http://lizinstpete.blogspot.com/2008/03/hymn-6.html
Hymn #6
Here I am, Lord
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?
Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
Finest bread I will provide,
'Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
To listen to the melody, go here.
Words and Music by Daniel L Schutte© 1981
Genesis 46:2"And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night,and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I."
I had this hymn written in my prayer journal from sophomore year of college after a missions-oriented Intervarsity meeting. I like the words and call-and-response style of the song. But when I was meditating on it, I also had the conviction that when serving in another country, it's easy to place oneself in the role of Saviour. It's important to note that in the song (and in life), the Lord is the one who saves, sends, makes, breaks, provides, heals. We are the ones who respond and go, but all we can really do is open our hearts and wait for Him to move through us.
Posted by Elizabeth at 16:05
Labels: Hymns, Missions
3 comments:
rachel said...
Yes...amen, sis. :)
March 12, 2008 3:01 PM
Annie said...
I love this song. We played it at my son's first communion and I always think of it as "his" song. He always liked the story (of Samuel) which inspired it.
March 12, 2008 4:59 PM
Elizabeth said...
Hi, Rachel! :)
March 14, 2008 5:27 PM
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Elizabeth
I’m a Christian 20-something living in St.Petersburg and trying to daily seek God’s will for my life. For we are Christ's ambassadors...
View my complete profile
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Holy Darkness by Dan Schutte, inspired by St. John of the Cross
Another Perspective
Holy darkness, blessed night
Heaven's answer hidden from our sight
As we await you, o God of silence
We embrace your holy night
~ Holy Darkness by Dan Schutte, inspired by St. John of the Cross ~
I found this song in the Breaking Bread a few months ago. The title, Holy Darkness, was noteworthy for me. So I decided to take a look at the song and sang it.
... marvelous.
Dan Schutte's works are always of superb and ear-friendly tune. Take a glance at Here I Am Lord, City of God, or Though the Mountains May Fall, and listen to them. They are beautiful works of a composer. Aside from the tonal works, what made me compelled to reflect was primarily the lyrics of Holy Darkness.
Darkness.
Everyone seemed to think of it as a negative word. True, as for me, I don't like darkness as well, since darkness can and will discomfort me very badly. People frequently associate darkness with something bad, evil, horrible, you name it.
This song pierces through our cognizance about darkness. It's simply an exact opposite from what we have in mind.
Just reading the refrain makes me reflect...
He's there to comfort us whenever we are sad.
He's there to lift us whenever we are depressed.
He's there to be our hope whenever we are desperate.
He's there to die on the cross for our sins.
Basically, He's always there in our hours of darkness. So, why should we fear and feel discomforted by darkness? Maybe because in darkness we don't know where to go. Our senses don't work as they're supposed to. We lose direction. But that doesn't mean we lose our faith!
Let me jump to the song's fourth verse.
In your deepest hour of darkness
I will give you wealth untold
When the silence stills your spirit
Will my riches fill your soul
This particular verse brings to us yet another reason why we shouldn't think of darkness as an unpleasant issue. It strongly implies that He does not leave us even in its totality.
We often think whenever we are in darkness, He forsakes us and is unwilling to help.
And now I know that it's wrong...
As we struggle in darkness, He struggles to help us...
And tries to comfort us in its silence.
Just remember that He made darkness to protect us from daily anxieties, so that we may rest relaxedly. It's not meant to have us be frightened or freaked out.
So, Loving God, we thank you for your holy darkness.
God bless you all ^_^
Holy darkness, blessed night
Heaven's answer hidden from our sight
As we await you, o God of silence
We embrace your holy night
~ Holy Darkness by Dan Schutte, inspired by St. John of the Cross ~
I found this song in the Breaking Bread a few months ago. The title, Holy Darkness, was noteworthy for me. So I decided to take a look at the song and sang it.
... marvelous.
Dan Schutte's works are always of superb and ear-friendly tune. Take a glance at Here I Am Lord, City of God, or Though the Mountains May Fall, and listen to them. They are beautiful works of a composer. Aside from the tonal works, what made me compelled to reflect was primarily the lyrics of Holy Darkness.
Darkness.
Everyone seemed to think of it as a negative word. True, as for me, I don't like darkness as well, since darkness can and will discomfort me very badly. People frequently associate darkness with something bad, evil, horrible, you name it.
This song pierces through our cognizance about darkness. It's simply an exact opposite from what we have in mind.
Just reading the refrain makes me reflect...
He's there to comfort us whenever we are sad.
He's there to lift us whenever we are depressed.
He's there to be our hope whenever we are desperate.
He's there to die on the cross for our sins.
Basically, He's always there in our hours of darkness. So, why should we fear and feel discomforted by darkness? Maybe because in darkness we don't know where to go. Our senses don't work as they're supposed to. We lose direction. But that doesn't mean we lose our faith!
Let me jump to the song's fourth verse.
In your deepest hour of darkness
I will give you wealth untold
When the silence stills your spirit
Will my riches fill your soul
This particular verse brings to us yet another reason why we shouldn't think of darkness as an unpleasant issue. It strongly implies that He does not leave us even in its totality.
We often think whenever we are in darkness, He forsakes us and is unwilling to help.
And now I know that it's wrong...
As we struggle in darkness, He struggles to help us...
And tries to comfort us in its silence.
Just remember that He made darkness to protect us from daily anxieties, so that we may rest relaxedly. It's not meant to have us be frightened or freaked out.
So, Loving God, we thank you for your holy darkness.
God bless you all ^_^
Monday, March 24, 2008
Ask Dan Schutte of the St. Louis Jesuits a question on the GrapeVine News Minute Podcast!
http://catholic-mates.blogspot.com/2008/02/ask-dan-schutte-of-st-louis-jesuits.html
I am very pleased to announce that I will be interviewing Dan Schutte of the St. Louis Jesuits for the March 9 GrapeVine News Minute podcast. We will be talking about his new album, God's Holy Gifts. Because so many of us have played Dan's music and the music of the SLJs in our parishes for so many years, I thought it would be fun to let YOU ask some questions of our guest!
The preferred method of asking questions is to call the hotline at 206-600-6940. You may ask ONE question and please keep it brief. Youl could also record your own MP3 file with a question. Please ID yourself by name and where you come from.
Emails will be accepted - again, brief, ONE question. Send your question to susan@gvonline.net. Again, please ID yourself by name and where you come from. But I would greatly prefer that you use the hotline or send an mp3 file as it makes the podcast so much more interactive and interesting.
All questions are due SATURDAY, MARCH 2ND. I have to let Dan know ahead of time what the questions are.
Get your questions in to me right away!
Thanks, Susan
http://soundclick.com/grapevinemagazine
I am very pleased to announce that I will be interviewing Dan Schutte of the St. Louis Jesuits for the March 9 GrapeVine News Minute podcast. We will be talking about his new album, God's Holy Gifts. Because so many of us have played Dan's music and the music of the SLJs in our parishes for so many years, I thought it would be fun to let YOU ask some questions of our guest!
The preferred method of asking questions is to call the hotline at 206-600-6940. You may ask ONE question and please keep it brief. Youl could also record your own MP3 file with a question. Please ID yourself by name and where you come from.
Emails will be accepted - again, brief, ONE question. Send your question to susan@gvonline.net. Again, please ID yourself by name and where you come from. But I would greatly prefer that you use the hotline or send an mp3 file as it makes the podcast so much more interactive and interesting.
All questions are due SATURDAY, MARCH 2ND. I have to let Dan know ahead of time what the questions are.
Get your questions in to me right away!
Thanks, Susan
http://soundclick.com/grapevinemagazine
Here I Am, Lord - Dan Schutte
Here I Am (GULP!), Lord
March 13, 2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart
(Words and Music by Dan Schutte, 1981; adapt. by Carlton R. Young, 1988)
A number of years ago my dear friend, Robbie, gave me new insight into the significance of this song. We must have been singing it in a service and I told her how much I liked it. She said something like, “But have you ever thought of the seriousness of the words—about what you’re saying when you sing this song?”
