Songs for This Time of Pain and Darkness

Artwork by Bro. Mickey McGrath (used with permission)

As with all of you, things at Open Your Hymnal have been different the last several weeks. So, we’re behind with our new episodes. We promise we’ll get back to them very soon. 

In the meantime, though, we can’t ignore the things that are happening in our communities. We’re feeling the pile up of grief, sadness, anger, and hopelessness. So, we offer these songs to you, hoping they meet you wherever you are, that they accompany you, speak to you. At a time when, on the one hand we’ve lost our ability to sing together and, on the other hand, we’re made speechless by so much pain and injustice, we hope that we can still be fed, lead, and joined together by a power that can only come through music. 

There won’t be any conversation in this episode, just the music. Thank you for spending this time with us in prayer and reflection. May we be healed, but never the same. May we all respond to the call, accept the commission, for real work, real action, real justice. 

Episode links

You can purchase the song recordings you heard in this episode: piano instrumental of “The Cloud’s Veil” (arr. Paul Tate), “The Cloud’s Veil” (Liam Lawton), “Christ Be Our Light” (Bernadette Farrell), “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” (Tony Alonso), “How Long, O Lord” (John L. Bell), “There is a Longing” (Anne Quigley), “Have Mercy on Us for We Have Sinned” (W. Clifford Petty), “What You Have Done” (Ed Eicker), “Hold on To Love” (Jesse Manibusan), “Day of Peace” (Janet Sullivan Whitaker), “Love Burn Bright” (Chris de Silva), “Koinonia” (arr. James Abbington), “When One Among Us” (Lori True), and “We Shall Overcome” (arr. Robert T. Gibson).

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OYH Prayer Series: Stations of the Cross

(photo credit: Saint John’s Abbey)

At this time of year, communities gather together to pray the Stations of the Cross. However, due to the spread of COVID-19, this is not possible for many parishes around the world. In order to provide a way for us to still walk the way of the Cross together, we are presenting a special podcast version of Stations of the Cross with original reflections and prayers as well as a newly composed music setting by Zack Stachowski. You’ll also hear several selections from several composers you know..

So, please pray with us!

Notes and resources

You can find the music you heard via the following links: “Way of the Cross” (Francisco), “Restless is the Heart” (Farrell), “Sing Out, My Soul” (Whitaker), “When One Among Us” (True), “The Cross of Jesus” (O’Brien), “Psalm 22: My God, My God” (Montgomery), and “Ave Verum Corpus” (Moore).

Download the guide for use in your home or parish by following the links below!

The Way of the Cross: A Prayer of Hope and Healing Amidst a Global Pandemic

PARISH USE version

INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY USE version

PURCHASE MUSIC for the sung introductions

Guided Video Prayer

All content of this podcast is property of Look Up Here Productions or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

"When You Come"

Matt Reichert, Zack Stachowski, and Tony Alonso (December, 2019)

OYH is shaking things up and turning our microphone around! Today, our co-host Zack Stachowski serves as our interview guest, speaking about his Advent piece, “When You Come.” Since the co-host is becoming the guest, it only makes sense to have one of our past guests serve as co-host. We’re glad to be joined by Tony Alonso, who serves as co-host and helped interview Zack. As a special surprise, you’ll also hear from a host of other guests from past episodes, all sharing their insights into Zack’s piece.

So, please open your hymnals to “When You Come.”

Episode links

For more information about Zack Stachowski and his other compositions, visit his composer page at GIA Publications.

Thanks to all of our guest co-hosts for today’s episode! For more information about the work of composers Tony Alonso, Dan Kantor, Lori True, Carol Browning, Michael Joncas, and David Haas, visit GIA Publications. For more information about the work of Jesse Manibusan and Paul Inwood, visit OCP. For more information about the work of Lorraine Hess, Craig Colson, and Alan Hommerding, visit World Library Publications. [NOTE: Composers are listed by primary publisher. Many composers have pieces published by more than one publishing company].

You can purchase a copy of the score and a copy of the song recording for "When You Come” from GIA Publications.

You can also purchase the other song recordings you heard in this episode: “Glory to God” (David Haas), “Advent Suite” (arr. Paul Tate), “This is Your Justice” (Colson), “Within Our Hearts Be Born” (Joncas), “A Weary Couple” (arr. Alonso, text by Adam M. L. Tice), and “Panis Angelicus” (Stachowski).

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All content of this podcast is property of Look Up Here Productions or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

In Review: One Call Institute, 2019

OCI 2019 participants in rehearsal at Saint John’s University, Collegeville, MN

It’s our first audio “yearbook”! In this episode, co-hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert bring you musical highlights from the 2019 One Call Institute. One Call exists to help support, empower, and engage young pastoral musicians and their advocates. This year, participants gathered from across the country to learn, pray, and make music together. Most importantly, the participants were sent out to continue using their skills and talents in their home communities. Today’s episode explores a selection of the music used by OCI participants during prayer, the end-of-week concert, and final Mass.

