Simonetta to present theatrical
presentation on Seven Last Words
CHICAGO, March 16, 20009 (CatholicMusicNetwork.com) –
Catholic artist Simonetta will be serving as the
artistic director for a theatrical performance on the
Seven Last Words of Christ, presented by the Little
Flowers Catholic Dance and Theatre Troupe.
The moving performance based on Christ’s last words from
the Cross is a classical musical work with a 50-voice
choir, a professional orchestra and vocal soloists, and
a live theatrical passion play.
The performance will take place at three different
parishes in Illinois: March 28th at 7:30pm at St.
Michael’s Catholic Church in Wheaton, April 4 at 1:30pm
at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Chicago, April 7 at
7:15pm at St .Jude Catholic Church New Lenox.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and can
be purchased by calling (815)-462-3809 or online at
http://tickets.saintphilomena.com
Brooklyn Hispanic youth ministry
to launch new television program
BROOKLYN, February 24, 2009 (CatholicMusicNetwork.com) –
The youth ministry organization Jóvenes de Valor in
Brooklyn, New York, announce its popular radio program
“Too Blessed to be Stressed” will now have a television
version which will be broadcast online by Net TV, the
online television webcast of the Diocese of Brooklyn and
Queens, and on local cable networks in New York.
According to David Bisono, director of Jóvenes de Valor,
the new program will follow a similar format to the
radio show and will feature music, interviews and
intense evangelization geared towards young people.
“Too Blessed to be Stressed” will debut on March 8, at
7pm ET. It can be seen online at http://netny.net/watch-now,
on Time Warner Cable channel 97 in all of New York
except the Bronx and on Cablevision channel 30 in
Brooklyn.
Michael John Poirier to present
evening of songs, prayers and real-life stories in
Wisconsin
EDMOND, February 19, 2009 (CatholicMusicNetwork.com)
–Holy Family Catholic Church in Fond du Loc, Wisconsin
has announced that Catholic recording artist and lay
evangelist Michael John Poirier will be in Fond du Lac
on March 30, 2009, for an evening of music and
storytelling that the whole family can enjoy. Poirier,
an inspired and gifted singer/songwriter with thirteen
CD’s to his credit, says these evenings are “filled with
peace, healing, humor, reflection and a renewal beyond
words.” “I say this,” Mr. Poirier states emphatically,
“not because I am good at what I do; I say it because
God is so good at what HE does!”
Michael John Poirier uses music and storytelling to set
an atmosphere where it is easy to imagine God telling us
how much He cherishes us. “I will sing a little,” he
says, “tell some real life stories and even add a story
especially for the children. The evening will flow into
a time of adoration that children, older folks,
Catholics and Protestants have enjoyed all at the same
time.” Mr. Poirier’s events have a spontaneous air and
are notable for the intimacy he establishes with the
audience. “It is an opportunity,” he says, “to remember
that God has never stopped calling us.”
Michael and his wife Mary travel full-time with their
three children, living in an RV and homeschooling along
the way. The family is beginning its third year on the
road and – through the prayers and encouragement of
others – feels called to continue indefinitely. Mary
Poirier often joins her husband during presentations on
forgiveness, sharing from personal experience the
miracles that enter one’s life when you open yourself to
mercy. Together, they encourage all whom they meet to
respond to the ‘still, small voice’ that draws us closer
to God through a continual conversion of heart.
The music, storytelling and adoration event at Holy
Family Catholic Church is a time for young and old;
singles, couples and families: an evening of song and
stories for the soul. The evening begins at 7pm on
Monday, March 30 in the main sanctuary, located at 271
Fourth Street Way in Fond du Lac. A free will offering
will be taken in lieu of admission. For more
information, contact the Parish Office at (920)
921-0580.
Sarah Hart to begin series of
concerts in southern California
LOS ANGELES, February 17, 2009 (CatholicMusicNetwork.com).
According to The Tidings newspaper of the Archdiocese of
Los Angeles, Catholic artist Sarah Hart will begin a
series of concerts in southern California at the end of
February, with a concert in St. Rita Church in Sierra
Madre that was organized after an experience of personal
healing in the family of the parish music director.