And, therein, lies the beginning of another journey with the Lord…
I had to admit to her–and myself–that, no, I really hadn’t thought much about it. The song is so upbeat and we usually sing it with such enthusiasm that it gives the impression that I’m ready to do anything for the cause of Jesus. “Send me anywhere, Lord! I’ll do anything! I’ll go to Africa (or the popular third-world continent of the month) and be a missionary! I’ll lay my life on the line for You, Lord! I’ll drop everything to serve you!”
But then I begin to sound like Peter—the pre-crucifixion version—ready to walk on water, even get in front of Jesus’ face and stop Him from going to the cross, or run out and cut off someone’s ear. Peter was ready all right—before the arrest actually came and he was recognized by an adolescent girl and challenged as a friend of Christ.
Poor impulsive Peter. Yeah, and poor reluctant me! And perhaps I am not alone in not really considering the cost of volunteering for duty.
The song comes from Isaiah 6, where the prophet says, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 NIV)
The Lord’s call can elicit varied responses from us, but basically they seem to fall into one of two categories. The first one—the one Isaiah gives—might be termed:
“What do you want me to do, Lord?”
To be fair, let’s look at the event that led up to Isaiah’s rush to volunteer—with no details about what he was to do, I might add.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
“And they called to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’
“At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
“’Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among the people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’
“Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’
(Isaiah 6:1-7 NIV)
At this point, Isaiah, steps up front and center and volunteers.
Now, although none of us, probably, are called exactly as the prophet Isaiah, he was just a human being—as are you and I. When I put myself in his place—as little as I can imagine it and feel it–it’s a vast understatement to say that this was quite an impressive scene.
Let’s say that any of us has witnessed such a spectacle. The often-overused word awesome comes to mind. Although the word awesome is used to describe everything from a meal to a movie to a praise and worship song and more, surely no one would argue that it is misused in this regard. In fact, it falls short of describing the effect of being in the presence of, and beholding, Almighty God. Moses could not see the face of God because it would be fatal, but Isaiah apparently does such a thing and, quite naturally, believes he is not long for this world.
Then his lips are made clean by one of the seraphim–the highest order of angels–who serve God.
Then, Almighty God asks the all-important question. I’d like to think that, under these overwhelming conditions that I, too, would raise my hand in the air and wave it wildly like a kid who finally knows the right answer in school, and say, “Me, me! I’ll go!”
But then, I come back to reality and I know: Many times I know as well as I’m sitting here that the Lord is calling me to do something and yet…I…hesitate. Oh, if it falls into the category of calling the equipped, I’ll gladly answer the call. “Yes, Lord, I’ll go.” In fact, these times usually call for me to do something I know entails the use of gifts and talents I know I already have—those that are well within my comfort zone. To be honest, I don’t have to even wait for a call in these situations but often tell Him, “Lord, let me serve here.”
Now, I’m saying this in full recognition that God does give us particular gifts and talents and directs us in their use. And we are expected to use them. He knows us better than we know ourselves and gives us outlets for service which are useful in the Kingdom and—surprise, surprise!—are even pleasurable to us. But doesn’t He equip the called as well? Might we be called to step out in faith and do something that does not seem to fit in with our individual gifts and/or talents?
In those instances—when a challenge is presented in response to my “What do you want me to do, Lord?” my question becomes:
“Lord! You want me to do WHAT?”
Now, Isaiah didn’t flinch when the Lord told him what the task was. Let’s continue Isaiah’s story.
“He said, ‘Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing. But never perceiving.’
Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’” (v9-10)
I would probably have said something like, “Well, then…what’s the point? It looks like a waste of time and energy, as well as being potentially embarrassing—or worse.”
But then, that’s me—not Isaiah.
The remembrance of “Here I Am, Lord”, and the experience with Robbie, came to mind only recently. I’ve been rereading Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. In writing about how God usually responds to our request that He “enlarge my territory”, Bruce says,
“As God’s chosen, blessed sons and daughters, we are expected to attempt something large enough that failure is guaranteed…unless God steps in. Take a minute to prayerfully comprehend how contrary that truth is to everything you would humanly choose: it goes against common sense, it contradicts your previous life experience, it seems to disregard your feelings, trainings, and need for security; it sets you up to look like a fool and a loser. Yet it is God’s plan for His most-honored servants.”
Wilkinson goes on, “For most of us our reluctance comes from getting our numbers right, but our arithmetic wrong. For example, when we’re deciding what size territory God has in mind for us, we keep an equation in our heart that adds up something like this:
“My abilities + experience + training + my personality and appearance + my past + the expectations of others = my assigned territory.
“No matter how many sermons we’ve heard about God’s power to work through us, we simply gloss over the meaning of that one little word through. Sure, we say we want God to work through us, but what we really mean is by or in association with. Yet God’s reminder to us is the same one He gave the Jews when they returned from captivity to a decimated homeland: ‘Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.’ (Zechariah 4:6)
“Our God”, Wilkinson continues, “specializes in working through normal people who believe in a supernormal God who will do His work through them. What He’s waiting for is the invitation. That means God’s math would look more like this:
“My willingness and weakness + God’s will and supernatural power = my expanding territory.”
For all his impulsiveness and reliance on his own strength, when Peter stepped out of the boat in response to Jesus, he started out correctly, with his eyes on Jesus. As long as he did that, he was okay. It was only when he shifted his gaze from Jesus to consider the circumstances—the waves–that he began to sink.
Lord, let me remember that I do nothing for you out of my own strength; that it is not by my might nor by my power but by Your spirit. Today I step out of the boat relying fully on You.
Today, let me join You in Your work.
March 13, 2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart
(Words and Music by Dan Schutte, 1981; adapt. by Carlton R. Young, 1988)
A number of years ago my dear friend, Robbie, gave me new insight into the significance of this song. We must have been singing it in a service and I told her how much I liked it. She said something like, “But have you ever thought of the seriousness of the words—about what you’re saying when you sing this song?”
And, therein, lies the beginning of another journey with the Lord…
I had to admit to her–and myself–that, no, I really hadn’t thought much about it. The song is so upbeat and we usually sing it with such enthusiasm that it gives the impression that I’m ready to do anything for the cause of Jesus. “Send me anywhere, Lord! I’ll do anything! I’ll go to Africa (or the popular third-world continent of the month) and be a missionary! I’ll lay my life on the line for You, Lord! I’ll drop everything to serve you!”
But then I begin to sound like Peter—the pre-crucifixion version—ready to walk on water, even get in front of Jesus’ face and stop Him from going to the cross, or run out and cut off someone’s ear. Peter was ready all right—before the arrest actually came and he was recognized by an adolescent girl and challenged as a friend of Christ.
Poor impulsive Peter. Yeah, and poor reluctant me! And perhaps I am not alone in not really considering the cost of volunteering for duty.
The song comes from Isaiah 6, where the prophet says, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 NIV)
The Lord’s call can elicit varied responses from us, but basically they seem to fall into one of two categories. The first one—the one Isaiah gives—might be termed:
“What do you want me to do, Lord?”
To be fair, let’s look at the event that led up to Isaiah’s rush to volunteer—with no details about what he was to do, I might add.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
“And they called to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’
“At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
“’Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among the people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’
“Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’
(Isaiah 6:1-7 NIV)
At this point, Isaiah, steps up front and center and volunteers.
Now, although none of us, probably, are called exactly as the prophet Isaiah, he was just a human being—as are you and I. When I put myself in his place—as little as I can imagine it and feel it–it’s a vast understatement to say that this was quite an impressive scene.
Let’s say that any of us has witnessed such a spectacle. The often-overused word awesome comes to mind. Although the word awesome is used to describe everything from a meal to a movie to a praise and worship song and more, surely no one would argue that it is misused in this regard. In fact, it falls short of describing the effect of being in the presence of, and beholding, Almighty God. Moses could not see the face of God because it would be fatal, but Isaiah apparently does such a thing and, quite naturally, believes he is not long for this world.
Then his lips are made clean by one of the seraphim–the highest order of angels–who serve God.
Then, Almighty God asks the all-important question. I’d like to think that, under these overwhelming conditions that I, too, would raise my hand in the air and wave it wildly like a kid who finally knows the right answer in school, and say, “Me, me! I’ll go!”
