With All the Saints

"With all the saints, with prophets and martyrs, with holy Mary and Joseph, with all those who came before and those who will follow, we gather here today, one body in the Lord, a sign and sacrament of Christ." With these words Bob Hurd opens his new gathering song. The three verses that follow gather in the poor and needy, refugees, victims of violence, and those who mourn—to name just a few who are included. The last two verses sing of a place "where all may dwell in peace and know life's full measure," and they conclude by praying, "that this church once more gathered... be a living sign of the love of God and neighbor." This fine text makes this setting stand out above many of the "gathering" texts that have come our way in recent decades. The tune is strong and will easily be sung by the whole assembly. Spanish verses are also included, and brass and timpani instrumental part are available for "big" occasions.
- Tim Dyksinski, Music Director for Pastoral Music Notebook