The Hart concert scheduled for February 27--- the first
of a weekend series of Southern California appearances
--- is the result of a drive led by St. Rita music
director Steve Gunther to bring Hart's music to the
community he has served for more than 20 years. Response
has been so overwhelming that the concert has been
totally funded by donations.
"This is the first time we have done this," Gunther
says, "and I am grateful for the outpouring of financial
support that is making it a reality."
The desire to bring Hart to Sierra Madre began in the
summer of 2005, when Gunther's wife Jennifer was
diagnosed with colon cancer. Gunther had been reviewing
new music for the parish choir and came across Hart's
collections.
"Because so many contemporary composers of Catholic
liturgical music are men," Gunther explains, "I was
particularly interested in the gifts that are now being
contributed by women. I was struck by Hart's piece,
'Beautiful Mother' and wanted the choir to sing it for
Christmas."
As he usually did when finding new music for parish
music ministry, he ordered a couple of albums - this
time Hart's - and copies of the music for the choir.
But when Jennifer heard Hart's music after undergoing
surgery and beginning chemotherapy and radiation
treatments, something more happened.
"Jenny fell in love with Hart's voice and music, and the
albums had a tremendous impact on her, providing her
great comfort and encouragement," Gunther says. He
believes Sarah Hart's gift of music was quite
instrumental in his wife's healing process. "God really
worked through Sarah and her music, bringing Jenny and I
both strength and support."
So when Gunther learned that Hart would be appearing at
the Religious Education Congress' "Spirit and Song"
session in Anaheim this year, he set out to bring her to
St. Rita while she was in Southern California for the
weekend. Enthusiastic about sharing Hart's music with a
larger audience, he is grateful for the support he found
from both the pastor, Father Richard Krekelberg, and the
St. Rita community for the event.
Gunther believes people of all ages will find Hart's
music both uplifting and inspiring, and he encourages
everyone to attend the concert. "Music rooted in prayer
is powerful," he says. "It is one of the ways God
touches our lives and souls."
Seating for the 7:30 p.m. concert is free and on a first
come, first served basis (freewill offerings will be
accepted). St. Rita is located at 50 E. Alegria Ave. (at
Grandview north of Baldwin Ave.) in Sierra Madre. For
information, call (626) 355-1292.
Sarah Hart also will appear February 28 at the Religious
Education Congress in Anaheim, and in concert March 1,
7:30 p.m. at American Martyrs Church, Manhattan Beach.
Archbishop of Guam’s love of music
resonates through his jubilee
GUAM – February 19, 2009 (CatholicMusicNetwork.com) -
Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron of Guam is preparing to
celebrate the 25th anniversary of his Episcopal
ordination later this week, a feat that may have not
come to pass because of Elvis Presley.
According to a story in the Pacific Sunday News,
Archbishop Apuron, a lifelong lover of music, says he
almost was kicked out of the Maryknoll Seminary when he
was in his early- to mid-20s for playing an LP of the
King's "Only Fools Rush In."
"One of my classmates, Bill Payne, he's an avid golfer
and my age, so one day he passed this record -- it was a
45 rpm, in those days we didn't have these modern CDs
and DVDs -- and we played it on a phonograph type
thing," the 63-year-old says.
Archbishop Apuron says Payne gave him the record during
class one day, so he decided to wait until after dinner
during seminarians’ recreation time to play it.
"Well, the late Father Antonin, who was the prefect of
study at that time in charge of the seminary, heard that
from afar and came running and said, 'Who's playing that
song?’ I said 'I did.' 'Who's record is this?' I said,
'It's mine,'" the archbishop recalled with a smile.
"And then he turns to me and says, 'You know I can kick
you out of the seminary.' So I say to myself, 'Oh no,
this is exactly what my mother wants' because she never
wanted me to be a priest, she wanted me to come home to
be a medical doctor. But I can't stand the sight of
blood."
At the time, seminarians only were allowed to play the
classic "War of 1812." Although Father Antonin smashed
the record to pieces, Apuron's love of music never
waivered.
"When that's all you can play you get so bored, but in
the place of silence, it's the next best thing," he
says.