So, please open your hymnals!

Episode links

For more information about the One Call Institute, visit the program website at www.onecallinstitute.org.

You can help support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. For more information about the sponsors of this episode - Ministry Scheduler Pro software, the Ministry Monday podcast, and Great Catholic Music - visit their links.

You can purchase a copy of the song recordings you heard in this episode: “Nzamuranza” (tr. Mozabique/Cameroon), “Canticle of the Turning” (Cooney), “Take, O Take Me As I Am” (Bell), “Take This Moment” (Bell), “Psalm 63: My Soul is Thirsting” (Angrisano), “Psalm 19: Words of Everlasting Life” (Alonso), “Psalm 25: I Lift My Soul” (True), “Ubi Caritas” (tr. chant), “Table Prayer: God of Life and of the Living” (Joncas), “Psalm 91: Be With Me, Lord” (Hart/Stephan), “Psalm 51: Have Mercy On Us for We Have Sinned” (Petty), “Belong” (de Silva), “10,000 Reasons” (Myrin/Redman), “Salve Regina” (tr. chant), “Da Pacem, Domine” (Franck), “This is Your Justice” (Colson), “In the Morning, In the Evening” (Gaunt), “In the Breaking of the Bread” (Ward), “Dame Tu Paz” (Betancourt), “Soli Deo Gloria” (Haugen), “From the Many, Make Us One” (Alonso), “With Rejoicing Hearts” (Cortez), “Jerusalem, My Destiny” (Cooney), “Dios Nos Bendiga” (Manibusan), and “Go Out” (Petty) .

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"I Will Choose Christ"

Matt Reichert, Zack Stachowski, and Tom Booth (2019 LA Religious Education Congress).

It’s the Season 3 premier! Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert are joined by composer Tom Booth to talk about his song, “I Will Choose Christ.” There is a lot packed into this episode! Conversion, encounter, vocation, evangelization, and the craziest recording story we’ve heard so far (teaser: Paul McCartney). You’ll also hear the first ever OYH Playlist debut as Tom shares one of the first songs he ever wrote, back when he was 17, never before recorded or published.

So, please open your hymnal to "I Will Choose Christ."

Episode links

For more information about Tom Booth and his other compositions, visit his composer page at OCP or his personal website at www.tomboothmusic.com.

You can help support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. For more information about the sponsors of this episode - Ministry Scheduler Pro software, the Ministry Monday podcast, and Great Catholic Music - visit their links.

You can purchase a copy of the score and a copy of the song recording for "I Will Choose Christ” from OCP.

You can also purchase the other song recordings you heard in this episode: “Butterfly Kisses” (Bob Carlisle), “One Lord” (Lori True), “In the Breaking of the Bread” (Michael Ward, arr. John Angotti), and “All Glory is Yours” (Bob Moore). The song “With You, My Lord” is unpublished.

You can find out more about the One Call Institute at www.onecallinstitute.org.

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All content of this podcast is property of Look Up Here Productions or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

OYH Selects: "Covenant Hymn"

Today's guests along with other OYH alumni! From left to right: Gary DaIgle, Tom Kendzia, Jaime Cortez, Diana Macalintal, and Rory Cooney.

To conclude our Lenten series, we are bringing you our Easter Vigil episode, originally released in March, 2018..

Join hosts Matt Reichert and Zack Stachowski as they return to composers Gary Daigle and Rory Cooney, this time in conversation together about one of their best-known and best-loved collaborations. You'll hear about "homiletic" texts, the song's intended use for rites of initiation, and the latest OYH liturgical music "bombshell". Our conversation is also joined by Diana Macalintal who shares more information about the RCIA and the concept of "covenant" in the ritual action of the Easter Vigil. 

So, please open your hymnal to "Covenant Hymn."

Episode links

For more information about Gary Daigle and his other compositions, visit his composer page at GIA Publications.

For more information about Rory Cooney and his other compositions, visit his composer pages at GIA Publications, OCP, and WLP. Also, be sure to check out his blog, "Gentle Reign".

You can purchase a copy of the score and a copy of the song recording from GIA Publications. You can also purchase the other song recordings you heard in the episode: the instrumental guitar recording of "Covenant Hymn" (arr. Steve Petrunak), the instrumental piano recording of "Covenant Hymn" (arr. Paul Tate),  "I Am For You" (Rory Cooney), “Come to the Waters” (Lori True), “Litany of the Saints” (John Becker), “Exodus 15: To God be Praise and Glory” (Janet Sullivan Whitaker), and “Sicut Cervus” (Palestrina, ed. Maynard Klein).

You can learn more about Diana Macalintal and her work at her website: www.TeamRCIA.com 

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All content of this podcast is property of Look Up Here Productions or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

OYH Selects: "From Ashes to the Living Font"

Alan Hommerding

It’s our Lenten kick-off episode! To commemorate the start of the season, we are re-releasing our conversation with Alan Hommerding from February, 2017. You’ll hear the same great interview, but with added features like the OYH Playlist segment.

