Top Catholic Songs – share, learn, promote

Nick Alexander here... We have here a new, wonderful list. These are all great songs that highlight the Sacrament of Matrimony. These work either as songs for the marriage ceremony, or songs in preparation thereof. Load up your playlist with these songs, as you drive from the church to the reception hall...

1. In the Name of the Father by Jim Cosgrove
   The song tells of the love, wonder, and hopes of a bride and groom within the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
2. At the End of the Day by Sean Clive
   In today’s world, stories of enduring love are few and far between. One of the greatest days of my life was the day that I began this sacrament of marriage with my Jenny, this outward expression of God’s love. I pray for all married couples, old, young and all of us in the middle -- that God will continue to strength and encourage us with a love that endures. I pray for the yet to be married -- that they will seek God in their life, hand in hand.
3. (Loving You is) A Prayer by Nick Cardilino
   I wrote this song for my wife on our wedding anniversary a number of years ago, and several couples have used it in their wedding liturgies, and several marriage encounter groups have used it because it describes well what marriage is designed by God to be.
4. Arms of Love by Mark Mallett
   Written to accompany the Catholic novel of the same name by author Carmen Marcoux, ARMS OF LOVE is a beautiful love song/duet by Mark and Lea Mallett.
5. Your Presence is Real by Nick Cardilino
   This song about the Catholic notion of Sacramentality focuses on the Real Presence of Christ in Matrimony in verse 2 and chorus 2.
6. Ave Maria by Gretchen Harris
   I've been singing this forever, as has everyone else I'm sure, but it sure is a beautiful song...
7. Bridge to Heaven, A by Dan Duét
   We can build a bridge to Heaven, with the love between you and I / Like the stars that shine forever, is the love between you and I
8. Love That Someone Right by Nick Alexander
   This is a parody of the popular song "Summer Nights" from Grease, which encourages saving oneself until marriage. It is a duet with Teresa Smith, and produced by David Smith, and has guest vocals from a few others. Key line: "Once complete in matrimony, newfound love leads to newborn life..."
9. Covenant Hymn by Mel Kennedy
   This beautiful song written by Gary Daigle and Rory Cooney not only speaks of covenant, but also commitment and the faithfulness of God. I use this a lot at weddings (and actually, funerals, too.) My version of this piece keeps the simple hymn structure but adds a contemporary vibe.
10. When Smiles Fill My Eyes by Valerie Von Fange
    When Smiles Fill My Eyes was written by my husband, Tom, as a Valentine's poem. It then was inserted in our wedding program and subsequently turned into a song once I added the music. It is now a top seller on the Steadfast Love CD.
    This moving guitar serenade showcases beautiful accordian and violin fillers and solos. The words define love between two people as one movement through life.