The Commons from Spirit & Song

In this episode of The Commons, Catholic artist Ken Canedo presents his song, "Prayer of St. Augustine." Performed by vocalist Dominic Smith, the song is based on the words of St. Augustine in Book 10 of his spiritual autobiography, Confessions. Ken discusses Augustine's amazing life and how it inspired the message of his song: that it is never too late to turn back to God, no matter how far we may feel from him. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Thomas Muglia performs and discusses his song, "Let My Tongue Be Silenced." Inspired by Psalm 137 and the redemptive story of the prodigal son, the song is a prayer that Thomas returns to again and again. It can serve as a reminder that we have never strayed so far that God's mercy cannot reach us. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, popular Catholic artist Chris Muglia performs his song, "You Are Welcome Here." Chris then discusses how he was inspired to write the song after hearing a story about refugees and immigrants on the radio. The story made him think about how important hospitality is and how Christ can be our guide and example in creating welcoming communities. He recommends "You Are Welcome Here" as a song for Communion or for gathering. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Thomas Muglia performs and discusses his song, "Let Me Decrease." Thomas explains that he was inspired to write this song after he felt called to share his faith despite his fears. He realized that he had to trust in God rather than in his own abilities - that he wanted to decrease so God could increase. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Sarah Hart performs and discusses her song for Easter, "Our New Day." Sarah wrote "Our New Day" in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic when people were unable to gather in churches on Easter. She was reminded of the Apostles, similarly isolated and afraid in the upper room, longing for the new day which began with the Resurrection. The uptempo song beautifully expresses the joy that Peter felt when he ran from that upper room to the risen Christ, the joy that we anticipate and participate in every year at Easter. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Thomas Muglia performs and discusses his song "You're Not Done." Thomas wrote this at the height of the pandemic when he was struggling with doubt and discouragement. The song came out of a time of prayer when he realized that the hope we have in Christ means we can still experience joy through these difficult times - God is not finished with us./p> The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Ken Canedo talks with Chris Muglia about the importance of Lent and the lenten themes in his song "Lead Us to the Cross." Chris then performs the song. In this powerful ballad, Chris invites us to listen in the silence of our hearts as the Spirit leads us to the Cross. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Casey McKinley performs and discusses his song "When Jesus Comes to Jordan's Streams," with lyrics written by Michael Joncas. The song is based on the Lectionary readings for the Baptism of the Lord and is ideal to use in the liturgy for that day. Casey's contemporary arrangement has a traditional feel which makes the song appropriate for use in a variety of Mass styles. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Steve Angrisano performs and discusses his song based on hymn text by James Quinn, "Ave Maria (Mary Sing with Joyful Heart)." Steve explains how the five verses of James Quinn's hymn express the five Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the finding of Jesus in the Temple. Steve reflects on the value of these beautiful prayers we are given by the Church -- that give us words to hold onto when we are struggling to find the right words to pray -- and offers suggestions for how to use this prayerful song in your music ministry. The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Sarah Hart performs and discusses her song based on the beatitudes, "Blessed Are You." She reflects on Jesus' teaching which flips all of our expectations -- that we are the most blessed when our circumstances are at their worst. It is a message of hope for those who are poor, hungry for more and struggling. Sarah concludes by acknowledging the timeliness of this message during the struggles and heartaches of the coronavirus pandemic: "We are so blessed -- still and even in this, in everything -- we are so blessed." The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Thomas Muglia performs and discusses his song "Stay with Me, Lord," based on the prayer by Padre Pio. Thomas explains that Padre Pio, also known as St. Pio of Pietrelcina, would pray this prayer after receiving the Eucharist. He resonates with both the desire to stay in a place of closeness with God and with the line "You know how easily I'll abandon you." Thomas recognizes the same pattern of clinging to God and then falling away in his own life and concludes, "the only thing we can truly rely on is the grace of God -- not our own strength." The Commons is a series of unplugged interviews with the top Catholic recording artists. These are candid interviews and intimate performances by the top contemporary Catholic musicians.