Music is part of the archbishop's heritage, and his
family has long been known on island for its musical
talents. He says he began learning to sing from his
older sister and remembers the first song he learned:
"Tammy."
While Apuron loves his traditional Catholic songs, such
as Ave Maria, what may surprise some is his knowledge of
rock music.
"I love the Beatles, Elvis Presley, then I got to like
Simon & Garfunkel, The Carpenters, ... I tend to be more
soft rock,” he said. "I've never really delved into hard
rock and acid rock because that was the generation after
me. I tend to be more traditional in my music. My latest
star right now is Josh Groban. I like people who can
sing well, nice voices. That's really my passion."
"Music is really a language of the heart and if that can
be used to touch the hearts of people then why not?"
Apuron says.
"We need to try to make the faith a little bit more
appealing, with music and song, something that will keep
up with modern times -- so to speak."
In fact Apuron says he hopes to be remembered not only
as the island's longest actively serving archbishop --
and only its second local bishop behind Archbishop
Flores -- but he also hopes to be remembered for his
music.
The archbishop has released three albums, two of which
are collections of Christmas carols that he has
translated into Chamorro and sings in both Guam's native
tongue and English.
"Hopefully, if I pass in this world that's maybe
something of what I've left behind that will be used and
that I will be remembered by," he says.
Gregorian chant gains momentum in
Anchorage
Anchorage, Feb 7, 2009 (CNA) - On a recent Friday
afternoon, amid the bustle of midtown Anchorage traffic,
the sounds of Old World liturgical chant — deep
baritones mixing with high alto voices — floated from a
tiny chapel.
The dozen or so singers who attended the practice
session last month come from all walks of life. They are
part of a growing chorus of voices in Alaska and across
the world who are drawn to the ancient Gregorian chant.
“This music makes me think of the angels and how they
sing,”18-year old Patrick Klump mused during a recent
choir practice. “I love to sing, and with this I get to
give glory to God at the same time,” Klump told the
Anchor.
Fellow choir member Tim Main agreed.
“These hymns speak to me about faith,” Main said.
“Sometimes it speaks simply, and sometimes profoundly,
but either way it is an excellent way for me to pray.”
The group sings every Friday afternoon at Holy Rosary
Academy, a K-12 Catholic school that operates
independently of the Anchorage Archdiocese school system
with permission from Archbishop Roger Schwietz.
Each practice session concludes with the chanting of
Vespers. The group also sings for the Dominican rite
Latin Mass at Holy Family Cathedral on the first
Saturday of each month and occasionally for Masses at
Blessed Sacrament Monastery in South Anchorage.
Encountering tradition
The newly formed choir is the realized dream of several
local Catholics who sought for years to establish a
Gregorian chant choir.
Originally a small group of staff and students from Holy
Rosary Academy, the choir has since grown to include
Catholics from a number of parishes in Anchorage.
The chanters got their opportunity to sing and perform
publicly this past fall at the first annual Alaska
Catholic Family Conference in Anchorage.
“From there, that’s where we decided that we wanted to
get more active,” Mains said. “It got our feet on the
ground and got us started.”
Choir member Angela Heaphy, a parishioner at St. Patrick
Church, said she joined the group not only because of
the singing, but also because it provides an opportunity
to learn more about the rich traditions of the Catholic
Church.
“It’s great to learn about the history of the church’s
music,” she said. “I love the spiritual dimension and
the camaraderie of praying in community.”
Preserving the sacred
According to Dr. Stan Grove, a choir member and teacher
at Holy Rosary Academy, the roots behind Gregorian chant
reach far into history, even before Christ’s birth.
“It’s believed that its organic development came from
synagogue chant,” he explained. “People of the Jewish
faith would gather and sing the psalms in prayer.”
He added that many church historians believe the first
Christian community most likely sang a form of this
synagogue prayer.
Gregorian chant rose to prominence in the Catholic
Church during the early Middle Ages, around the 6th and
7th centuries and has since reverberated from the inside
of monastery and cathedral walls across the world.
Tradition holds that St. Gregory the Great compiled many
of the chants that are a part of the Mass today.
Although chant has always had official support from the
church, its usage waned in the years following Vatican
II (1962-65), when the Roman rite Catholic Mass was
opened up to non-Latin languages.
