Recent comments
Author: Richard Schletty
The first recording on your website of "Good Night, Sweet Jesus" sounds like it could have been used in a classic Hollywood black-and-white film. A very nice hymn. Thanks for your thorough research.
This info about the hymn's composer is quite interesting:
"Father Curry became a staunch defender against the proselyting efforts of certain sects and social reform agencies in the neighborhood. He carried out what some called a militant warfare against the efforts of...
Author: Richard Schletty
Yes, it was a brain misfire. I quickly corrected it to Perry Como. One can edit a comment but then choose to check the box "Do not send notifications for this update."
Author: Don9of11
Richard,
The other day I got an email from Top Catholic Songs from you stating:
"I forgot to mention that Bing Crosby sang Act of Contrition in the key of C."
https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/node/1978#comment-10797
Did you later correct this?
Don
Author: Richard Schletty
The only thing I don't like about Sonaar so far is that the album title is displayed at the top of the widget player (to the left of the waveform). I would rather have the song title at the top. I have to go into my Media Gallery and change all the MP3s to have the album title the same as the song title.
Other than that, it is proving to be better than WavePlayer <waveplayer.info> which has abandoned me as a perpetual license-holder since the software was pulled from CodeCanyon/...
Author: Don9of11
I'm in no big hurry, get your taxes done and when you get yourself squared away and have some free time, you can do the vocal demos. The key of A or C is fine.
I like the Sonaar Plugin, it's easy to congfigure and add mp3's, my website developer suggested it to me and it has worked out very well.
Don
Author: Richard Schletty
The key of A arrangement should be good for you. I would be happy to sing the A and C versions for you. Would my vocal demos be useful to you? I just have to finish my dreadful income tax return first.
I listened to this: "The Christ Child sung by Don Howe". You had a marvelous voice in 1985!
I also listened to Tom McNeill sing "The New Born King". Fantastic upper range. God rest his beautiful vocal cords.
I am blessed to be conversing and collaborating with both you...
Author: Don9of11
Richard,
I had a chance to listen to all the different arrangments. I like the key of C the most, but my 66 year old voice, just can't hit the high notes anymore. I didn't know that Perry Como sang in the hymn in the Key of C, very interesting. Give your friend Andre my thanks. I sang a christmas song back in the 80s, called The Christ Child in the key of C, which reaches the high note F. Look under Midnight Christmas Eve 1985, #4
https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/...
Author: Richard Schletty
Edited: I forgot to mention that Perry Como sang Act of Contrition in the key of C in that 1950's arrangement by Joseph J. Leahy.
Author: Richard Schletty
You are welcome, Don. André has also done original compositions for piano and orchestra for Ave Maria, Our Father and Prayer to St. Michael.
In fact, André's Ave Maria was performed this past weekend (April 5-6, 2025) by the Octava Chamber Orchestra in Lynnwood, Washington.
https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/sites/default/files/Van_Haren_Ave_Maria_Octava_Chamber-Orchestra_4.5.2025.mp3
http://www.octavachamberorchestra.com/
https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/sites/...
Author: Don9of11
Thank you Richard, let me look these over and listen to them.
Author: Richard Schletty
Don: Please review these three arrangements. Let us know which keys work best for you.
Download ZIP file
I'll create voice demos soon, but for now you have complete scores as well as nicely performed piano tracks by André van Haren.
Author: Richard Schletty
André and I will prepare sheet music and demo recordings for Act of Contrition in the keys of A and C. Your suggested changes are good. We are glad you like it! Talk soon.
By the way, André is very good with with piano arrangements but has not had training specifically in organ arrangements. Hopefully, a skilled organist can play from the piano scores we will provide.
Author: Don9of11
Rick and Andre,
I have to say that this is a very nice arrangement. I have listened to the mp3 you sent and I have listened to the original recording, excellent job transcribing the music. At measure 30, I think I would put some emphasis on "firm," perhaps a accent mark or fermata, just my opinion.
I think in measure 35, "sin" should be "sins." It is hard to say if Perry Como says one or the other in the original recording, but the old Act Contrition was "sins."