But then, I come back to reality and I know: Many times I know as well as I’m sitting here that the Lord is calling me to do something and yet…I…hesitate. Oh, if it falls into the category of calling the equipped, I’ll gladly answer the call. “Yes, Lord, I’ll go.” In fact, these times usually call for me to do something I know entails the use of gifts and talents I know I already have—those that are well within my comfort zone. To be honest, I don’t have to even wait for a call in these situations but often tell Him, “Lord, let me serve here.”
Now, I’m saying this in full recognition that God does give us particular gifts and talents and directs us in their use. And we are expected to use them. He knows us better than we know ourselves and gives us outlets for service which are useful in the Kingdom and—surprise, surprise!—are even pleasurable to us. But doesn’t He equip the called as well? Might we be called to step out in faith and do something that does not seem to fit in with our individual gifts and/or talents?
In those instances—when a challenge is presented in response to my “What do you want me to do, Lord?” my question becomes:
“Lord! You want me to do WHAT?”
Now, Isaiah didn’t flinch when the Lord told him what the task was. Let’s continue Isaiah’s story.
“He said, ‘Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing. But never perceiving.’
Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’” (v9-10)
I would probably have said something like, “Well, then…what’s the point? It looks like a waste of time and energy, as well as being potentially embarrassing—or worse.”
But then, that’s me—not Isaiah.
The remembrance of “Here I Am, Lord”, and the experience with Robbie, came to mind only recently. I’ve been rereading Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. In writing about how God usually responds to our request that He “enlarge my territory”, Bruce says,
“As God’s chosen, blessed sons and daughters, we are expected to attempt something large enough that failure is guaranteed…unless God steps in. Take a minute to prayerfully comprehend how contrary that truth is to everything you would humanly choose: it goes against common sense, it contradicts your previous life experience, it seems to disregard your feelings, trainings, and need for security; it sets you up to look like a fool and a loser. Yet it is God’s plan for His most-honored servants.”
Wilkinson goes on, “For most of us our reluctance comes from getting our numbers right, but our arithmetic wrong. For example, when we’re deciding what size territory God has in mind for us, we keep an equation in our heart that adds up something like this:
“My abilities + experience + training + my personality and appearance + my past + the expectations of others = my assigned territory.
“No matter how many sermons we’ve heard about God’s power to work through us, we simply gloss over the meaning of that one little word through. Sure, we say we want God to work through us, but what we really mean is by or in association with. Yet God’s reminder to us is the same one He gave the Jews when they returned from captivity to a decimated homeland: ‘Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.’ (Zechariah 4:6)
“Our God”, Wilkinson continues, “specializes in working through normal people who believe in a supernormal God who will do His work through them. What He’s waiting for is the invitation. That means God’s math would look more like this:
“My willingness and weakness + God’s will and supernatural power = my expanding territory.”
For all his impulsiveness and reliance on his own strength, when Peter stepped out of the boat in response to Jesus, he started out correctly, with his eyes on Jesus. As long as he did that, he was okay. It was only when he shifted his gaze from Jesus to consider the circumstances—the waves–that he began to sink.
Lord, let me remember that I do nothing for you out of my own strength; that it is not by my might nor by my power but by Your spirit. Today I step out of the boat relying fully on You.
Today, let me join You in Your work.
Dan Schutte's Song, "Holy Darkness"
Holy Saturday22 Mar 2008 by Sister Vicki Ix, OSB
Dan Schutte’s song, “Holy Darkness,” describes this particular moment brilliantly. Holy darkness, blessed night, Heaven’s answer hidden from our sight. As we await you, O God of silence, We embrace your holy night. ...
Monastics On A Journey... - http://monasticsonajourney.blogspot.com/
Dan Schutte’s song, “Holy Darkness,” describes this particular moment brilliantly. Holy darkness, blessed night, Heaven’s answer hidden from our sight. As we await you, O God of silence, We embrace your holy night. ...
Monastics On A Journey... - http://monasticsonajourney.blogspot.com/
Something About This Picture Is Troubling?
I happened upon this picture of the Cardinal of Vienna from the early century until 1955. Something about this picture of the man who is supposed to represent Jesus Christ as a shepherd and servant of his congregation that is disturbing. The Cardinal whose sitting all pompous in a gilded chair like some kind of king with a gold cross, royal robes and a train with enough fabric to cover the windows at the Palace of Versailles. Perhaps humble restrain in one's position as servant and representative of Christ would be more appropriate. I know symbolim is important in the church but the symbols of good deads and acts should be enough. These kinds of palatial symbols are distracting from the life and message of Jesus Christ.
Happy Easter!
He is risen! We sung Dan Schutte's song, "Holy Darkness at Easter Vigil at our Church. It's a song based on the Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross.
Holy darkness, blessed night
heaven's answer hidden from our sight.
As we await you, O God of silence
we embrace your holy night.
"Holy darkness is quiet but not lifeless; serious but not somber. Even though it touches often painful, barren places in our souls, there is still a glimmer of hope in the feel of this song"
Dan Schutte, composer 'Holy Darkness'
Holy darkness, blessed night
heaven's answer hidden from our sight.
As we await you, O God of silence
we embrace your holy night.
"Holy darkness is quiet but not lifeless; serious but not somber. Even though it touches often painful, barren places in our souls, there is still a glimmer of hope in the feel of this song"
Dan Schutte, composer 'Holy Darkness'
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Dan Schutte's Hymn "Here I Am, Lord" On Special Recording
The Tablet has recorded a CD of the Top 20 hymns voted for by its readers.
The top hymn, chosen by readers of the international Catholic weekly, is 'Here I am, Lord' (popularly known by its first line 'I, the Lord of Sea and Sky') by American composer, Daniel Schutte, (Dan Schutte). The Irish 'Be Thou My Vision', which is based on an 8th Century poem, and 'How Great Thou Art' are the next two in the Top 20.
Recorded in July 2005 at St Alban the Martyr Church in Holborn, the CD features the award-winning Exmoor Singers of London, as well as the Polish soloist Renata Jonscher, who sings two additional hymns, known to be favourites of the late John Paul II.
Readers were initially invited to send in their nominations. This was followed by a series of articles in The Tablet, in which writers chose their favourite. They included broadcaster Edward Stourton, who chose 'Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence'; Conservative MP Ann Widdecome, whose favourite is 'How Great Thou Art'; hymn composer Bernadette Farrell, whose favourite is 'Be Thou My Vision'; Church of England General Synod member, Christina Rees, whose favourite is 'Now the Green Blade Riseth'; editor of the Catholic hymn book Laudate, Stephen Dean, whose favourite is 'Praise to the Holiest'; and Premier Radio presenter, Cindy Kent, whose favourite is 'Immortal, Invisible'.
The Exmoor Singers of London are one of the UK's top amateur mixed-voice choirs. They regularly perform at festivals and concerts throughout the UK and abroad, and have previously won the North Wales Choral Festival (2003), Sligo International Choral Festival (2001) and Sainsbury's Mixed Voice Choir of the Year (1998). James Jarvis, musical director of the choir, says:
"Our approach to recording the hymns has been to present the full, uncut texts of all the hymns in an essentially congregational style. In choosing their best-loved hymns, people have demonstrably chosen fine settings of powerful words; but, above all, it is obvious that they have voted for the hymns they love to sing."
Renata Jonscher is a professional mezzo-soprano who was born and trained in Cieszyn, Poland. She now works internationally on a wide range of music from classical and folk to religious songs. In 1998 she received the Silver Medal of the Republic of Poland for contribution to musical culture. In 2000 she presented her latest CD personally to Pope John Paul II. On 'My Kind of Hymn', she sings two of the late Pope's favourite hymns, in Polish. Renata says of the hymn 'Black Madonna':
"Seeing the painting known as the Black Madonna in the Polish shrine of Czestochow was a turning pointed in the childhood of Karol Wojtyla. His mother had just died, and his father took him to the shrine; the painting and the setting overwhelmed him, and to that moment he traced his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary."
The CD contains a booklet with the words of all the hymns, plus comments from some of the writers who chose them.
To see the full track listing of 23 hymns, and hear clips from the CD please go to www.thetablet.co.uk/mykindofhymn. Copies are available for sale at GBP9.95 direct from The Tablet website and from selected bookshops. For every copy sold, we will donate GBP1 to Cafod, in support of Make Poverty History.
