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To link to the lyrics page for each song, click on the blue hypertext titles below.
To play the midi file that goes with the lyric you will see a midi player graphic on the lyrics page with a triangular symbol in the graphic - to click on to start the player - and a square to click on to stop it. (You will only see this if you're using Netscape(TM) otherwise you'll have to download the midi file and listen to it without viewing the lyrics at the same time). The vertical bar in the lower center of the graphic can be moved left and right to control volume.

SONGS

Abba We Call YouAbba was the term Jesus used for the Father. There is no direct translation into English for the word. It is not a term of formality but of familiarity and love. This was the term Jesus told His disciples to use when addressing their Heavenly Father, who wants to be on a familiar and loving basis with all His children.

Bless God's Holy NameThis song works well to call the congregation together or as a simple hymn of praise.

Blessings A song that was written for the recessional. Words are adapted from the closing rite.

By This Water This is a baptismal song and can be used as well during the Easter season. I wrote it for the baptism of one of my children.

Call My NameThis song can be used as part of a liturgy where ministry is conferred on teachers, lectors, musicians or any others. It reaffirms our commitment to our faith and recognizes that God calls each one of us by name to come and follow.

Canticle This was written as a wedding song, whose title derives from the Song of Songs or Canticle of Canticles attributed to King Solomon.

Christ With Me (St. Patrick's Breastplate)What greater armor than to put on Christ! I have been justly accused of sounding Irish in my music. In this song I have tried to plead guilty to that charge.

Creation Song This was intended to be a song for children as a lesson from Genesis and to answer a child's eternal question "Why?" with the only answer there is - "Because God loves you." It is for the child in all of us that seeks that same answer.

From The Fruits Of The HarvestI realized on the feast of Corpus Christi, when, by chance, I was going to mass at Corpus Christi church on Cape Cod that I had no song for this feast. This is basically a good song for the preparation or for during communion. It's also good for the autumn and Thanksgiving.

God Of AllWhen I stop and think that this is, after all, the God of the entire universe I'm talking to when I pray it seems awesome beyond comprehension. I don't mean it's awesome that I can pray to the God of the universe, but that I can be heard. Thus the song.

Grace Will Flow Like A River This was written in a style reminiscent of an old country gospel hymn. Inspiration for the lyrics comes from the beatitudes. I wrote it for Lent, this year, but it can be used during Ordinary Time as well. It should be done quietly, but not too slowly.

In Memory of Mother Teresa-click on the icon to go to a page with links

In Jesus' Name I wrote this song the week after Mother Teresa died. It is in her honor and in honor of the work she did. There is nothing more to say.

I Will Love The Lord The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart and with all your strength and the second is to love your neighbor. To love your neighbor means to work for peace.

The Lord of Love I wrote this song for my wedding.

Lord Of Our HeartsThis is a song about family. We are all one family in God. Jesus asks us to remember that even the least members of our family still deserve our love.

My Shepherd Almost no liturgical songwriter can resist trying to use Psalm 23. It is the most well known of the psalms with good reason. It's gentleness and simplicity have appealed to people down through the ages. Jesus restates that assurance when He calls Himself the Good Shepherd.

O God, Immortal One Using Luke 12:22-34 as the starting point, this hymn describes our dependence on God for all that is necessary and our faith that God will provide it for all times. It is like a lullaby in its simplicity of rhythm and gentle assurance of a caring God.

On Higher Ground In Matthew 7, Jesus says that those who listen to His words and act on them are like a person who builds a house on a rock. Though they may be buffeted they can stand firm.

On Morning's Bright Wings This song uses the same psalm (psalm 139) as Dan Schutte's popular hymn, "You Are Near" (and one of my favorite songs as well). It expresses our reliance on God and God's presence, ever near us, no matter where we go or what we do. I also like to think of it as a hymn for sailors.

Prayer for the JourneyThis is a blessing for travelers, whether on a physical or spiritual journey. It can be used with RCIA or baptisms. It is similar to the priestly blessing God gave to Moses for Aaron in Numbers 6:24-26.

Prayer of St. Francis This song is in honor of Sr. Dorthy Marie Thomas, a Franciscan nun, musician and teacher.
Sing A Joyful Song (Ps. 100) This is the theme song for the website. The melody is loosely adapted from an Irish tune "Si Bheag, Si Mhor" by the legendary 17th century blind Irish harpist Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738). This is my favorite O'Carolan tune and my favorite psalm put together. I recommend guitar and flute for acompaniment(or an Irish harp if you've got one!). The midi accompaniment is not for piano in this case.

To Ev'rything This song is taken from the section of Ecclesiates used by Pete Seeger to write "Turn, Turn, Turn." It is Eccl 3:1-8. The melody is another Turlough O'Carolan tune, "Planxty Irwin."

Welcome God InThis one's meant to be a foot stomper. Don't hold back. It's adapted from Mark 5:13-16 which basically says not to hold back on proclaiming the good news. I've taken that literally with the tempo, which is kind of bluegrass and the phrasing which is kind of country. The kingdom of God is at hand! Proclaim it in song.

Where You GoIn the book of Ruth, Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law releases her from her obligation to stay and care for her. In frienship and love Ruth responds. This song is that response. It is for family and friends of all types. The passage is often used at weddings but has an even broader meaning. It is the ideal of devotion.

Who Calls You By NameThe refrain for this song, which works for both Lent and Ordinary time, comes from Isaiah 45:3. This is the call of a personal God, who knows us by name; who created us and has watched over us. It is a call to freedom and rejoicing. It is about the bond God establishes with us and how God works for us and calls to us to share in the treasure of salvation. The verses are from Isaiah 49, but the same sentiment is echoed in the later verses of Isaiah 45.

With Eyes Of Faith During the Last Supper in John's gospel, Jesus gives the apostles His promise to remain with them and to work through them. He encourages them to keep faith through the trials that lie ahead. This song, taken from part of that - John 14:1-14 - is a song of faith in times of trial. It would be appropriate during Ordinary time, but was written for Lent and Holy Thursday.

The Work of the Lord The inspiration for this song was a wonderful autumn day and Gerard Manley Hopkin's poem, 'The Grandeur of God.' I think it will make a good Thanksgiving song. It should also go with any of the Creation readings from Genesis. There's also a flute part that accompanies the midi arrangement.

SONGS FOR OTHER SEASONS