My Soul Is Longing for Your Peace by Lucien Deiss. Text and music © 1965 WLP. I prefer the lower key of D (the top recording). The original key of F follows (the bottom recording). Which version do you like? I think a lot of church songs are written in keys that are too high for average voices. In this case, my WLP We Celebrate guitar edition has alternate capo 3 chords, so I played those chords without the capo and that transposed it down one-and-a-half steps (F to D). The problem is that the pianist does not always have the skills to play in the lower key unless they prepare ahead of time. Some keyboardists are able to "play by ear" or calculate transposed chords on the fly. Of course, it wouldn't be a problem with a transposing keyboard or organ...

I thought it would be interesting to view the Frequency Spectrum of Wave PCM signed 32 bit, 48 kHz, 3072 kbit/sec Audio files I used to create a Playlist on YouTube of my new Album.  Below you will find a Color Visualization of that Playlist.  I hope you enjoy watching and listening to it.  MTR

I'm a #Catholic #Folk #SingerSongwriter. Coming soon to the iTunes Store: "A Cup of Cold Water - Catholic". Search Catholic, Album. MTR pic.twitter.com/0J2o1OKii5

— MTR (@MikeResch) February 18, 2017

Today's spotlight album is Adoration by Ken Whisler. The performances of these traditional Sacred, Gospel and Worship songs are particularly striking in Classical guitar artistry. They help center your mind and soul. Ken, a brilliant musician and part-time luthier, recorded these beautiful pieces at St. James Catholic Church in midtown Kansas City. – Richard Schletty, TCS editor

Ken's website: www.kenwhisler.com
Ken's album is available here:
Adoration album at CDBaby
Adoration album at iTunes

Album Notes by Ken Whisler (from CDBaby)
I have had this idea in my head for almost three decades. Only in the last two years have the ideas materialized on paper, to my fingers, and then to my guitar. No doubt many classical guitar enthusiasts will associate this project with what has already been done by Rick Foster and Christopher Parkening, and that is all well and fine with me. I think that the reason why it took me so long to record my own album of sacred music is that... 

National Catholic Youth Choir Camp website

• Fun, Faith, Fantastic Music
• Sing with choristers from across the nation
• Sing for famous composers! 
• Sing in the Basilica, Saint John's Abbey and more!

Train with Conductor André Heywood at the beautiful Saint John's Abbey & University in Collegeville, Minnesota... 

What if the music at our parishes was as moving and powerful as the Mass deserves? The David Initiative is a collaboration between many organizations/artists that dream of seeing this question answered. We know that in order to see this hope become a reality, we need to invest in a new generation of music ministers. 

Enter your Catholic parish in this competition to win music equipment or a year of liturgical music mentorship. Details at www.davidinitiative.com.

Music should not be a liturgical afterthought

The Church sees music as an integral part of our worship. Sacrosanctum Concilium tell us: “The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art.  The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.” (SC112) 

For more from Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio (Dr. Italy), visit The David Initiative Blog and The Crossroads Initiative. Also, please visit Catholic Creatives. 

This article was first published February 5, 2017, at Corpus Christi Watershed

If you conduct a choir or enjoy singing traditional Catholic music, the Sacred Music Symposium is designed especially for – but certainly not limited to – those in need of “tricks” to help implement the Church’s treasury of sacred music without becoming discouraged. The schedule shows there is something for everybody: tips for starting a children’s choir; advice on repertoire; exploration of hymnody; and so forth.

If you’re interested... 

This story was first published at the "Franciscanized World" blog of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Please visit https://franciscanizedworld.fscc-calledtobe.org

Franciscan Lourdes Hymn: Song of Bernadette by Jennifer Warnes and Leonard Cohen

by SISTER JULIE ANN on FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Some songs are timeless. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are pleased to feature once again the collaborative energies of Jennifer Warnes and Leonard Cohen in the beautiful ‘Song of Bernadette’. It is a classic hymn of  exquisite melody and meaningful lyrics. This song is perfect for the celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes this month of February.

Listen to the entire Song of Bernadette by clicking here. Go to track 13. Or go to the FSCC blog article here. 

Suggestion: As you listen to the ‘Song of Bernadette’, recall images of Mary that... 

A Catholic convert reflects on his unique expression of his faith. This is my friend, Chris Engelmann, who is a dedicated and faith-filled street minister. Chris writes:

"When I came into St. Mark's in 1986, first time I attended Mass here it was very quiet and peaceful, I pulled out my harmonica, and I realized it was a wonderful way for me to... 

I often pray the prayer line "Jesus Mary Joseph I love you save souls."  I hope that Mother Virgin Mary hear my prayer upon Christ and save Holy Souls to heaven.