Inspired by Pope John Paul's apostolic letter on the rosary (Rosarium Virginis Mariae), Bob Hurd and friends have created a resource that invites us to rediscover the rosary as a form of contemplative prayer. Designed for both communal and individual recitation, A Contemplative Rosary engages the whole person through music, Scripture readings, icons and meditations.

This special 4-CD set includes all four collections in the A Contemplative Rosary series:

• A Contemplative Rosary: The Glorious Mysteries
• A Contemplative Rosary: The Joyful Mysteries
• A Contemplative Rosary: The Luminous Mysteries
• A Contemplative Rosary: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Music

• Allows you to fully "sing the rosary" -- provides simple chant settings for the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory to the Father
• Includes choral harmonies and instrumental accompaniment, with parts for cello, piano and hand bells, for communal recitation (complete score available in Leader's Guide)
• Includes several pieces for gathering and preparing to pray the rosary, and a song for sending forth
• Beautifully recorded CD illustrates how A Contemplative Rosary sounds in its most communal form, prayed in a church with an assembly, presiding minister, choir and readers
• One CD for each of the four sets of mysteries: joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious
• An excellent learning tool, the CD can also serve as accompaniment for individual and small group recitation
• People''s book and CD-ROM feature stunning, full-color icons for all 20 mysteries; the CD-ROM lets you project them onto a wall or screen for groups to see and study throughout the prayer

Scripture & Meditations

• Includes Scripture verses for proclamation by a reader at various points across each decade
• People''s book includes biblical meditations prepared by Dr. Elaine Park, professor of biblical studies at Mt. Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, OR
• Designed especially for personal recitation, the reflections invite the reader to delve more deeply into each mystery before turning the page to study the icon and pray the decade

The books also contain three enlightening essays: one by Bishop Michael Warfel of the Diocese of Juneau, Alaska, reflecting on the papal encyclical, which inspired him to initiate this project; "Incarnation and Icon," by Charles Rohrbacher, explaining how icons can help us "encounter" the living God; and a helpful overview and introduction by Bob Hurd, with suggestions for getting the most out of this resource.

Meticulously prepared, beautifully designed and revolutionary in its approach, A Contemplative Rosary can help Christians everywhere "contemplate Christ with Mary" through singing and praying the sacred mysteries of the holy rosary.

Inspired by Pope John Paul's apostolic letter on the rosary (Rosarium Virginis Mariae), Bob Hurd and friends have created a resource that invites us to rediscover the rosary as a form of contemplative prayer. Designed for both communal and individual recitation, A Contemplative Rosary engages the whole person through music, Scripture readings, icons and meditations.

Music

• Allows you to fully "sing the rosary" -- provides simple chant settings for the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory to the Father
• Includes choral harmonies and instrumental accompaniment, with parts for cello, piano and hand bells, for communal recitation (complete score available in Leader's Guide)
• Includes several pieces for gathering and preparing to pray the rosary, and a song for sending forth
• Beautifully recorded CD illustrates how A Contemplative Rosary sounds in its most communal form, prayed in a church with an assembly, presiding minister, choir and readers
• One CD for each of the four sets of mysteries: joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious
• An excellent learning tool, the CD can also serve as accompaniment for individual and small group recitation
• People's book and CD-ROM feature stunning, full-color icons for all 20 mysteries; the CD-ROM lets you project them onto a wall or screen for groups to see and study throughout the prayer

Scripture & Meditations

• Includes Scripture verses for proclamation by a reader at various points across each decade
• People's book includes biblical meditations prepared by Dr. Elaine Park, professor of biblical studies at Mt. Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, OR
• Designed especially for personal recitation, the reflections invite the reader to delve more deeply into each mystery before turning the page to study the icon and pray the decade

The books also contain three enlightening essays: one by Bishop Michael Warfel of the Diocese of Juneau, Alaska, reflecting on the papal encyclical, which inspired him to initiate this project; "Incarnation and Icon," by Charles Rohrbacher, explaining how icons can help us "encounter" the living God; and a helpful overview and introduction by Bob Hurd, with suggestions for getting the most out of this resource.

Meticulously prepared, beautifully designed and revolutionary in its approach, A Contemplative Rosary can help Christians everywhere "contemplate Christ with Mary" through singing and praying the sacred mysteries of the holy rosary.

Inspired by Pope John Paul's apostolic letter on the rosary (Rosarium Virginis Mariae), Bob Hurd and friends have created a resource that invites us to rediscover the rosary as a form of contemplative prayer. Designed for both communal and individual recitation, A Contemplative Rosary engages the whole person through music, Scripture readings, icons and meditations.