Having a...
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks, Ron. I reposted this because the gospel reading for 4th Sunday in Lent (cycle C) yesterday was Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son.
Author: ronsue
Good lyrics that reflects the story/ ballad and music. Thanks for sharing Ron St Martin
Author: Don9of11
Thank you, this is unexpected and greatly appreciated. Let me look this over and get back to you.
Author: Richard Schletty
André van Haren and I have created an arrangement of "Act of Contrition" in the key of A for medium voice, based on the Joe Leahy composition. See if you like it. If so, feel free to make suggestions for improving it. We also have a version in C for high voice, if interested.
https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/sites/default/files/mp3/Act-of-Contrition-key-A-rcs-3.29.2025.mp3
https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/sites/default/files/Act-of-Contrition-key-A-rcs-3.29.2025.pdf
We are...
Author: Richard Schletty
2nd edit: My colleague André has recreated sheet music for medium voice and piano/organ. No charge. I will donate his arrangement to your worthy project. I will send you the score soon for your evaluation.
Great to see the copyright information!
Author: Don9of11
Richard this is awesome. I was able to locate the copyright info in Google books.
Copyright Info
How much would your friend charge to make a piano/organ arrangement?
Don
Author: Richard Schletty
I found an image of the front cover of the Medium Voice arrangement. Unfortunately, it looks like this particular printed copy was sold in 2020.
https://avaluer.net/explore/30898871-act_of_contrition_vintage_sheet_music_performed_by_perry_como_1951___1954
Author: Richard Schletty
This is quite a challenge. I searched and have not found sheet music. As you probably discovered, Perry Como's recording is here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkKd26JP2mY
Apparently, you have the composer's name correctly as Joseph J. Leahy. The info provided in the YouTube description has his last name spelled incorrectly.
Act Of Contrition · Perry Como
Greatest Gospel Songs
Provided to YouTube by RCA Records Label
℗ 2000 BMG Music
Composer: Joseph J. Lacey...
Author: ronsue
I uploaded a new recording that is slightly different from the previous version
Author: ronsue
From Vatican ll document Gaudium et Spes it teaches: " Certainly, the Christian is faced with the necessity, and the duty, of fighting against evil through many trials, and of undergoing death. But by entering into the paschal mystery and being made like Christ in death, he will look forward, strong in hope, to the resurrection." Speaking out against
an evil is part of our witness as Catholics.
Author: Jeremy St Martin
Our hearts deapest desire was mentioned in the second reading of the Office of Readings today. Also that line about crypto is so good. It is the translation of the eternal in the now; calling out the evil in every generation. No fear.
Flash crash and fade crazy crypto and all deceptions.
Author: ronsue
This is a classic catholic hymn(tune) that is worthy to have lyrics added to the original lyrics. Thanks Pa
Author: Jeremy St Martin
It is a tradition to take a tune and make many lyrics for it. This is a wonderful thing to do. I think you did that here right?
Thank you in Christ
Happy Feast of Don Bosco
Author: Richard Schletty
So soothing and reassuring. Sung and played with great devotion to our Creator. Thank you for sharing. Barbados is fortunate to have you there, in person at Mass, to lift hearts and souls heavenward.
Author: Richard Schletty
I appreciate your kind note. I forgot to give this song a bump back in December 2024 during the Christmas season. We actually first published it back in May of 2017. Dan Vi and I were hopeful that OCP (Oregon Catholic Press) would accpet it into their library. But that did not happen.
Author: ronsue
The collaboration and current final version is wonderful. It is testimony of grace - of the Holy Spirit working in the body of Christ to work together for the glory of God and our
joy. Thanks for sharing this wonderful collaboration. Ron
Author: ronsue
Thanks for sharing this wonderful new version of a Christmas classic. The Herald angels are singing with you! Have a blessed new Year.
Author: Richard Schletty
I like it! Well written and played. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year.
