances, one must never presume that taking a life would be a solution to whatever trial one is facing. Of all the songs in Steve Taylor's repertoire, I find that Lifeboat (off of On the Fritz) is a novelty track that hits this point home. It demonstrates the frivolousness of teaching "values clarification", and that life could be measured by accomplishments. And any song that reminds me of "Joan Collins" gets an automatic recommendation in my book. Do you have a pro-life song worth sharing? Share your comments below. Our society is hungry to know more of these songs...

Donna Lee writes:

My song, Whispers From Heaven has helped me in my own healing process. My daughter would have been 22 years old this year. Making the decision to have an abortion when I was 22 years old in 1986 changed my life forever. It is something that I have thought about every day of my life since then. In the beginning of my music ministry I was too afraid to talk about it when I gave my testimony about my return to the Catholic church. It was in Australia at a Marian conference that I was singing at in 1994 where I finally got the courage to talk about it. Ever since then it is hard for me not to share about because God's forgiveness, love and mercy is infinite. My story is too long to tell here. Some of you have heard it. I am such a fan of Divine Mercy and I speak and sing of it wherever I can. My personal journey of forgiveness has been a long one and although I have forgiven myself, and I know that God forgave me and my daughter too--I still can't help but think about what she may have looked like or the woman that should would have become and all the things I missed out on being a mom for the first time. Thank you Jesus for your mercy. You can listen to my song here in its entirity, since itunes only runs 30 seconds of it.

Teresa Smith, formerly of Crossed Hearts, sang the tender "Will You Speak For Me?" (as written by husband David Smith), from the perpective of an unborn child. It is a fragile-but-forceful performance. Will You Speak for Me? Words and music: David C. Smith If I could for the words, I would say How much I long to see the day When I can laugh and sing and be Who I am being formed to be But here I cannot say a word My voice will only go unheard Yet in my heart this questions burns Will you speak for me? To a world where I am The least of its problems The least of its worries I am the least of these Mom, I know something is troubling you When your heart races, mine races too But as you decide what you should do Will you speak for me? To a world where I am The least of its problems The least of its worries I am the least of these Some say they just don't have the time I'm out of sight and out of mind Maybe you're the voice I've hoped to find Will you speak for me?

Courtesy of the uber-talented Robert Galea, from Australia.

Courtesy of the friendly folks at NewCatholicMusic-dot-com. They will be selling the sheet music there too.

The results are in! The topcatholicsongs community has voted, and these are
our Top Catholic Songs of 2007.

1. Sean Clive's Amazed from Amazed
2. Teresa Smith's Holy Holy Holy from Blooming
3. Joel Stein's Satisfied from Always Forward
4. Nick Cardilino's Discover the Way from Discover the Way
5. News at Eleven's Alleluia (Raise Your Voice) from Here to the End
6. Nick Alexander's Holy Thursday from I Wanna Be Debated
7. Rise's Stand the Line from Stand the Line
8. Gretchen Harris' Breathe from Sing to the Lord
9. Lynn Geyer's Spiritsong from Music of the Light
10. Dan Dúet's Traces of Jesus from Touch the Flame

Hearty congratulations to all participating musicians. Be sure to check out these incredible songs. Support Catholic Music today!

Gerard Faucheux writes:

A few years ago, during midnight mass in Brookhaven, Mississippi, a song was played that just kind of settled in my soul. I don't really remember the melody or the words - just the feeling. Something about the dark church and the sound of the guitar and gentle singing just created something that has never left. During one of my long commutes, ideas started coming, comparing the awesomeness of God with the frailty of a little baby and other paradoxes due to Jesus, the son of God, the 2nd person of the blessed trinity, coming to live as one of us, to die as one of us, to die for all of us. Why? For love of us. I still don't understand this love. Even on my best days, I don't deserve this love. Yet while we were sinners, he died for us. (Rom 5:8) Wow! Thank you, Jesus!

I was thrilled (and extremely nervous) to be able to play and sing this song in my home church, St. Joseph's in Paulina, Louisiana a few years ago. A dark church - midnight mass - the sound of guitar and (somewhat) gentle singing - I hope that someone else was touched and changed the way that I was years before.

God Almighty, Little Child Words and music by Gerard C. Faucheux, Sr. God Almighty, little child. King of Kings so meek and mild. Creator of the universe cradled in her arms to nurse. Why did You come? Why leave Your home? Why become a creature so low? You came because You loved, now let us love You. On Your birthday, Jesus, it’s time to recall That You humbled yourself to save one and all. So we sing Glory to God in the Highest And on Earth, peace to all. We lift our voice in Alleluias For You came to save us all, For You came to save us all. Earth creator, on Earth You dwell. Omnipresent, Emmanuel. Unbound by space, unbound by time. Confined by days and trapped by night. Equal to God, but You lived as man, I try, but I cannot understand. Your ways are high above the ways of man... Glory to God in the Highest And on Earth, peace to all. We lift our voice in Alleluias For You came to save us all, For You came to save us all. Copyright © 2005 Gerard C. Faucheux, Sr.

