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.