Author: ronsue
Fr. Jeremy sent me the new lyrics and song you made recently of Hark the Herald Angels You gave it a wonderful guitar and vocal rendition. Why don't you upload it here and share with us on top catholic
songs Ron
Author: ronsue
Good to hear from you. May you and your family and friends have a blessed upcoming year. May your work at EWTN bear much fruit. Susan and I have been so blest by the good Lord. Adios Ron and Sue
Author: ckelley
Nice work Ron!
Your Christmas Joy shines through this heralding of Christ's coming - well done!
Deacon Chuck
Author: Don9of11
Thank You Richard.
I hope that this small memorial to my friends in the choir will encourage or inspire musicians both young and old to make their music ministry more holy, sacred, and not limit their repertoire to what is found in the parish missalette or pew missals.
Author: Richard Schletty
A heartfelt story about your "extended family" with organist Mary Leary and organist/choir director Ralph Jordan. "The day the music died" was a sad day indeed. Thank you for sharing this.
Author: Richard Schletty
You are welcome. I did this a long time ago with Dave Gómez but thought it could use a remastering in Logic Pro and with Steinberg WaveLab.
Author: ronsue
Your music composition and voice capture the hauntingly deep yearning we have in our hearts for the Lord's return. Thanks for sharing your inspiration! Keep on seeking and sharing your gifts with us. Adios Ron St Martin
Author: Richard Schletty
You light the darkness with the news of the light of Christ. Your lead voice is expressive and intimate. I like the contrapuntal vocal overlays. The sparseness of the guitar arpeggio is perfect for this proclamation. Well done.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks for providing info about the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The Corpus Christi Watershed link you gave reminded me that I probably downloaded that Sunday School Hymn Book from Jeff Ostrowski's website a few years ago.
Author: Don9of11
Richard
Although the names are similar, the Sisters of Notre Dame are a different congregation from the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The Sisters of Notre Dame that I refer to in my write-up are the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. There are actually quite a few congregations with Notre Dame in the title. Whenever you see S.N.D., in the music score or hymn this is refering to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Whereas, S.S.N.D., would represent the School Sisters of Notre Dame....
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, Don, for your excellent in-depth exploration of this beautiful hymn. The descant in the audio file is wonderful.
You have drawn from a vast collection of historic Catholic hymnals. I am particularly interested in the 1920 and 1948 editions of "Hymns Used by Pupils of Sisters of Notre Dame". In Saint Paul, Minnesota, I was taught by the "School Sisters of Notre Dame" (based in Mankato, MN). Not sure if this order was affiliated with the Boston order that created...
Author: Richard Schletty
I thank Alexander John for writing the lyrics which I adapted. He has written a lot about his conversion journey. Thank you for your kind words.
Author: ronsue
Very good conversion song that I and I'm sure many others can identify with. You have a good affective voice . Thanks for sharing Ron St Martin
Author: ronsue
I posted the comment on the wrong song I meant to post it on your song God is on the scene. I was using a kindle tablet, and had difficulty posting my comment. I'll
try to fix it tonight Ron
Author: ronsue
I posted the comment on the wrong song I meant to post it on your song God is on the scene. I was using a kindle tablet, and was having difficulty posting my comment. I'll
try to fix it tonight Ron
Author: Richard Schletty
Ron, you have written good verses about humankind's ability to praise God with song. This would sound good with light piano, organ or guitar accompaniment, along with choral ahs or ohs. Thanks for sharing.
Author: Richard Schletty
Ron, is your comment meant for someone else? Your comment appeared under your own song. God bless. – Richard
Author: ronsue
Very good conversion song that I and I'm sure many others can identify with. You have a good affective voice .Thanks for sharing Ron St Martin
Author: Richard Schletty
Ron, thanks for your comments. I agree, More like this!
Check out this one – another collab with Alexander John: God Is on the Scene.
Author: ronsue
Wonderful lyrics good country ballad song. Thanks for writing and sharing. You should do more like
songs like this. Ron
Author: ronsue
I suspected that Google Sites would not be able to support all the options you offer on top catholic songs, Rebuilding the whole site, at this point, would be a huge undertaking. Thank God that the site works well and thank you for keeping it up and running. Ron
Author: Richard Schletty
Your website is actually http://innerwindows.net (you missed the s in your comment above).