On Tuesday evening, I played for a charismatic "Healing and Hope" mass for the Archdiocese of Hartford. For those unfamiliar with such liturgies, it is an opportunity to incorporate the dynamic elements in an informal prayer gathering with a formal Catholic liturgy, oftentimes with tremendous results. It's always thrilling for me to play these masses, because it gives me the freedom to do what I love to do best--lead congregations with a mixture of contemporary and traditional worship songs. I believe wholeheartedly that the elements from these types of songs complement each other--a traditional liturgy has solemnity and reverence, whereas the music from contemporary praise choruses have a personal, vibrant quality. The former emphasizes God is Holy, and the latter emphasizes God is closer than your best friend. Both are needed. Being the season of Advent, I focussed my song selection with laser-like precision to focus on Advent themes: particularly the expectancy of Jesus' imminent return. Choosing songs that stayed true to the Advent season, while being appropriate for a healing liturgy (singable, congregation-friendly, God-centered, and beautiful). Having the original "Holy Is the Lord" (Steubenville Press) and a CCLI license at my disposal, I worked hard to get a plan in order. First off, was the prelude before the liturgy. Charismatic healing liturgies sometimes allow for a few up-tempo songs to be played before the actual formal liturgy begins. My job was to find those songs that people knew, or people could easily pick up, so that they could join in singing. The songs I chose were:

• Soon And Very Soon / Come And Go With Me to that Land medley
• Jesus is Coming Again (Vineyard, from Winds of Worship 11-Australia)
• Prepare the Way (Passion, from Charlie Hall and Louie Giglio)

Only "Jesus is Coming Again" did I print out on the page, the rest were simple enough that people could pick them up without using a songsheet. Then came the songs for the liturgy. The entrance hymn was:O Come O Come Emmanuel (verses 1, 5 and 6).I knew that the verses correllated with specific weeks in the Advent calendar, but for here I guessed that verses 5 and 6 were meant for week 3 of Advent. The responsorial psalm was sung, by an original melody that I tried to keep as simple as possible. Homily: Obviously, I don't play any songs during the homily--but the priest was a singing priest, and he insisted in getting the congregation to sing at certain points, particularly an original, lovely "Alleluia" setting, as well as the classic songs "Spirit of the Living God" and "There's Just Something About that Name." I wish more priests did this. Offeratory: At the Name of Jesus (Jim Cowan's rendering). Personally, I could have gone after any number of melodies for this hymn, but Jim Cowan's rendering is the most familiar for this crowd, and is the simplest to pick up for neophytes. It also sounds pretty good. Very strong Advent themes, particularly with the last verse. Communion. The antiphon text was Matthew 1:23 (His name will be called Emmanuel, which means God is with us). This was great, because there were a number of songs that used this very text, including the very popularly used Emmanuel by Bob McKee. But McKee's rendering wasn't long enough, so I searched for a complementary song that can flow together. To my surprise, the solution was already in the "Holy is the Lord" resource at my disposal, a simple song His Name Shall Be Called, which borrows a melody from classical music. The songs can be forced in the same key, and they play right off of each other. Of all the musical achievements last night, this I was most proud of. Recessional: Come Holy Ghost. At a healing mass, as the prayer teams are lined up, this sort of song is mandatory. This, to me, was the only derivation from the Advent season. After this, I was free to sing whatever song I wanted, in a muted tone, keeping a worshipful flow. I created special resources that allowed me to keep the focus specifically tailored to both Advent and the ministry of healing. The songs I chose (to the best of my memory) were the following (and not in this order):

• Lord of All (Jim Cowan)
• Jesus, Come to Us (David Haas)
• Even So Come (Kevin Prosch)
• Even So (Terry MacAlmon)
• Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending (chanted a cappella with Tantum Ergo melody)
• To You O Lord (Graham Kendrick)
• Let Us Adore (Hillsong)
• Emmanuel (Hillsong)
• Christ Circle Round Us (chanted a cappella)
• Wonderful Maker (Chris Tomlin/Matt Redman)
• Help Us Our God (underused classic Vineyard)

The evening was real incredible, and I am just blessed to have been a part of it.

Nick Alexander here...

When I created this list, I was unaware of the passing of Dan Fogelberg, earlier that day. While I didn't follow his secular work (not that I dislike it... I just never got around to listening to his box-set), I personally believe that his Christmas album is one for the ages. Every song is an original, and the lyrics focus strongly on the story of the birth of the Christ-child. I cannot recommend his album highly enough.

Granted, this list cannot be complete without at least one novelty song. If you haven't heard Steve Taylor's take on Winter Wonderland, you will not soon forget it. (Whether you'll like it or not, that is another question entirely).