The Top 10 - in order of popularity
1. Here I am Lord (I, the Lord of Sea and Sky)
By Daniel L. Schutte
2. Be Thou My Vision
By Irish (c. eighth century) translated by Mary Byrne
3. How Great Thou Art
By Carl Boberg, arranged by Stuart K. Hine
4. Be Still, for the Presence of the Lord
By David J. Evans
5. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Liturgy of St James, translated by G. Moultrie
6. Amazing Grace
By John Newton
7. Soul of My Saviour
Ascribed to Pope John XXII
8. My Song is Love Unknown
By Samuel Crossman
9. Christ Be Our Light
By Bernadette Farrell
10. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
By John Greenleaf Whittier
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Dan Schutte in Concert Salem, MA
Famous Catholic composer to perform at St. James in Salem
By Tom Dalton
Staff writer
SALEM — The Catholic Church doesn't have a rock star, but if it did, his name might be Dan Schutte.
"He's just about the biggest name in American contemporary Catholic music," said the Rev. John Sheridan, pastor of St. James Church. "You can hear one of his songs being sung every Sunday."
The composer of "Here I Am, Lord" and other popular Catholic liturgical songs will perform Friday at 7 p.m. at St. James Church, 161 Federal St.
Schutte, who is composer in residence at the University of San Francisco, has been writing liturgical music for more than 30 years. In collaboration with the St. Louis Jesuits, a well-known church musical group, he also wrote "City of God" and "Sing A New Song."
"We've been trying (to get him) for two years," said Andrea Schwartz, pastoral associate at St. James.
The concert is part of a fundraising campaign to make the church handicapped-accessible. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or by calling the church office at 978-745-9060.
By Tom Dalton
Staff writer
SALEM — The Catholic Church doesn't have a rock star, but if it did, his name might be Dan Schutte.
"He's just about the biggest name in American contemporary Catholic music," said the Rev. John Sheridan, pastor of St. James Church. "You can hear one of his songs being sung every Sunday."
The composer of "Here I Am, Lord" and other popular Catholic liturgical songs will perform Friday at 7 p.m. at St. James Church, 161 Federal St.
Schutte, who is composer in residence at the University of San Francisco, has been writing liturgical music for more than 30 years. In collaboration with the St. Louis Jesuits, a well-known church musical group, he also wrote "City of God" and "Sing A New Song."
"We've been trying (to get him) for two years," said Andrea Schwartz, pastoral associate at St. James.
The concert is part of a fundraising campaign to make the church handicapped-accessible. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or by calling the church office at 978-745-9060.
Dan Schutte In Concert- San Diego California
Dan Schutte in Concert
Friday, April 4, 2008 to Sunday, April 6, 2008 Description:
Dan Schutte will be in concert Friday, April 4 at Good Shepherd Parish in San Diego, CA. He will also provide a workshop on Saturday, April 5 and participate in the Sunday morning Liturgy on April 6. Please contact the event host for more information.
Location:
Good Shepherd Parish
8200 Goldcoast Drive
San Diego, California 92126
United States
Google Maps, Mapquest
Additional Information:
Romer Fajota
858-336-8418 or 858-271-0207 ext 215
Friday, April 4, 2008 to Sunday, April 6, 2008 Description:
Dan Schutte will be in concert Friday, April 4 at Good Shepherd Parish in San Diego, CA. He will also provide a workshop on Saturday, April 5 and participate in the Sunday morning Liturgy on April 6. Please contact the event host for more information.
Location:
Good Shepherd Parish
8200 Goldcoast Drive
San Diego, California 92126
United States
Google Maps, Mapquest
Additional Information:
Romer Fajota
858-336-8418 or 858-271-0207 ext 215
Dan Schutte "On The Road"
From Dan Schutte's Blog, March 12th.
http://danschutte.blogspot.com/2008/03/these-days-im-on-road-three-out-of-four.html
These days I'm "on the road" three out of four weekends a month to give concerts and, often enough, to offer a workshop for those involved in liturgical ministry in their parishes. I'm privileged to meet some amazing people, so generous with the gifts God has given them and eager to help others.
People will often share with me profoundly touching stories of how music has touched their lives and helped them walk the path of faith. Last week I gave a concert at St. James Parish in Salem, Massachusettes. The community there couldn't have been more welcoming. I could tell that the people who attended the evening loved music and were very touched by the songs.
After the concert a lady come up to me and told me a story of her favorite uncle who had been like another father to her. She told me how in his latter years he contracted Alzheimer's disease and slowly faded away. When they couldn't care for him any more, they had to put him into a nursing so that he'd get the care he needed. With tears in her eyes, she told me how they visited him and how he didn't even recognize them and could barely speak a coherent word. But when the started singing "Here I Am, Lord" together, he would join in and could sing the words along with the rest of the family. It had been his favorite him and somehow it was planted so deeply in his soul he could sing it without really understanding anymore what he was singing.
This lady reminded of the many stories people have told me over the years where the music I've written has helped them. As has happened before in these situations, I feel both humbled and privileged to have been given the gift of music that touches other people in amazing ways. I often don't understand how this happens but have learned to simply bow before the mystery of God's grace.
http://danschutte.blogspot.com/2008/03/these-days-im-on-road-three-out-of-four.html
These days I'm "on the road" three out of four weekends a month to give concerts and, often enough, to offer a workshop for those involved in liturgical ministry in their parishes. I'm privileged to meet some amazing people, so generous with the gifts God has given them and eager to help others.
People will often share with me profoundly touching stories of how music has touched their lives and helped them walk the path of faith. Last week I gave a concert at St. James Parish in Salem, Massachusettes. The community there couldn't have been more welcoming. I could tell that the people who attended the evening loved music and were very touched by the songs.
After the concert a lady come up to me and told me a story of her favorite uncle who had been like another father to her. She told me how in his latter years he contracted Alzheimer's disease and slowly faded away. When they couldn't care for him any more, they had to put him into a nursing so that he'd get the care he needed. With tears in her eyes, she told me how they visited him and how he didn't even recognize them and could barely speak a coherent word. But when the started singing "Here I Am, Lord" together, he would join in and could sing the words along with the rest of the family. It had been his favorite him and somehow it was planted so deeply in his soul he could sing it without really understanding anymore what he was singing.
This lady reminded of the many stories people have told me over the years where the music I've written has helped them. As has happened before in these situations, I feel both humbled and privileged to have been given the gift of music that touches other people in amazing ways. I often don't understand how this happens but have learned to simply bow before the mystery of God's grace.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Dan Schutte's Guitar
This is from another blogger who is with John Michael Talbot's tour. A wonderful story of a guitar craftsman and the guitar he made for Dan Schutte.
www.monkrocktour.blogspot.com/2006/12/dan-schuttes-guitar.html
http://www.danschutte.com/guitar.htm
www.monkrocktour.blogspot.com/2006/12/dan-schuttes-guitar.html
http://www.danschutte.com/guitar.htm
Monday, March 17, 2008
Fr. Walter J. Burghardt, S.J. Died
Fr. Walter J. Burghardt, a Jesuit priest known for his electrifying preaching style and commitment to social justice, died Feb. 16 in a Jesuit infirmary in Merion, Pa. He was 93.
“For all his brilliance, bearing and elegance, he had wonderful simplicity about him,” wrote Fr. Jim Connor, also a Jesuit, in a homily prepared for Burghardt’s funeral. “And this is what made him so appealing and such a good friend.”
Over the course of his career, the prolific Burghardt wrote 25 books and 300 articles for theological journals.
His memoir, Long Have I Loved You: A Theologian Reflects on His Church, was honored by the Catholic Press Association.
Burghardt was born July 10, 1914, in New York City. He was ordained a Jesuit in 1941 at Woodstock College in Woodstock, Md., where he began his 32-year teaching career.
From 1946 to 1990, he worked as an editor for the Catholic journal Theological Studies. During that time, Burghardt was also a visiting professor at schools such as Princeton Theological Seminary and Union Theological Seminary in New York.
When he was nearly 80, Burghardt started the “Preaching the Just Word” program through the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University. Despite going blind due to macular degeneration, Burghardt led the program’s countrywide retreats to help priests address social justice issues in their communities.