Growing chorus
More recently, there are signs that chant is finding its
place again. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI allowed for
wider celebration of the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass,
which has created a natural setting for Gregorian chant
choirs to flourish.
In Anchorage, the introduction of the Dominican rite
Latin Mass has also provided a liturgical context for
the new Gregorian chanters.
Grove speaks about the importance of preserving this
sacred music and points to church teaching on the
matter, including writings from Cardinal Joseph
Ratzinger, before he became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.
“I would be in favor of a new openness toward the use of
Latin,” wrote Cardinal Ratzinger in his book “God and
the World,” which was published in 2002.
Cardinal Ratzinger continued: “If even in the great
liturgical celebrations in Rome, no one can sing the
Kyrie or the Sanctus any more, no one knows what Gloria
means, then a cultural loss has become a loss of what we
share in common.”
As pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI has continued to encourage
a renewal of sacred music throughout the world.
It is a cause that U.S. bishops also addressed in a
document called “Sing to the Lord.” The document states
that Gregorian chant “should be given pride of place in
liturgical services.”
The Anchorage chanters believe their choir is one avenue
for local Catholics to realize the universal church’s
desire to rekindle Gregorian chant.
For Heaphy, chanting has benefits that extend far beyond
the choir loft. “It’s great to have the music of the
church stuck in my head,” she said. “Often times I find
myself humming at home in the kitchen. I get far more
out of it than I can contribute.”
Printed with permission from the Catholic Anchor,
newspaper from the Diocese of Anchorage, Alaska.
Norbertine Fathers prepare to
release new chant CD
LOS ANGELES, January 30, 2009 (CatholicMusicNetwork.com)
– According to the California Catholic Daily, the
Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado,
California, are ready to launch their second CD of chant
and polyphony, following up on their successful first
album, “Christmas at St. Michael’s Abbey.”
The eclectic selection on the new album "Anthology:
Chants and Polyphony from St. Michael’s Abbey," produced
by Jade Music, is a cross-section of music sung at the
Abbey that includes chants from the liturgy as well as
motets and music from the Renaissance era. The latter is
sung on more solemn occasions like Easter, Pentecost,
Christmas and the other great feasts of the liturgical
year. It is a testimony of the vigor and subtle beauty
of Gregorian chant as sung today in the United States.
Singing at St. Michael’s Abbey is nothing new. Learning
sacred chant starts in the seminary and becomes part of
the Norbertines’ daily life. Father Jerome Molokie of
St. Michael’s explains, “For the first two years after
they enter, there is a daily chant class five days a
week for about 45 minutes.”
After all these centuries, the chants are still in use
and retain their sacramental quality, their supple
vigor, and the ability to dispose the soul for the
contemplation of God and His Mysteries.
On February 10, the Abbey will celebrate the
international release of the album with a concert in the
Abbey church and a reception to follow.
St. Michael’s Abbey is a community of Norbertine Canons
Regular in Orange County. The community was raised to
the status of an abbey in 1984 because of its growth.
St. Michael’s Abbey now numbers nearly 70 members.
Members of the Abbey live a life that combines monastic
observance and a complete singing of the choral office
and Mass every day with an active apostolate. The
Abbey’s principal apostolate is its preparatory school,
a boys’ boarding school (9-12). The priests are also
involved in parish work, retreats and writing and
translation of spiritual books.
All royalties received by St. Michael’s Abbey from the
sale of the album are donated to St. Michael’s Abbey
Expansion Project. Having discovered that the Abbey and
its other buildings on site are situated on
geographically unstable ground, the community of
Norbertines must relocate. This is a major fund-raising
project, as the construction of a new abbey, preparatory
school, and housing facilities is currently under way.
Salesians post short rap tune on
YouTube
ROME, January 30, 2009 (CatholicMusicNetwork.com) – The
Salesian News Agency announced this week a new video
clip celebrating the religious community founded by St.
John Bosco has been posted on YouTube.
“Siamo Salesiani” (We’re Salesians) is the title of an
amusing musical video which was posted this week on
YouTube, the well-known video site on the internet.