The apparitions of Mary to Juan Diego at Guadalupe, Mexico, is one of the most endearing, but powerful anecdotes that demonstrate God's tangible love for us. Today is the feast day of Our Lady at Guadalupe. To celebrate, I have highlighted two noteworthy recordings:

Mark Mallett created an exceptional listening experience, a rosary album based on the events at Guadalupe. It is called Through her Eyes: A Journey to Jesus. The album is groundbreaking, refreshing, contemporary and traditional, spoken word and musical. It contains:

• All four Mysteries, including the new Luminous Mysteries
• Scriptural meditations with deeply moving, original music scores beneath each decade that help you to profoundly experience the life, passion and resurrection of our Lord (Hail Mary's spoken by Fr. Ray Guimond and Mark Mallett)
• Contemporary & energizing versions of the "Apostle's Creed", "Our Father", "Glory Be's" and "Hail Holy Queen" all written & produced by Mark Mallett
• Four original songs Mark has written to honor Mary (including the concert favourite "Family Beads")
• Dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of all America, it has Mary's words to St. Juan Diego at the end of each Mystery (spoken by Christine Foisy-Erickson of MiCasa Ministries)
• 154 minutes in length--more than 3 times the length of a regular album!

Also worth noting: Annie Karto, has performed "Song to Our Lady of Guadalupe", which uses the familiar melody from "Pescadore De Hombres/Lord, You Have Come to the Seashore." It is off her album, "Overshadow Me."

Song to Our Lady of Guadalupe Words Anonymous You are the fountain of my life Under your shadow, and in your protection, I fear no evil, no pain, no worry... Maria, oh most merciful Mother Gentle Virgin, with the name, Guadalupe On a mountain, we find roses in winter, All the world, has been touched by your love. Here, in the crossing of your arms Could there be anything, else that I need? Nothing discourages, nothing depress me. You, are the Star of the Ocean My boat is small, and the waves are so high But with you to guide me, I'll reach my homeland. You, are the Dawn of a New Day For you give birth to the Son of the Father All of my lifetime, I'll walk beside you... Copyright (c) 1979 OCP Publications

Susan Bailey writes: From time to time I get more new stuff than I can schedule into the GrapeVine News Minute Podcast or the magazine, so I will mention it here. Sean Ward from CatholicTV in Boston, MA sent me a note yesterday about Advent reflections that they are doing on the website. If you have not visited this site before, be sure and visit it. All their programming is online, proving once again that CatholicTV is staying ahead of the curve. You can find their Advent programs where it says "Now Playing - CATHOLICTV SERIES" - scroll down a bit to find the Advent link. Of their Advent programming, Sean writes, "Check out Fr. Bill Kelly. He has a different reflection every week (along with the other four priests). Beginning next week they are sung. CatholicTV's Advent programming is underway. Each day of the Advent calendar we have a different reflection. Think of it as your thought for the day as you wait for Jesus birthday." Artists have certainly been busy! Just within the last week I've received 3 wonderful new projects, one of which (Popple's new release, "Plaid") will be profiled in the Winter issue of GrapeVine, coming out in February. My schedule with the podcast is full for this month but I just had to mention these two new releases that I've received related to Christmas. Mike Zabrocki has put out his first Christmas project and it contains some traditional songs that I've not heard before including my favorite, "The Cherry Tree Carol" which he does with his wife, Laura. There's also a great Advent hymn on it, "Come O Lord." Listen to samples on Mike's MySpace site. Tom Franzak has put out a wonderful new project which includes members of his family (and they all sing very well!). The packaging for this CD is very unusual and really catches the eye. When it first arrived in my mailbox and I opened the package, I thought it was a Christmas card. That's because the package is designed to be just that. The inside contains the CD, lyrics to all the original songs and a picture of Tom and his family. It's beautifully done. I listened on the way into work this morning and really enjoyed hearing both spiritually-based songs ("Emmanuel," "Behold the Child," "Let It Be Done," etc.) and songs with traditional secular Christmas themes ("A Christmas Card," "On Christmas Day," "Through the Eyes of a Child," etc.). I always love anything that's new and innovative. Tom's daughter Lucy, especially, is a wonderful singer. Great job, all you Franzaks! You can find their project at www.littlewaychristmas.com. That's it for now. Stay tuned for this weekend's podcast which will feature Lynn Geyer talking about her Merry Christmas New York City show at Carnegie Hall. Peace and Happy Advent! Susan Bailey

Imagine by Nancy Krebs Looking at a newborn baby, nestled in your arms; you can’t believe how perfect she is, you can’t believe her charms. Imagine that this child you hold would someday grow to be the Mother of your God, the Lord of you and me. That’s what happened long ago in a country far away. Two people watched their little girl at work, at home, at play. She always did her best, she did what she was told; a child so very perfect, they never had to scold. They never imagined, how could they imagine what her future was to be, the glories she would see. They never imagined, really imagined that all hope would begin with their child who was born without sin. As she was growing up, her kindness knew no bound The room just seemed to light up whenever she was around. There was no single virtue that she did not possess; there was no single sin that she would need to confess. When she was fully grown an angel came to her. Bringing her the message and the honor God would confer. She would be the Mother of the Son of God no less. The plan would unfold with her simple answer “yes”. She never imagined, how could she imagine? What her future was to be, the glories she would see. We never imagined, really imagined; our salvation would begin with this child who was born without sin. What a life she did begin this child who was born without sin.

As a way of honoring Mary, this iMix is made up of songs from the CD Sing of Mary by Gretchen Harris. The selections are part traditional, part contemporary, but all are a heart-felt tribute to the Blessed Mother!