It looks good. Lots of beautiful Catholic art.
Google Sites would not be a good alternative because it does not allow hosting of a Drupal CMS installation. Moving to Google hosting would mean rebuilding this site completely from scratch. The same would apply if I wanted to use WordPress CMS for this site.
Here's a comparison of Google Sites and Drupal: https://10web.io/builder-comparisons/google-sites...
Author: ronsue
Maybe this is an answer to prayer. My website, innerwindow.net, is on Google Sites and is free. It has never had any downtime, that I know of. Attached are two images from this site. Again thanks for all your work on this site and all your other endeavors. http://innerwindows.net
Author: Richard Schletty
I wish more people would take advantage of this opportunity to post their original songs of faith.
This website, hosted by InMotion Hosting, had been going offline for anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes at a time, daily, for the past few months. InMotion switched me to a different web server but that had the same downtime issue. Last week they migrated my websites to a third web server and that seems to be more stable now. Fingers crossed. InMotion is one of the few web hosting companies that...
Author: ronsue
Thank you Richard for developing, maintaining, contributing to, and funding this website
May the Good Lord bless you in all your work. Ron St Martin
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks, Ron, for your heartfelt arrangement of this psalm of yearning for God. May God save us all and bring tranquility to the world.
Author: Richard Schletty
Reminiscent of 60s-70s folk ballads. Articulately and beautifully sung. I love the guitar arpeggio. Simple yet rich in the spirit of rejoicing. Good ambience.
Author: Richard Schletty
A most appropriate approach to reflecting on the goodness of the Lord. Your sung melody and guitar accompaniment soothe the weary soul and direct our thoughts to the God of Creation. Thank you for sharing.
Author: Richard Schletty
This has a prayerful, peaceful and calming feeling. Beautiful singing. Another psalm well done.
Author: ronsue
The good Lord always seeks his beloved lost sheep and asks us to help him to seek and bring him to him.
Author: ronsue
Yes, many saints have reminded us throughout salvation history of the presence of the angels in personal and social contexts. The Angel of Portugal appeared and prepared the children at Fatima for the coming of Mary, queen of angels. St Padre Pio often spoke of angels and the important work they do in our behalf
Ron St Martin
Author: ronsue
Your comments are part of our yearning to see the good Lord in his
radiant glory! Congratulations on your new archbishop Richard Henning!
Author: Jeremy St Martin
Help us now!
That great day is coming ever closer. This song helps ster in us the hope for our own salvation and glorification.
That will be a great and ever new glorious song.
And even our bodies will be saved!
To be carried will be great. No more trying and striving.
Thank you!
Author: Jeremy St Martin
It is so important to think of the Angels.
We read about them throught the Bible and we refer to them in detail in the Mass.
So many of us forget that we are not fighting the battle on our own.
There are armies of angels fighting along with us.
The bad angels are doomed.
Did you know that we know about the Chiors of angels from ancient science? It is hard to imagine but they are part of ancient Greek metaphisics.
It is similar to how modern science is discovers invisible...
Author: Jeremy St Martin
It is so comforting.
The melody and the voice is both strong and gentle, old and new.
It makes you want to look up to God in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to him.
God is good.
Author: ronsue
Thanks for all your contributions to us on this site and your offer to provide resources to inspire us to new hymns. Ron St Martin
Author: Don9of11
A number of Catholic hymns honoring our Guardian angels appeared in Catholic hymn books over the years. However, by the 1960s, most had been removed from Catholic hymnals. Here is a sample of hymns:
Dear Angel! Ever at my side, How loving must thou be
How kind it is of you to come, Bright angel from yon starry home
Tho' awake or sleeping, Thou art at my side
Hark! Hark! My Soul, angelic songs are swelling
Guardian angel, From heav'n so bright.
Ye Cherubim and Seraphim, Around my Maker's...
Author: ronsue
This hymn was in the office of readings in the liturgy of the hours a week or so ago. The name of the hymn is YE Holy Angels Bright. This is the link to the lyrics of that song. https://www.blueletterbible.org/hymns/y/Ye_Holy_Angels_Bright.cfm
Thanks for the comment.