The video features one of the songs from the musical
“Andiamo ragazzi”, performed during the Spirituality
Days of the Salesian Family last week in Rome.
The musical, produced by Agrò Nicolò and Sr. Paola
Pignatelli and performed by lay people and religious
from the Salesian Family in Piedmont and the Val
d’Aosta, was enthusiastically received by those in
attendance at the Spirituality Days of the Salesian
Family and by the Rector Major, Fr. Pascual Chávez
himself, who adopted the rap “Siamo Salesiani” as the
“leitmotiv” of the day.
The rap, recalling the meeting which took place in Don
Bosco’s room on December 18, 1859, launches the
Congregation and the Salesian Family into the future:
“We’re Salesians; we’re Sons of a dream at 9 years of
age; we’re celebrating 150 years; seed of the
fruitfulness of an ageless youth charism,” the song
says.
The clip marks the opening of the ANSchannel, a video
channel of the Salesian Info Agency on YouTube. The
agency said Salesians around the world are invited to
send in amateur video clips in a lively and youthful
style which tell the story and illustrate what will be
taking place as part of the celebrations of the 150th
anniversary of the founding of the Salesian
Congregation.
Click here to see the video.
Liam Neeson records the Way of the Cross to benefit
Redemptorist missions
Denver, Jan 26, 2009 / 07:43 am (CNA).- Liam Neeson,
known for his role as Oskar Schindler in Steven
Spielberg’s film “Schindler’s List,” is the featured
narrator on a new CD about the Stations of the Cross.
The CD features the 14 Stations and prayers taken from
the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of
the Redemptorists.
Neeson begins the CD by reading the “Introduction,”
written by St. Alphonsus Maria Ligouri, the great 18th
century Italian saint and doctor of the Church. He then
narrates the 14 Stations of the Cross which are taken
from the classic text, “The Way of the Cross according
to the Method of St. Alphonsus Liguori.”
“I had heard about the Redemptorists and their
missionary work in the Amazon rain forest of Brazil and
in the slums of Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria,” Liam Neeson
said in a press release. “I was moved to help because
the Redemptorists are living the Gospel message in some
of the poorest parts of the world, offering hope to
families who have been forgotten or abandoned.”
Praying the Way of the Cross is the third CD produced
for the Redemptorists of the Denver Province by Ray and
Theresa Herrmann, co-founders of Little Lamb Music, a
company dedicated to providing families with
high-quality Catholic music. In 2007 and 2008,
respectively, they produced Praying the Rosary with St.
Alphonsus Maria Liguori and Praying the Seven Sorrows of
Mary with St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori. On the CDs, the
saint’s music is produced, arranged and performed by the
company and other musicians and vocalists from some of
the world’s finest orchestras and choral groups.
Ray Herrmann is a Grammy-award winning musician and one
of the world’s finest session players and
instrumentalists. He has spent the last 20 years playing
with and arranging music for some of the biggest names
in American music: Diana Ross, Chicago, Bob Dylan,
Santana, LeeAnn Rimes, Stevie Wonder, George Benson and
Herbie Hancock. Ray is also in the house band on the hit
television show, American Idol.
On hearing Liam in the studio, Ray Herrmann said, “I was
deeply moved by Liam’s reading of the words of St.
Alphonsus. It was so beautifully done. And I knew then I
was part of something very special: a production that
celebrates Good Friday with the voice of one of the
world’s greatest actors with the sacred hymns and
prayers of this great saint of the Church.”
Proceeds from the sale of the CDs will support the work
of the Redemptorist missions in Brazil and Nigeria.
More information is available at www.littlelambmusic.com
New album by Spanish artist
Santiago Fernandez setting new standards
DETROIT, January 26, 2009 (CatholicMusicNetwork.com) -
Santiago Fernandez's second album is lighting up the
world of contemporary Catholic music. Released on the
spiritandsong.com label,
Un Canto Nuevo (A New Song) combines Latin
rhythms and Spanish lyrics.
"As always, my inspiration continues to be writing music
for the worshiping assembly, " says Fernandez, who has
three Unity Awards and one World Youth Day on his resume
already. "My songs are for God and the Church and my
biggest joy and reward is to hear the people of God
singing them."