Burghardt wrote an essay on courage in the July 14, 2006, issue of NCR marking his 92nd birthday, 75th year as a Jesuit and 65th year as a priest. He wrote that he had one comfort in going blind: “Keenly I am aware that although I am losing my eyesight, I am not losing my vision.” Blindness, he wrote, had taught him about courage.
“There must be times, will be times, when you, too, are afraid -- afraid to love, afraid to give or forgive, afraid to cry out against injustice, afraid to face an incurable illness. Recognize a basic reality: Courage is not the absence of fear. It is feeling afraid to do something but finding the strength to do it,” Burghardt wrote.
National Catholic Reporter, March 7, 2008
“For all his brilliance, bearing and elegance, he had wonderful simplicity about him,” wrote Fr. Jim Connor, also a Jesuit, in a homily prepared for Burghardt’s funeral. “And this is what made him so appealing and such a good friend.”
Over the course of his career, the prolific Burghardt wrote 25 books and 300 articles for theological journals.
His memoir, Long Have I Loved You: A Theologian Reflects on His Church, was honored by the Catholic Press Association.
Burghardt was born July 10, 1914, in New York City. He was ordained a Jesuit in 1941 at Woodstock College in Woodstock, Md., where he began his 32-year teaching career.
From 1946 to 1990, he worked as an editor for the Catholic journal Theological Studies. During that time, Burghardt was also a visiting professor at schools such as Princeton Theological Seminary and Union Theological Seminary in New York.
When he was nearly 80, Burghardt started the “Preaching the Just Word” program through the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University. Despite going blind due to macular degeneration, Burghardt led the program’s countrywide retreats to help priests address social justice issues in their communities.
Burghardt wrote an essay on courage in the July 14, 2006, issue of NCR marking his 92nd birthday, 75th year as a Jesuit and 65th year as a priest. He wrote that he had one comfort in going blind: “Keenly I am aware that although I am losing my eyesight, I am not losing my vision.” Blindness, he wrote, had taught him about courage.
“There must be times, will be times, when you, too, are afraid -- afraid to love, afraid to give or forgive, afraid to cry out against injustice, afraid to face an incurable illness. Recognize a basic reality: Courage is not the absence of fear. It is feeling afraid to do something but finding the strength to do it,” Burghardt wrote.
National Catholic Reporter, March 7, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Music for Papal Liturgies in New York
The music for the Papal liturgies in New York is eclectic but weighted in an excellent direction.
Exclusive: Music for N.Y.'s Papal Liturgies
Dr. Jennifer Pascual, director of music at St. Patrick's Cathedral, is no stranger to providing music for the Pope. During Pope John Paul II's 1995 Mass in Central Park, Pascual was a member of the choir that sang for the Pope. This time around she has a much larger responsibility. She's overseeing all of the music for the liturgical events taking place in New York. I spoke with her this week, and she was kind enough to provide a list of the music being performed at the various events, and the performers taking part in the events. Here is that complete list, which has not appeared anywhere else publicly as of yet.
St. Joseph, Yorkville – Ecumenical Service: April 18, 2008
Stephen Black, Director of Music and Organist, St. Joseph, Yorkville
Choir of St. Joseph, Yorkville
Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music and Organist, Cathedral of St. Patrick
Donald Dumler, Principal Organist, Cathedral of St. Patrick
Cathedral of Saint Patrick Choir
In dir ist Freude – J.S. Bach (organ)
Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether – Harold Friedell (congregation and choir)
Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden – J.S. Bach (choir)
Lord’s Prayer (congregation)
Now Thank We All our God (congregation)
Allegro assai vivace from Sonata No. 1 in F minor – Felix Mendelssohn (organ)
St. Patrick Cathedral – Celebration of the Eucharist: April 19, 2008
Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music and Organist, Cathedral of St. Patrick
Donald Dumler, Principal Organist, Cathedral of St. Patrick
Cathedral of Saint Patrick Choir and Orchestra
Drew Santini, Cantor
Sr. Maria Emmanuel, S.V., Psalmist
Entrance of the Holy Father:
Christus Vincit – arr. Nicolai Montani, orch. Dr. Peter Latona
Music for Mass:
O God, Beyond All Praising – arr. Deborah Jamini
Ecce Sacerdos Magnus – Johann Singenberger, arr. Deborah Jamini
Kyrie - Missa de Angelis
Gloria from Messe in C, Op.169 – Josef Rheinberger
Psalm – Dr. Jennifer Pascual
Alleluia (O filii et filiae) – arr. Wm. Glenn Osborne
Trilingual Intercessions – Michael Hay, orch. Wm. Glenn Osborne
Ave Maria – Franz Biebl
Sanctus – Missa de Angelis
Christ Has Died/ Amen – Danish Mass, orch. Wm. Glenn Osborne
Agnus Dei from Messe in C, Op.169 – Josef Rheinberger
(TBD) Salvatore Licitra, Tenor, Metropolitan Opera
Ego Sum Panis Vivus – Giovanni Pierluigi Palestrina
O Sacrum Convivium – Dom Lorenzo Perosi
Ave Verum- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
I am the Bread of Life/ Yo Soy el Pan de Vida – Suzanne Toolan, SM, orch. Johnnie Carl
Holy God, We Praise Thy Name – arr. Bruce Saylor
Hallelujah from The Mount of Olives – Ludwig van Beethoven
St. Joseph’s Seminary – Meeting with Young People Having Disabilities: April 19, 2008
Daniel Brondel, Director of Music and Organist, Cathedral of St. Patrick Young Singers
Cathedral of Patrick Young Singers
New York Archdiocesan Deaf Choir
Christus resurgentis – François Couperin (choir)
Take Lord, Receive – John Foley, S.J. (choirs and congregation)
Fugue in D, BWV 532 – J.S. Bach (organ)
St. Joseph’s Seminary – Meeting with Youth and Seminarians – April 19, 2008
Communion and Liberation, Christopher Vath, Director of Music
Richard Marrano, Organist
Christi Chiapetti, Cantor
Teng Fu, Pianist
America the Beautiful – Samuel A. Ward
Pan de Vida – Bob Hurd
Jesus, Remember Me – Jacques Berthier
One Bread, One Body – John Foley, S. J.
Holy God, We Praise Thy Name – Traditional
Ave Maria – Franz Schubert, Kelly Clarkson, American Idol Winner 2002
City of God – Daniel Schutte
Yankee Stadium – Celebration of the Eucharist: April 20, 2008
Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music/ Mass Conductor
New York Archdiocesan Festival Chorale
Cathedral of St. Patrick Choir
Ulster County Vicariate Choir, Michael Sweeney, Director of Music
Donald Dumler, Organist
John Des Marias, Cantor
Joe Simmons, Psalmist
Entrance of concelebrants:
Symphony No. 9 in D minor – Ludwig van Beethoven
I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
II. Molto vivace
Entrance of the Holy Father:
Hymnus Pontificius – Charles Gounod, arr. Alberico Vitalini
Dixit from Vesperae Solennes de Confessore – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Music for Mass:
Jesus is Risen/ Cristo Jesús Resucitó – arr. John Rutter
Tu es Petrus – Dom Lorenzo Perosi
Kyrie – from Litany of the Saints, adapt. Richard Proulx
Gloria from Missa O Magnum Mysterium – Tomás Luis da Victoria
Psalm – Dr. Jennifer Pascual
Alleluia (VICTORY) arr. Wm. Glenn Osborne
Credo III
Trilingual Intercessions – Michael Hay, orch. Wm. Glenn Osborne
How Lovely is thy Dwelling Place – Johannes Brahms
Sanctus from German Mass – Franz Schubert, adapt. Richard Proulx
Christ Has Died/ Amen - Franz Schubert, adapt. Richard Proulx
Agnus Dei from Missa O Magnum Mysterium – Tomás Luis da Victoria
Panis Angelicus – Cesár Franck, Marcello Giordani, Tenor, Metropolitan Opera
Sicut Cervus – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
Ave Verum – Alexandre Guilmant, orch. Deborah Jamini
Amén. El Cuerpo de Cristo - John Schiavonne, orch. Carl MaultsBy
Let Us Break Bread Together – arr. Carl MaultsBy
This is the Feast – Richard Hillert, arr. Richard Kidd
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee/ Jubilosos te Adoramos – from Hymn to Joy Fantasy – Bruce Saylor
Symphony No. 9 in D minor – Ludwig van Beethoven
IV. Presto
Saturday, March 15, 2008
St. Louis Jesuits Group - 30 Year Anniversary Celebration
The St Louis Jesuits, liturgical music icons from the 1970s, are back together and have released their first album in more than 20 years.