Author: Jeremy St Martin
What is the Richard Baxter reference material? It would be interesting to see. How did you come aross it?
Again, sorry for any mispellings.
Author: Jeremy St Martin
below is # 165 from the compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I would study that to see an example of how we are to capitalize things. You made a mistake in there a few times in that regard and I am sure you would want to clean it up as your product is so good and worthy of aclaim.
Sorry I can't spell but this is just a comment and of little worth.
165. In what way is the Church holy?
823-829
867
The Church is holy insofar as the Most Holy God is her...
Author: Jeremy St Martin
I would consult with the Poet Susan St. Martin to understand the art of capitalization better. She is a trustworthy source and a kind helper indeed.
It doesn't look at all right to me and is almost irreverent captitalization. It is at least confusing.
If you don't know what I am refering to please consult with Susan St. Martin.
In Christ,
Jeremy
Author: ronsue
What does do a cover mean? Thanks for the comment.
Author: Jeremy St Martin
I think Deacon Chuck should do a cover as should Mr. Ricci.
Author: Jeremy St Martin
Feels like a royal march. I love the fitting strength of positivity!
"All praise and Glory" has an amazing high note that you really make ring. Again on the word "heven" there is that high note. Wow.
Author: Jeremy St Martin
This is great. God is good. Good to have in the wake of Corpus Crisiti.
Author: ronsue
Thanks for posting. The lyrics are good for reflection and the guitar work is smooth and the musical arrangements complement the atmosphere of the lyrics. Keep the songs
coming. Adios Ron
Author: Richard Schletty
"The Lord had offered a piece of bread". Oh how we all need to realize this. and accept spiritual nourishment.
Nice song. Good lyrics. Good instrumentation. Love that slide guitar.
Author: Richard Schletty
Fr. Jeremy: No, it's not ready yet. But thanks for asking. I should be able to carve out some time this week.
I just finished making changes to the piano-voice-guitar arrangement of "When We Go to Mass" – a song for faith formation for kids. Look for it soon!
Author: Jeremy St Martin
This reminds me of the psalm (I think it is a psalm) that talks about how a thousand fall at my right 10 thousand on my right but it will (the army) not aproach with you at my side as my buckler and shield.
That concept of putting trust in nothing except God is so great. Even if an army is set up agains me I will not feer if God is with me.
Your song is so good for pointing out all the fauls hopes we have in so many ways and how we should trust in the Lord alone.
Thank you...
Author: ronsue
Yes, that would be good. You can do whatever you judge to improve the song. Thanks, Ron.
Author: Richard Schletty
With your permission, I would like to rework this song. I believe it has possibilities. Let me know. I think it would be more engaging with a traditional verse-chorus structure to keep it from being monotonous. There are some good words in there based on John 16: 33.
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan Vi, I am happy for you. Keep writing about the goodness of God as you dwell in the Spirit. Good to hear from you.
Author: asiansa09
Thank God, Jesus Christ & the Holy Family in sainthood's direction, for two years as I am living a peaceful life in the house of God.
Author: Richard Schletty
Fr. Martin, your page link is better than the one I gave from the very same website. It has all the prayers given in full.
I posted: https://www.usccb.org/prayers/how-pray-chaplet-divine-mercy
You posted: https://www.usccb.org/prayers/chaplet-divine-mercy
Hey, I am not trying to be critical. I am critiquing. Big difference. I think the main bone of contention, as Ron pointed out, is whether to capitalize deity pronouns. I don't think anyone is in favor of using lowercase for terms like...
Author: Jeremy St Martin
Here is an interesting website:
https://www.usccb.org/prayers/chaplet-divine-mercy
Author: Jeremy St Martin
The website?
I would imagine the the Lord the words and not in English.
Who has the translation authority into English in our own day and age.
If these are the Lord's own words these questions are not unimportant.
If we want others to come to believe we need to take the care, not of a pharasee, but of and artist.
In Christ,
Fr. St. Martin