According to the website Jazznews, of the 12 original
songs, seven have Scripture-based texts. Intended for
use by assemblies and contemporary ensembles, the songs
feature accessible, singable melodies and refrains.
Prominent themes include evangelization, thanksgiving,
trust and comfort, Christian life and hope.
International in flavor, the album includes a number of
well-known Latin rhythms: the complex, Flamenco-style
rhumba, Colombia's famous cumbia, the Cuban bolero, and
the lively and joyful merengue, with origins in the
Dominican Republic.
There is great variety in the collection, from
contemporary Psalm settings to ritual music for
funerals, from great songs for youth ministry to
energetic Gospel acclamation. Santiago's versatility is
on full display throughout the CD.
Un Canto Nuevo promises to bless and delight
anyone who worships with contemporary Spanish music.
Seminarians in Spain launch
new CD of Catholic music
Madrid, Jan 15, 2009 / 10:50 pm (CNA).- The choir at the
Minor Seminary of San Pelagio in Cordoba, Spain, has
produced a new CD entitled, “Ofrece tu vida. Canciones
para la catequesis” (Offer Your Life. Songs for
Catechesis), which is intended to be “an instrument of
evangelization for parishes, catechists, youth groups
and children.”
The twelve-song CD was recorded by 33 young men aged
12-18 who make up the choir. Seminary officials said
during the ceremony launching the new CD that the
seminarians felt able to convey their joy “of feeling
called by the Lord to be priests.”
The CD was produced will few resources but with much
enthusiasm and generosity from supporters, they added.
The CD is intended to help bring people closer to Christ
and to raise funds for the seminary.
LISTENERS "CAPTURED" BY NEW TOM BOOTH CD
PORTLAND, OR (NOVEMBER 13, 2008) - The long-awaited new
album from acclaimed contemporary Catholic musician Tom
Booth has arrived. Captured features an entirely new,
more organic sound, hearkening back to his early
work—epic ballads like "I Will Choose Christ," "Here I
Am" and "Fragrance Prayer." Winner of two Unity Awards,
including 2005 Male Vocalist of the Year, Booth is an
established and respected musical force.
"I spent four years writing for this record," says
Booth. "These songs are the result of my own prayer and
the prayer of my co-lyricists who provided me with some
very inspirational lyrics. My co-producer, Jeff Thomas,
did some very special work on the recording and mix that
helped to create an offering that, in my mind, exceeds
my previous efforts."
For his new album, Booth added a Martin acoustic to his
electric guitar and amps. A chamber orchestra squeezed
in beside his rock band. The result is a more driving,
organic, intimate collection. These 12 tracks guide
listeners to a place of both praise and deep prayer.
Drawing from Scripture, saints and mystics—Thomas
Merton, Charles de Foucauld and Teresa of Avila among
them—the lyrics have startling theological depth.
Contemplative, candid and serious, they challenge us to
give Christ exclusive allegiance in our lives.
Some tracks feature lush orchestral arrangements by
Grammy-nominated Nashville legend Don Hart. They serve
as great frames for these devotional texts. Players
include Dave Cleveland, former guitarist for Steven
Curtis Chapman, and Carl Herrgesell, a former
collaborator with Elton John, on Hammond organ and
keyboards.
Booth's versatility is on full display as he moves
nimbly from string-based ballads to rock anthems to a
folk-style cover. There's even a psychedelic rock
meditation on Psalm 23. This is a collection of songs
that truly demonstrates an artist in full command of his
craft.
"I hope that the prayer and effort of Captured can be a
blessing to the listener and to those music ministers
who may choose to use the songs in divine worship," says
Booth.
NEW CD FROM AMANDA VERNON
By Juanita Westaby
The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- She has been writing and performing her
own songs since she was 11, but Amanda Vernon says she
took the time to be a kid.
"My dad always emphasized the importance of patience and
enjoying my childhood," said Vernon, 20.
That incubation over the years should serve her well,
now that she's on the verge of becoming a Catholic
Christian music star.
She has had one appearance on Eternal
Word Television Network, along with several radio
appearances, and was chosen to perform at World Youth
Day in Sydney, Australia, in July.