Morning Light is the seventh recording for the St Louis Jesuits-Dan Schutte and Jesuit Frs Bob Dufford, John Foley, and Roc O'Connor-who were known for such songs as "Blest Be the Lord," "Lift Up Your Hearts," and "Sing a New Song."
In the mid 1980s, various assignments moved the men to different parts of the country, and Schutte left the Society of Jesus. These changes made it difficult to record music together, said Fr O'Connor, a theology professor at Creighton University.
"It just seemed like it was a time for each of us to try something on our own," he said. Since that time, all four have released solo CDs.
Fans of the St Louis Jesuits' music will find comfort in the songs on Morning Light as its sound is much the same as their earlier sound. But there are some surprising pieces as well, arising "from life experience and the ups and downs that we've all faced," Fr O'Connor said.
In a recent online poll sponsored by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians in which respondents could vote for only one liturgical song that most fostered and nourished the respondent's life, songs by the St Louis Jesuits-"Here I Am, Lord" and "Be Not Afraid"-came in second and third ("On Eagle's Wings" by Michael Joncas was first).
In the spring, the group will do live performances in Washington, St Louis, Chicago, and Anaheim, Calif.
The Morning Light CD is $17.00 and is available online at Pilgrim Music www.PilgrimMusic.com or calling toll free at: 1-866-851-5391
World-Renowned Composer Dan Schutte in Concert in Maplewood, NJ
MAPLEWOOD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 - St. Joseph Church in Maplewood, NJ, announces a concert with Dan Schutte, the world-renowned composer of music for worship and prayer. Some of his most popular songs include “Here I Am, Lord,” “Sing a New Song,” “City of God,” “You are Near” and “Table of Plenty,” just to name a few. His songs can be heard in churches throughout the world. For over 35 years, Dan has been sharing his gift of music and lyrics, and he continues to inspire with uplifting new compositions for liturgy and personal spirituality.
His concert will be an evening of reflection and music entitled “Prince of Peace.”
The concert will be Friday, September 28 at 8:00 PM at St. Joseph Church. It will be followed by a workshop the next morning, Saturday, September 29, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. His workshop, “Join in the Dance,” will explore ways of becoming a more welcoming and participating community in worship. It will be a chance to learn directly from Dan Schutte and have a more personal encounter with this fine composer. The workshop is not just for those involved in music ministry but for anyone who loves music and wants to feel more involved in their worship.
The price for the concert is $10.00 per person. The workshop is $20.00 per person. A combination ticket for both the concert and workshop registration is $25.00, saving you $5.00 if you attend both.
St. Joseph Church is accessible via several major roadways and public transportation. Ticket information, directions to the church and a registration form for the workshop are available at www.stjosephmaplewood.org, or by calling the parish at 973-761-5933.
If you would like to contact Dan Schutte for an interview or if you need more information of any kind, please contact Maureen Tauriello through the parish office or at mtauriel@drew.edu.
St. Joseph Church
767 Prospect Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-761-5933
Contact: St. Joseph's Church
http://www.stjosephmaplewood.org NJ, US
Dugan McGinley - Director of Liturgy and Music, 973-761-5933
Keywords: music
Category: Liturgy
His concert will be an evening of reflection and music entitled “Prince of Peace.”
The concert will be Friday, September 28 at 8:00 PM at St. Joseph Church. It will be followed by a workshop the next morning, Saturday, September 29, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. His workshop, “Join in the Dance,” will explore ways of becoming a more welcoming and participating community in worship. It will be a chance to learn directly from Dan Schutte and have a more personal encounter with this fine composer. The workshop is not just for those involved in music ministry but for anyone who loves music and wants to feel more involved in their worship.
The price for the concert is $10.00 per person. The workshop is $20.00 per person. A combination ticket for both the concert and workshop registration is $25.00, saving you $5.00 if you attend both.
St. Joseph Church is accessible via several major roadways and public transportation. Ticket information, directions to the church and a registration form for the workshop are available at www.stjosephmaplewood.org, or by calling the parish at 973-761-5933.
If you would like to contact Dan Schutte for an interview or if you need more information of any kind, please contact Maureen Tauriello through the parish office or at mtauriel@drew.edu.
St. Joseph Church
767 Prospect Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-761-5933
Contact: St. Joseph's Church
http://www.stjosephmaplewood.org NJ, US
Dugan McGinley - Director of Liturgy and Music, 973-761-5933
Keywords: music
Category: Liturgy
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Hallelujah! Easter Music for an Easter People - Dan Schutte Concert
March 30, 2008
Dan Schutte Concert
Saturday, March 29, 2008 to Sunday, March 30, 2008 Description:
Dan Schutte will be at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Benicia, CA, March 29-30 for Workshops on Saturday and a Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. Please contact the event host for more information.
Location:
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
122 East J Street
Benicia, California 94510
United States
Additional Information:
Judy Furlong
707-745-6463
jafurlong42@comcast.net
Dan Schutte Concert
Saturday, March 29, 2008 to Sunday, March 30, 2008 Description:
Dan Schutte will be at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Benicia, CA, March 29-30 for Workshops on Saturday and a Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. Please contact the event host for more information.
Location:
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
122 East J Street
Benicia, California 94510
United States
Additional Information:
Judy Furlong
707-745-6463
jafurlong42@comcast.net
The Easter Triduum - by Dan Schutte
The Triduum, the “Three Days”, is the celebration of the Christian Passover. Just as our Jewish ancestors gathered annually to remember the events of their release from slavery in Egypt, so too we gather to celebrate our Passover in Christ from death to life. The Easter Triduum is at the heart and soul of our Christian faith, commemorating the triumph of God's love over darkness and death. It’s the fullest ritual expression of what it means to be a Christian. In our reliving and remembering, we’re renewed and reborn along with the newly initiated members of our community.
In essence, the Triduum is one great festival that lasts for three days: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. As with all the great feasts of the Church, the celebration begins at dusk on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. On Good Friday, the first full day of the Triduum, we gather to remember the Lord’s Passion and Death. Saturday is a day of quiet reflection on the Entombment of Christ as we wait, like the disciples, for news of the resurrection. And finally, on Saturday night we gather in vigil and hear the amazing news that Jesus Christ, our companion and brother, is not dead, but is risen from the grave. The Triduum liturgy ends with Evening Prayer on Easter day.
As we prepare the rites of the Triduum liturgy, we are afforded many opportunities to emphasize and maintain the unity of this one celebration. We accomplish this ritually by remembering that each of the days, while having their own emphasis, celebrate the entire mystery of Christ’s passion and death. In our Friday rituals, we need not pretend that the resurrection has not yet happened. We are not play-acting here. Though the liturgy of Friday is stark, we may still catch glimpses of Easter triumph. The same is true of Easter. We arrive at the joy of the resurrection only through suffering and death. Easter without the cross has little meaning.
Another way of supporting the unity of this three-day festival is by observing the ancient practice of the Paschal fast. This fast traditionally lasted from the beginning of the Triduum until the communion rite on Easter. By means of this sacred fast, we’re mindful of our prayers as we depart for our homes until we gather again the next day.
Finally, the unity of the Triduum can be greatly enhanced by the music we choose for the celebrations each of the days. Like symphonic composers, we might incorporate melodic themes, threading together the disparate elements of this one great festival. Triduum unity is enhanced when we make use of recurring melodies and musical elements on successive days.
Holy Thursday: The Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
We begin the Triduum with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The entrance antiphon for this day gives us wonderful insight into the Triduum celebration: “We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, or life and our resurrection; through him we are saved and set free.” (Gal. 6:14) We celebrate the triumph of God’s love accomplished by the cross of Jesus Christ. Life is born from death.