In this episode of The Commons, Tom Booth reflects on his and Sarah Hart's song, "The Feast Meant for Everyone," after a moving performance by Sarah and PJ Anderson. Tom explains that he and Sarah worked together to write a song that would emphasize how the Eucharist is meant for every one of us, no matter our station. Through his personal stories, Tom calls us all to reflect on how the Eucharist feeds us: "As we participate with grace, transformation happens." In this video, Josh Blakesley provides an in-depth tutorial for the chord stylings and fingerpicking techniques used in his song "Beautiful Is Your Love."

O God of Every Longing" is a reminder of God's comfort and faithfulness through these difficult times. Sarah Hart was inspired to write this gentle song of hope after a conversation with her parents during the coronavirus pandemic. Distraught that she could not be with those she loved and missed so much, Sarah poured out her feelings of longing and trust in God's presence and mercy into this song. She ends with an appeal to the God who knows everything we suffer, "O God of every longing, fill us with the hope of Christ. In this video, Josh Blakesley provides an in-depth tutorial for the chord stylings and fingerpicking techniques used in his song "Beautiful Is Your Love."

Steve Angrisano and Tom Booth share a live, informal performance of their gentle Eucharistic hymn, "I Am the Bread of Life," based on the compassionate words of Jesus: I am the Bread of Life.

Co-written with Sarah Hart and Tom Booth, Greg Walton's "Holy Spirit, Come" is a wonderful meditation for Pentecost and for confirmation celebrations. The song incorporates two different prayers in a petition for God's spirit to fill the hearts of his faithful: the Veni Sancti Spiritus and St. Augustine's prayer to the Holy Spirit. In this video, Josh Blakesley provides an in-depth tutorial for the chord stylings and fingerpicking techniques used in his song "Beautiful Is Your Love."

In a year fraught with anxiety, where do we find peace? Our faith brings us comfort, so we ask God for mercy, peace, and healing -- for ourselves, yes, but for our neighbor too. Sarah Hart's "Petition" is a song that lifts up in prayer many of those for whom we have found new gratitude: caregivers, health workers, teachers, and for those most in need of our prayer: patients in hospitals, struggling students, the hungry, the lonely. As we strive to understand that which those around us endure, we are grateful for the gift they give us. Sing or listen to this song in prayer groups and personal devotions. O Lord, have mercy on us all,

Based on Revelation 21, Ken Canedo's anthemic song "See, I Make All Things New" transforms the Biblical author's visions of a new heaven and new earth into lyrics full of hope and welcome. Especially useful throughout the Easter season and for the Order of Christian Funerals. Come, let us go to a bright and holy city,

This buoyant and joyful Easter song hearkens back to Bob Hurd's early folk style, yet bears the same hallmarks of all Bob's work, including its foundation in scripture and its theological depth. Useful throughout the Easter season, especially as a gathering song or for sending forth, the lyric of "Alleluia! He Is Risen" deftly connects the Resurrection with our baptismal call and the call to community. In this video, Josh Blakesley provides an in-depth tutorial for the chord stylings and fingerpicking techniques used in his song "Beautiful Is Your Love."

The Apostle Paul exhorted the early Christians in Philippi to think about "whatever is true...honorable...just...pure...lovely...gracious." In Hebrews, the author encourages "let us...persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus." Our focus is important! In "With Our Eyes on the Cross," Greg Walton's scripturally-rooted lyrics show how our focus on the sacrifice and call of Christ leads us to love for our neighbor and into unity with each other. Oh, the riches of this life.

Ken Canedo's tuneful setting of Psalm 91, "Be with Me, Lord," became a favorite for young people who in today's world experience challenges their parents never faced. The song helps them realize that even when they are in trouble, God is still with them. Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.