Join Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they chat with composer and text-writer Alan Hommerding. They discuss the way metrical hymns works, the "evaporating pool" of hymn tunes in American parishes, and the need for a moratorium on the tune BEACH SPRING (no, not really). Whether you know a lot about hymns, are new to hymns, or think you don't like hymns (you're wrong, by the way), you'll learn something new in this episode. 

So, please open your hymnal to "From Ashes to the Living Font."

Episode links

For more information about Alan Hommerding and his other compositions, visit his composer page at World Library Publications. You can read the blog post Alan mentions at PrayTell.

You can purchase a copy of the score from World Library Publications. By following these links, you can also purchase the other song recordings you heard in the episode: "O Sacred Head Surrounded" (J.S. Bach/Leo Hassler), “The Quiet Center” (Shirley Erena Murray/Zack Stachowski), “The Thorn Tree” (S. Genevieve Glen/Scot Crandal), “In the Arms of Jesus” (Alan Hommerding/John Angotti), “Loving and Forgiving” (Scott Soper), and “Your Love, O Lord” (Alan Hommerding/Ed Eicker).

You can purchase the organ instrumental recording of ST. FLAVIAN and the piano instrumental recording of LAND OF REST on iTunes. The piano instrumental recordings of BEECHER and BEACH SPRING were recorded by Fr. Robert Koopmann, OSB, on the album "Sacred Improvisations."

You can view the video of comedian Andy Andrews singing the text of "Amazing Grace" to different tunes on YouTube.

You can view video of the conversation with Dr. Lynn Trapp and Dr. Jennifer Pascuale, "The Hymns Every Parish Should Know," in the NPM digital media library. It can be accessed through NPM's website, www.npm.org. NOTE: You must be a member to access the video content. Sign up today!

You can visit the Hymnary website at www.hymnary.org.

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All content of this podcast is property of Look Up Here Productions or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

Celebrating the Music of Women Composers

Sarah Hart

We’re focusing on music written by women composers, and we’re blessed to be joined by five guests: Sarah Hart, Lori True, Carol Browning, Lorraine Hess, and Kate Williams. You’ll hear our guests discuss the experience of composing, publishing, and ministry as women. You’ll also hear several additional composers featured in this episode’s OYH Playlist.

Carol Browning

So, please open your hymnals!

Lori True

Episode links

You can find out more about the work of our guests by visiting their artist pages:

1. Sarah Hart: OCP page, personal page

2. Lori True: GIA page

3. Carol Browning: GIA page, MorningStar page, Liturgical Press page

4. Lorraine Hess: WLP page, personal page

5. Kate Williams: GIA page

Lorraine Hess

You can purchase the song recordings you heard in this episode: “Be With Me, Lord” (Sarah Hart/Curtis Stephan), “Who is the Alien?” (Lori True), “Ubi Caritas” (Carol Browning), “Glorify Him by Your Life” (Lorraine Hess), “Hymn of St. Patrick” (Diana Macalintal), “All That is Hidden” (Bernadette Farrell), “In Every Age” (Janet Sullivan Whitacre), “Enter In” (Kathleen Basi), “Dame Tu Paz” (Anna Betancourt), “Bienaventurados” (Lourdes Montgomery"), “In the Morning, In the Evening” (Bex Gaunt), “I Am the Bread of Life” (Suzanne Toolan).

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Kate Williams

All content of this podcast is property of Look Up Here Productions or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

"May the Road Rise to Meet You"

The text of the traditional "Irish blessing" is well-known and well-loved by generations of Christians from across the cultural spectrum. In this episode, composer Lori True speaks with Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert about her setting of the text in the song "May the Road Rise to Meet You." Lori shares her experience crafting melody, setting blessings, and serving the Church as a female composer of liturgical music. Plus, there is a cameo appearance by Queen Elizabeth II!

So, please open your hymnal to "May the Road Rise to Meet You."

Episode links

For more information about Lori True and her other compositions, visit her composer page at GIA Publications.

You can purchase a copy of the song score and a copy of the original song recording from GIA Publications. While there, you can also purchase copies of Lori's other songs that were referenced in this episode : "I Cry to You", "Let This Be the Time," God Give Us Peace That Lasts," "May the Peace of Christ Be With You (Japanese Blessing)," and "Go Now in Peace." 

You can purchase a piano score and copy of the instrumental recording of "May the Road Rise to Meet You" (arranged and performed by Paul Tate) from GIA Publications. 

You can watch the Cashel Community School choir perform the song for Queen Elizabeth II on her 2011 visit to Ireland on Youtube (the song begins about the 3:11 mark). 

You can find out more about Music Ministry Alive! by visiting the program website.

You can find out more about St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, the largest Catholic women's college in the country, by visiting their website.

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All content of this podcast is property of Open Your Hymnal or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about this podcast and its use, please contact us.