Church Music
I've been involved in Church Music since my teen years. When I chose music as my profession it was natural that would want to
use my professional training to serve the Church.
The following will be some of my compositional offerings I've written over
the years. My tradition is Catholic so most of what will be listed here will be most understood by members of Catholic, Orthodox
or liturgical Protestant traditions.
However, in an ecumenical spirit, I'd like to share my tradition because I think much of
what will be presented will be of interest, and maybe even useful, to other Christian traditions. Even my Jewish friends
would find interest in the Response Psalms as their texts are often the wonderful Psalms of the Old Testament or other Canticles
found in the Law, Prophets and Writings.
Our Father - This setting of the Lord's Prayer is for congregational singing. The range is very small and without any unusual
leaps. It also lies low and if sung in the key of C doesn't get above the A above middle C! I've played it in E flat major
where the high tone would be the C above middle C. COMING SOON: SATB
Luminous Cross - This song is taken from the words of Sister M Alfonsa. The majority of her adult life was
confined to a wheelchair because of crippling arthritis. She couldn't offer her life's work to the Lord as most of us can; so
she offered all her sufferings to Him. Send me an eMail to purchase the piano part.
Gloria - The origin of the Gloria is the great angelic hymn announcing the Incarnation in St. Luke's Gospel. The restoration
of all things can now begin. - Behold, I make all things new. In the Gloria each person of the Trinity is addressed with
worship and glory. It has been the inspiration of composers, great and small, for millenia. COMING SOON: SATB
The LORD Is My Shepherd - This Response Psalm is used often in various liturgies such as Advent and Lent but it also
used in Adoration. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Response Psalms have various formats using cantors, choirs, and the
congregation. But mostly the Antiphon is sung by all and the Verses are sung by the cantor or choir. Participation is enthusiastic
when given a strong melody (antiphon) to sing.
Jesus, I Trust In You - The melody of this short prayer was given to me by Sister Grace Kelly of the Sisters of Reparation.
I'm not certain of its origin but its message is central to the ever growing devotions to Jesus, the Divine Mercy. This
devotion has grown especially since the canonization of St. Faustina, the first declared saint of the 21st century by Pope
John Paul II. The harmonic treatment is my own.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a prayer the Lord gave to St. Faustina in one of her mystic visions.
The Lord wants the whole world to know that His Divine Mercy is open to everyone; even the most hardened sinner. This is the
time of mercy. This time will not last forever.