Inspired by Saint Paul's wisdom in the fifth chapter of the Letter to the Romans, PJ Anderson shares "We Adore You," a compelling prayer of gratitude for the love that Jesus poured out for us upon the Cross. The grace in which we stand:

Thomas Muglia was inspired by a prayer attributed to Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val of Spain who served as friend and advisor to Pope St. Pius X. This gentle setting of the Litany of Humility is a call to live in imitation of Christ, whose humble heart offers healing for the extreme divisions of today's world. From my desire to be loved,

In his search for God's will, Tom Booth found encouragement in the words of Thomas Merton, an American Trappist monk whose life of contemplation inspired the world. "Solitude Song" is a prayerful heart to heart dialogue between seeker and God.

Sarah Hart and Sarah Kroger, sisters in faith, composed this lovely reflection on the gift of the Eucharist. The appealing and lilting melody invites the community to walk with Jesus from the Last Supper, through the trial of Calvary, and onward to Easter joy. We remember the night you broke the bread,

Casey McKinley and his pastor, Father Reynold Furrell, collaborated on this reflective contemporary Christmas song that brings a much needed message of hope to our wounded and weary world.

Michael Avolicino's appealing and melodic setting of Psalm 27 is a heartfelt expression of the psalmist's confident hope in God, who gives us the courage to overcome the darkness and fears of life.

Tom Booth was inspired by his friends who were working to welcome persecuted Catholics around the world into the United States. Utilizing Matthew 25 and John 21 as his Scriptural sources, Tom composed this stirring ballad that challenges us to follow Christ by serving the poor, the forgotten, and the oppressed.

Josh Blakesley, Sarah Hart and Marc Byrd composed a song of praise and thanksgiving that serves as a bridge between Communion and adoration. After we receive the Body of Christ in the sacred liturgy, we turn to him with loving hearts during adoration, when Jesus loves us in return through the mystery of his eucharistic presence.

As we receive the Body of Christ in the eucharistic liturgy, the Church on earth sings in union with the heavenly kingdom. This powerful Communion song inspires us to bring Christ's love to the world. Word became flesh, now flesh becomes the word

When Mary Magdalene and the disciples encountered the Risen Jesus, he empowered them to run and share God's love with everyone. Sarah Hart's new song inspires us to do the same: Go forth from our parish community and share with the world all that we have seen and heard in our celebration of the Eucharist.

Saint John Henry Newman's prayer, "Radiating Christ," was a beloved favorite of Saint Teresa of Calcutta and her Sisters of Charity, who recited the prayer daily after Communion. They in turn inspired Tom Booth to express this prayer, almost word for word, as a gentle, guitar-driven meditation that will inspire today's generation.

Sarah Hart's new song has a simple refrain that people can sing from memory as they process to the altar for Communion. The verses express the eucharistic theology of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, poured out continuously across time as our source of life and unity.

Originally composed by Jan?t Sullivan Whitaker as a theme song for a youth conference of the same name, "We Are One" is a timely song for every generation. We acknowledge our differences, even as we celebrate our unity as the Body of Christ.

Tom Booth says the inspiration for "Sacred Silence" arrived upon him during group prayer. "The priest stopped talking, I stopped playing music, and we all sat there in beautiful silence." This new Spanish translation by Iv?n D?az and Fr. Juan Sosa unites the wider Church community as we enter together into this profound experience with the God who dwells within.

Sarah Hart composed this song for the Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts as part of Love as Never Before, her upcoming collection of music for the Eucharistic liturgy. In "Drawn to You," Sarah reflects on the liturgical action of bringing our gifts to the altar as a sign of God drawing us to himself. We unite our offering with the offering of Christ.

Iv?n D?az and Chris Muglia collaborate on a new Spanish and English version of Chris' popular contemporary worship song. Originally composed as a way to invite people into the sacred liturgy, this bilingual setting expands the song's outreach and offers an opportunity to unite diverse communities of faith.