The liturgy of these three days is rich with symbols. As we prepare these rites we are challenged to help people enter into the prayer of these rites. The Triduum symbols become incredible vehicles of prayer. The primary symbols of Holy Thursday are the washing of the feet and the sharing of the Eucharist. These symbols embody the themes of service, priesthood, and unity. As we implement the rites, we’re afforded a wonderful opportunity to ensure these two great symbols stand out boldly and clearly for all. The foot washing clearly needs to engage the assembly in the most profound way possible. And on this day of all days, a loaf of real bread, along with wine from the cup, should be the norm.
At the Last Supper, Jesus transformed the Jewish Passover meal into a memorial of his death and resurrection. He becomes the new Passover, the Way to new life in the kingdom of God. Today, we as Christians gather to celebrate this covenant meal and bind ourselves to Him as we follow him to death and resurrection. And with Him, we surrender own lives for the sake of the world.
The goal of the Triduum liturgy is to unite the entire community of faith into a single celebration. Despite the differences in our worship during the rest of the year, we celebrate this liturgy as one family. We preserve this unity by providing only one celebration on the days of the Triduum. Providing separate liturgies for special groups only undermines the unity.
Note that there is no dismissal or final blessing for the liturgy on Holy Thursday. The service does not end but continues when we gather on Friday for the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. After the solemn procession of the Eucharist, the assembly informally disperses as the altar and sanctuary are stripped in preparation for the liturgy the next day. Little emphasis should be placed on the rite of stripping. This is just a simple act of preparation for the next day.
Good Friday: The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
The liturgy on Good Friday is the second ritual step on the Triduum journey. In the context of the one great liturgy, the death of Christ is not to be isolated from the fullness of the Paschal mystery. Good Friday is not a time of mourning, but rather, of remembering, of seeing once again the boundless love of God expressed in the self-offering of his own Son. Though Jesus of Nazareth dies in shame on a cross, God’s love is so powerful that not even death can defeat it.
The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion has three distinct parts: the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and the Communion Service. It’s significant that the Gospel of John was chosen as the Passion account for this day. In John’s gospel the victory of Christ shines through every step of the way. Death is not seen as defeat but rather as the passage of Christ into his glory.
Today, the liturgy begins in silence. We do not provide opening music or a call to worship. The rites assume that this is simply the continuation of the liturgy of the previous evening. During the liturgical year, only the Good Friday and the Easter Vigil liturgies begin in this way. This reflects the true nature of the three days of the Triduum as being one extended celebration.
The primary symbol of today’s liturgy is the cross as a sign of victory and salvation. The Veneration of the Cross is one of the most ancient elements in liturgy today. We gather as family around the cross of Christ and embrace it as our own. As each of us has an opportunity to carry it, so too will we enjoy its victory and joy. A wooden cross, large enough to be visible from every corner of the church, and without a corpus, is the ideal. A single cross respects the connection with the one cross of Christ that is our salvation.
The actual rite of veneration should be handled with efficiency and grace, while not seeming rushed. The symbol cannot speak to people’s hearts if they are not allowed to fully experience it. The challenge in planning the movement of this rite is that all present be given an opportunity to make some sign of reverence to the cross. Besides making our own act of veneration, much of the power of this rite lies in watching other people make theirs. Young and old, rich and poor, healthy and infirm, we all come to the cross to find hope and be saved.
A simple communion rite concludes the service this day. We again depart in silence until we gather for the vigil on Easter. During the day on Holy Saturday we are encouraged to spend some time in reflection on the burial of the Lord, allowing ourselves to sit quietly with the disciples as they wonder what to do next.
Easter Vigil: The Celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection
The Easter Vigil liturgy has its roots in the Old Testament and relives in ritual, the night the Israelites stayed awake waiting for the Lord to deliver them from their slavery in Egypt. Similarly, we wait with the disciples for the good news that Jesus indeed is risen! In its fullest expression this is a true vigil, a night watch. We gather as family to re-tell the wondrous stories of our salvation and draw strength as we remember. We wait together in joyful hope for the good news of Christ’s victory over death. In the process, we discover for ourselves the glory of the Cross.
The liturgy this night has four parts: the Light Service, the Liturgy of the Word, the Rites of Initiation, and the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Each part is imbedded with powerful symbols: light and darkness, fire, word, water, oil, touch, and a meal shared as friends. If we put of our energy into preparing these symbols so that they can speak loudly, people will be drawn into their power and experience the presence of God.
While our present-day Easter Vigils rarely last throughout the night, they can remain long and cumbersome for many communities. Unfortunately, in our technological age, we’re not people who typically do well with waiting. It is important for us to begin where the community is and not where it ought to be. The challenge we face as liturgists is to prepare the rites in such a way that the people can truly hear the stories, experience the fullness of the symbols, and participate in the wonder of this night.
As we find an expression of the ritual that works for our assembly it’s good to stick with it, and not feel that we must come up with something new every year. If there are things that didn’t work last year, we might summon our creativity and imagination in finding a better way to improve on them. In every decision, our guide should be what will most engage people in prayer and allow them to experience the power of the symbols.
Often our Easter assemblies are much larger than normal and diverse with many visitors. For some this may be one of the first times they’ve come to church in awhile. It’s important to choose music that people already know or can easily sing with little or no practice. If there is an absolute need to teach a piece before the liturgy begins, we might do a very brief practice. Keep it very short and use it as a way of leading people into the prayer of this night.
© 2001 Daniel L. Schutte. All rights reserved.
www.danschutte.com/easter_triduum.htm
In essence, the Triduum is one great festival that lasts for three days: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. As with all the great feasts of the Church, the celebration begins at dusk on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. On Good Friday, the first full day of the Triduum, we gather to remember the Lord’s Passion and Death. Saturday is a day of quiet reflection on the Entombment of Christ as we wait, like the disciples, for news of the resurrection. And finally, on Saturday night we gather in vigil and hear the amazing news that Jesus Christ, our companion and brother, is not dead, but is risen from the grave. The Triduum liturgy ends with Evening Prayer on Easter day.
As we prepare the rites of the Triduum liturgy, we are afforded many opportunities to emphasize and maintain the unity of this one celebration. We accomplish this ritually by remembering that each of the days, while having their own emphasis, celebrate the entire mystery of Christ’s passion and death. In our Friday rituals, we need not pretend that the resurrection has not yet happened. We are not play-acting here. Though the liturgy of Friday is stark, we may still catch glimpses of Easter triumph. The same is true of Easter. We arrive at the joy of the resurrection only through suffering and death. Easter without the cross has little meaning.
Another way of supporting the unity of this three-day festival is by observing the ancient practice of the Paschal fast. This fast traditionally lasted from the beginning of the Triduum until the communion rite on Easter. By means of this sacred fast, we’re mindful of our prayers as we depart for our homes until we gather again the next day.
Finally, the unity of the Triduum can be greatly enhanced by the music we choose for the celebrations each of the days. Like symphonic composers, we might incorporate melodic themes, threading together the disparate elements of this one great festival. Triduum unity is enhanced when we make use of recurring melodies and musical elements on successive days.
Holy Thursday: The Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
We begin the Triduum with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The entrance antiphon for this day gives us wonderful insight into the Triduum celebration: “We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, or life and our resurrection; through him we are saved and set free.” (Gal. 6:14) We celebrate the triumph of God’s love accomplished by the cross of Jesus Christ. Life is born from death.
The liturgy of these three days is rich with symbols. As we prepare these rites we are challenged to help people enter into the prayer of these rites. The Triduum symbols become incredible vehicles of prayer. The primary symbols of Holy Thursday are the washing of the feet and the sharing of the Eucharist. These symbols embody the themes of service, priesthood, and unity. As we implement the rites, we’re afforded a wonderful opportunity to ensure these two great symbols stand out boldly and clearly for all. The foot washing clearly needs to engage the assembly in the most profound way possible. And on this day of all days, a loaf of real bread, along with wine from the cup, should be the norm.
At the Last Supper, Jesus transformed the Jewish Passover meal into a memorial of his death and resurrection. He becomes the new Passover, the Way to new life in the kingdom of God. Today, we as Christians gather to celebrate this covenant meal and bind ourselves to Him as we follow him to death and resurrection. And with Him, we surrender own lives for the sake of the world.