She made the decision to forgo college while she gave
regional concerts, wrote music and had voice lessons
with local performer Edye Evans Hyde.
"Growing up, I had a love of music and a love of my
church and my faith life," Vernon said. "For me, music
has always gone hand in hand with my faith."
At a recent benefit concert at St. Anthony of Padua
Catholic Church, schoolgirls jumped up and down as if
Vernon were Miley Cyrus -- only better.
"We really appreciate her love of the Lord, and she's a
wonderful example of modesty and love of Christ and
that's a beautiful example for my daughters, and all
young girls," said Pam Strobels, of Cascade Township,
who brought daughters Nicole, 12, and Teresa, 10.
The oldest of Dean and Lori Vernon's seven children,
Amanda said she doesn't mind being a role model.
"I do need to be very careful because there is a lot of
responsibility that comes with being a role model," she
said.
Standing before her keyboard in a pencil skirt and
blouse, Vernon shared how her parents gave her a promise
ring at her confirmation. She wrote a song, "With This
Ring," about that moment.
"I'm waiting for the one that God has saved for me," she
sang.
Vernon sings about a lot of topics close to teens'
hearts -- when things don't go right, the temptation to
rebel against God's plans.
In "Feel Him," a rap song she wrote when she was 15, she
had three audience members perform it with her. Andrew
Martin, fifth-grader at St. Patrick's School, won the
"best rapper" title.
But competitor Abbie Booker, 10, of Kentwood, came away
feeling like a winner that night.
"She's amazing," Abbie said after the concert. "I
thought it would just be Christian music, but it was so
much more."
Her new CD, Living His Story, is
available from CatholicMusicNetwork.com
Noelle
Garcia–Living Her Faith, Sharing Her Music With Debut CD
FRANKLIN PARK, IL (November 2, 2007) ― Pairing
youth/young adult ministry with music, newly signed WLP
artist Noelle Garcia has just released her first
recording “Meet Me Where I Am.” This debut CD is a blend
of Norah Jones-like piano-driven rock, jazz, pop, and
folk undertones that communicates a personal testimony
of hope for all: to not let imperfections hold you back,
but rather learn, let go, and fully follow Christ as a
participating member of His church.
“I really feel that the title, Meet Me Where I Am, has
been a theme in my spiritual life,” says Noelle. “No
matter where I am in my relationship with God – no
matter how far away or how close I am, He meets me right
where I am. He’s not some distant God waiting around for
me to get my act together and come to Him.”
According to her mother (and now booking agent) Laurie
Garcia, Noelle’s lifelong spiritual journey has included
active participation in her parish. Noelle has given
chastity talks, worked as the liturgical director for
the Sunday masses while in college at Christian Brothers
University, and continued to lead the band "Savio" which
played retreats, parish festivals, the National Diabetes
Walk in Memphis, and anywhere else they were asked to
play. Noelle currently works full-time at St. Patrick
Church in Portland, MI, where she serves as Youth
Ministry Coordinator.
Must hear tracks include: “Quicksand Ground,” “Meet Me
Where I Am,” “We Receive You,” and “Let Go,” along with
track 2–“My Child” which especially ministers to youth
struggling with depression, self-mutilation, and
suicidal thoughts. It sensitively delivers a message of
heartfelt compassion through God’s words, “I love you.”
In addition, the album features guest artist John
Angotti on the track “Crucified,” a rock musical-styled
reflection on the passion of Christ, through the eyes of
Jesus as he walked the path to Calvary, and through
Mary’s eyes as she watched her Son die. All but one
cover song, “Go Light Your World” by Chris Rice, are
originally written and composed by Garcia.
Noelle has co-written two songs: “We Will Be the Light”
and “Light of the World,” with John Angotti that have
been recorded on his albums. They are published by World
Library Publications. Angotti mentored Noelle as a youth
in her parish, St. Anne, in Memphis, TN, while he was
serving as music director. “From the first time I met
her, I saw her as a unique gift from God. Her lyrics and
music are soulfully inspirational,” says Angotti. He not
only sees her musical talent, but her deep spirituality,
especially reflected in this debut recording.