Influenced by his love for chant and classical music, composer and pastoral musician James Poppleton composed a setting of the shorter poetic text of the Sequence for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This combination of official text and music invites the assembly to prayerfully reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist. This Sequence setting leads immediately into the Alleluia and verse before the Gospel, thus providing a seamless flow between the second and Gospel readings of the day.

The rich imagery of Sarah Hart's lyrics is underscored by a striking and simple melody that is housed in a contemporary arrangement. The result is a masterpiece of hymn craft that celebrates the boundless and generous love of God.

In this episode of The Commons, Jesse Manibusan and Remi Fonseca Bauer discuss the origins of sequences in the Church and their role in the liturgy today, as well as the role of Paraclete, "God who accompanies," in our lives. Jesse's spark of a simple melody inspired Remi to compose a new song that eventually became a setting of the Pentecost Sequence. Utilizing the official poetic text of the Lectionary, this gentle setting truly expresses the sweet consolation and hope of the Holy Spirit.

Curtis Stephan had an inspired idea for music that celebrates Christian joy. Cooper Ray, Tom Booth and Steve Angrisano joined him, and together they composed an upbeat, bluegrass-based song that truly unites people in their love for the Lord who heals and brings new life.

As a gift to Mother Teresa, Tom Booth composed this beautiful song that was inspired by a prayer written by Blessed Charles de Foucauld. The composer shares a moving story on how the Saint from Calcutta reconnected Tom with his father through this song. Father, I give myself to you.

In a fascinating conversation, Steve Angrisano and Curtis Stephan reveal how they co-wrote their inspiring ballad, "High Above Our Way." Prayer is the key to collaboration, as well as a conviction that "we" are not the way. Christ is the way!

While at prayer, Cooper Ray found inspiration to compose this thoughtful ballad. Deep within our own personal storms, our love for God is set free by the Cross.

Lent calls us to journey inward with God, and Sarah Hart's new song invites us into deep prayer as a procession song during the Distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday.

In a powerful performance video, Tom Booth shares a stirring song on contemplation that he co-composed with Sarah Hart. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven lives within us. It is a journey of growth and discovery.

Jesse Manibusan shares the inspiring story behind his beloved signature song. Born from a simple Lectio Divina reflection on Scripture, "Open My Eyes" has blossomed into a multicultural favorite, including the bilingual English and Spanish version that is shared in this video. Open my eyes, Lord.

After hearing the iconic John 3:16 proclaimed at liturgy, Chris Muglia reflected on what it means that "God so loved the world." His upbeat song is an engaging celebration of how God pours out mercy and love through his Son, Jesus Christ, who empowers us as Church to bring hope and compassion to the world.

Curtis Stephan invites us into his home to discuss his arrangement of the 4th- or 5th-century chant celebrating the mystery of the incarnation. Musicians will appreciate Curtis' instruction on how to play his simple, jazz-inspired arrangement that is reverent and respectful, even as it breathes new life into the soaring ancient melody.

In this classic episode of the Commons from 2008, Matt Maher talks with Sarah Hart about her song "We Adore," and she reflects on the birth of Jesus within the larger context of his role as Savior of the world. This thoughtful and beautiful ballad is perfect for use during the Christmas season. And be sure to book Sarah for your next concert, retreat or parish mission!

Josh Blakesley performs his updated take on the 9th-century hymn "Creator of the Stars." A lovely ballad-style piece, Josh offers his own arrangement with added refrain, while utilizing the original hymn tune of CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM for the verses. He also worked to maintain many of the traditional elements of the hymn when writing the refrain, even going so far as to repurpose the language used in the translation of the Latin text.

In this exclusive Commons video, Azeneth González sings her spirited "Gracias, Señor," a song of thanksgiving from her joyful Spanish Mass setting, Misa Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús (Mass of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus). As a full-time missionary of music, Azeneth has shared her faith all over the world as she inspires everyone, especially young people, to discover the love and mercy of Christ.