The goal of the Triduum liturgy is to unite the entire community of faith into a single celebration. Despite the differences in our worship during the rest of the year, we celebrate this liturgy as one family. We preserve this unity by providing only one celebration on the days of the Triduum. Providing separate liturgies for special groups only undermines the unity.
Note that there is no dismissal or final blessing for the liturgy on Holy Thursday. The service does not end but continues when we gather on Friday for the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. After the solemn procession of the Eucharist, the assembly informally disperses as the altar and sanctuary are stripped in preparation for the liturgy the next day. Little emphasis should be placed on the rite of stripping. This is just a simple act of preparation for the next day.
Good Friday: The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
The liturgy on Good Friday is the second ritual step on the Triduum journey. In the context of the one great liturgy, the death of Christ is not to be isolated from the fullness of the Paschal mystery. Good Friday is not a time of mourning, but rather, of remembering, of seeing once again the boundless love of God expressed in the self-offering of his own Son. Though Jesus of Nazareth dies in shame on a cross, God’s love is so powerful that not even death can defeat it.
The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion has three distinct parts: the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and the Communion Service. It’s significant that the Gospel of John was chosen as the Passion account for this day. In John’s gospel the victory of Christ shines through every step of the way. Death is not seen as defeat but rather as the passage of Christ into his glory.
Today, the liturgy begins in silence. We do not provide opening music or a call to worship. The rites assume that this is simply the continuation of the liturgy of the previous evening. During the liturgical year, only the Good Friday and the Easter Vigil liturgies begin in this way. This reflects the true nature of the three days of the Triduum as being one extended celebration.
The primary symbol of today’s liturgy is the cross as a sign of victory and salvation. The Veneration of the Cross is one of the most ancient elements in liturgy today. We gather as family around the cross of Christ and embrace it as our own. As each of us has an opportunity to carry it, so too will we enjoy its victory and joy. A wooden cross, large enough to be visible from every corner of the church, and without a corpus, is the ideal. A single cross respects the connection with the one cross of Christ that is our salvation.
The actual rite of veneration should be handled with efficiency and grace, while not seeming rushed. The symbol cannot speak to people’s hearts if they are not allowed to fully experience it. The challenge in planning the movement of this rite is that all present be given an opportunity to make some sign of reverence to the cross. Besides making our own act of veneration, much of the power of this rite lies in watching other people make theirs. Young and old, rich and poor, healthy and infirm, we all come to the cross to find hope and be saved.
A simple communion rite concludes the service this day. We again depart in silence until we gather for the vigil on Easter. During the day on Holy Saturday we are encouraged to spend some time in reflection on the burial of the Lord, allowing ourselves to sit quietly with the disciples as they wonder what to do next.
Easter Vigil: The Celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection
The Easter Vigil liturgy has its roots in the Old Testament and relives in ritual, the night the Israelites stayed awake waiting for the Lord to deliver them from their slavery in Egypt. Similarly, we wait with the disciples for the good news that Jesus indeed is risen! In its fullest expression this is a true vigil, a night watch. We gather as family to re-tell the wondrous stories of our salvation and draw strength as we remember. We wait together in joyful hope for the good news of Christ’s victory over death. In the process, we discover for ourselves the glory of the Cross.
The liturgy this night has four parts: the Light Service, the Liturgy of the Word, the Rites of Initiation, and the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Each part is imbedded with powerful symbols: light and darkness, fire, word, water, oil, touch, and a meal shared as friends. If we put of our energy into preparing these symbols so that they can speak loudly, people will be drawn into their power and experience the presence of God.
While our present-day Easter Vigils rarely last throughout the night, they can remain long and cumbersome for many communities. Unfortunately, in our technological age, we’re not people who typically do well with waiting. It is important for us to begin where the community is and not where it ought to be. The challenge we face as liturgists is to prepare the rites in such a way that the people can truly hear the stories, experience the fullness of the symbols, and participate in the wonder of this night.
As we find an expression of the ritual that works for our assembly it’s good to stick with it, and not feel that we must come up with something new every year. If there are things that didn’t work last year, we might summon our creativity and imagination in finding a better way to improve on them. In every decision, our guide should be what will most engage people in prayer and allow them to experience the power of the symbols.
Often our Easter assemblies are much larger than normal and diverse with many visitors. For some this may be one of the first times they’ve come to church in awhile. It’s important to choose music that people already know or can easily sing with little or no practice. If there is an absolute need to teach a piece before the liturgy begins, we might do a very brief practice. Keep it very short and use it as a way of leading people into the prayer of this night.
© 2001 Daniel L. Schutte. All rights reserved.
www.danschutte.com/easter_triduum.htm
Songs That Make A Difference
In September 2005, the NPM conducted an online survey that invited Catholics to name a liturgical song "that has made a lasting impact on their own lives of faith". According to the NPM, more than 3,000 people responded to the survey. Here are the "Top 25".
1. On Eagle's Wings
2. Here I Am, Lord
3. Be Not Afraid
4. You Are Mine
5. How Great Thou Art
6. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
7. Amazing Grace
8. All Are Welcome
9. Prayer of St. Francis
10. Ave Maria
11. We Are Called
12. Let There Be Peace On Earth
13. I Am The Bread Of Life
14. The Summons
15. Panis Angelicus
16. The Servant Song - Gillard
17. Pescador de Hombres
18. The Servant Song - McGargill
19. Shepherd Me, O God
20. Ave Verum Corpus
21. Lord of the Dance
22. One Bread, One Body
23. Tantum Ergo
24. Hosea
25. Pange Lingua
1. On Eagle's Wings
2. Here I Am, Lord
3. Be Not Afraid
4. You Are Mine
5. How Great Thou Art
6. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
7. Amazing Grace
8. All Are Welcome
9. Prayer of St. Francis
10. Ave Maria
11. We Are Called
12. Let There Be Peace On Earth
13. I Am The Bread Of Life
14. The Summons
15. Panis Angelicus
16. The Servant Song - Gillard
17. Pescador de Hombres
18. The Servant Song - McGargill
19. Shepherd Me, O God
20. Ave Verum Corpus
21. Lord of the Dance
22. One Bread, One Body
23. Tantum Ergo
24. Hosea
25. Pange Lingua
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Dan Schutte Releases "God's Holy Gifts"
"I just received from OCP Dan Schutte's latest release, God's Holy Gifts, and he has written new verses to 'Immaculate Mary' based on the Annunciation (he's renamed the song 'Handmaid of Heaven'). It's beautifully arranged and performed on the album. This could be a wonderful song to use in the future for Advent and for the feast of the Immaculate Conception."--Susan B., music minister, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Westborough, MA
A celebration of the gifts God pours down upon us, Dan Schutte's latest collection invites everyone to discover a more vibrant life of faith and prayer. 12 of his most recent compositionsGathering 12 of his most recent compositions, God's Holy Gifts supports both communal worship and personal prayer. Covering a variety of themes and seasons, the songs include upbeat, contemporary songs, more contemplative works and grand, traditional hymns with pipe organ. Accompaniment varies from piano and strings to woodwinds and choir. Gathering songs, Marian hymnsThe title song encourages us to approach the banquet table of the Lord and to "feast on his love with faith and thanksgiving." "Handmaid of Heaven" is a new text for the beloved Lourdes hymn, "Immaculate Mary." Songs for Pentecost, Evening Prayer and more"Holy Breath of God" is a contemporary setting of the Pentecost sequence. A lovely song for evening prayer, "Come Stay with Us" retells the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Dan wrote "Litany of Peace" for an interdenominational prayer service with the Dali Lama in San Francisco.Music that builds relationship with GodWith God's Holy Gifts, once again Dan Schutte passes on the gift he's received: music that draws us into relationship with God.
Title
Listen
All for Your Glory
Christ of Ages
Come with Me into the Fields
Come, Stay with Us
From Age to Age
God's Holy Gifts
Handmaid of Heaven
Holy Breath of God
How Can I Repay
Litany of Peace
Our Hope Is in the Lord
Valleys of Green
You can purchase the CD at www.PilgrimMusic.com or www.ocp.org.
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