Music

• Allows you to fully "sing the rosary" -- provides simple chant settings for the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory to the Father
• Includes choral harmonies and instrumental accompaniment, with parts for cello, piano and hand bells, for communal recitation (complete score available in Leader's Guide)
• Includes several pieces for gathering and preparing to pray the rosary, and a song for sending forth
• Beautifully recorded CD illustrates how A Contemplative Rosary sounds in its most communal form, prayed in a church with an assembly, presiding minister, choir and readers
• One CD for each of the four sets of mysteries: joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious
• An excellent learning tool, the CD can also serve as accompaniment for individual and small group recitation
• People's book and CD-ROM feature stunning, full-color icons for all 20 mysteries; the CD-ROM lets you project them onto a wall or screen for groups to see and study throughout the prayer

Scripture & Meditations

• Includes Scripture verses for proclamation by a reader at various points across each decade
• People's book includes biblical meditations prepared by Dr. Elaine Park, professor of biblical studies at Mt. Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, OR
• Designed especially for personal recitation, the reflections invite the reader to delve more deeply into each mystery before turning the page to study the icon and pray the decade

The books also contain three enlightening essays: one by Bishop Michael Warfel of the Diocese of Juneau, Alaska, reflecting on the papal encyclical, which inspired him to initiate this project; "Incarnation and Icon," by Charles Rohrbacher, explaining how icons can help us "encounter" the living God; and a helpful overview and introduction by Bob Hurd, with suggestions for getting the most out of this resource.

Meticulously prepared, beautifully designed and revolutionary in its approach, A Contemplative Rosary can help Christians everywhere "contemplate Christ with Mary" through singing and praying the sacred mysteries of the holy rosary.

This 2-CD set contains two discs: words and music (Disc 1) and instrumental versions (Disc 2). This 14-song CD from Mark Friedman and Janet Vogt includes readings that may be used during Lent and Easter for the Eucharistic liturgy, Liturgy of the Word, prayer services, ritual celebrations and in the classroom.

Acoustic recordings and new arrangements
This 12-song recording and accompaniment book contain the best songs from Carmelo Erdozáin over the past 30 years of his incredible international career. With new acoustic recordings, new arrangements and strong theology, these songs, recorded in Chile, balance text with melody in support of the liturgy.

Great for retreats, faith formation and more
With many liturgical uses and deep scriptural texts for the Eucharist, this powerful collection is wonderfully helpful for retreats, faith formation, personal devotion and catechetical moments. The texts are not only appropriate but poetic.

Songs for different seasons
From the strong text and comforting melody of "Las Puertas de la Nueva Ciudad" to the festive banquet of "Oh, Señor, Delante de Ti," this collection will inspire and delight. "Cristo Nos Une en Torno a Su Altar," a communion song, has verses for Advent, Holy Thursday and Corpus Christi. "Himno a Jesucristo" is full of images of Christ: Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life; Christ the Good Shepherd; Christ the Teacher; and Christ the Savior, Son of God. "Creo en Jesús" is especially recommended for youth, and stresses our Christian vocation.

Popular, beloved Catholic songs
Valuable for everything from funerals to weddings, from Lent to Christmas, these Spanish worship songs are gems worth having. Rich instrumentation, beautifully moving melodies, and exceptional vocals make this an easy recording to enjoy. Assemblies will be delighted to sing along with these popular, beloved songs.

Bilingual versions of beloved songs for worship
Cantemos Unidos/United in Song is an ideal means of drawing together the whole congregation into a cohesive, multicultural body of Christ. This practical resource contains bilingual versions of 24 of the best-known songs for worship ever written: 12 songs originally written in English with new, added text in Spanish, and 12 Spanish songs with added English text. It's a wonderful way to introduce new and beloved songs to the whole assembly!

Excellent translations and clear formatting
Featuring Spanish classics such as "Pescador de Hombres," "Resucitó," "Alabaré" and "Vienen con Alegría," the collection also includes "Here I Am, Lord," "Hail Mary: Gentle Woman" and "On Eagle's Wings." The simple arrangements, excellent translations -- by Owen Alstott and Father Juan Sosa -- and clear formatting make it easy for parishioners to sing the verses in both languages.

Classic worship songs for every season of the year
Songs in this collection cover a variety of themes such as: peace, trust, praise, joy, love, conversion and discipleship and can be used during several seasons of the liturgical year including Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

Expand your repertoire, complement your bilingual celebrations and unite your assembly in song and worship with the music of Cantemos Unidos/United in Song.

"The Church recognizes Gregorian chant as especially fitting for the Roman liturgy: other things being equal, it should therefore be given the foremost place in worship."

Vatican Council II
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy §116
(December 1963)

Introduce Gregorian chant to your parish
If you're looking for a way to make Gregorian chant a part of worship in your parish, look no further! From easy-to-learn pieces for choirs or congregations new to plainsong to more complex and demanding selections for ensembles with years of chant experience... Cantemus Domino offers a wide variety of music to meet the needs of any community.

Celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus
Some of the Gregorian melodies for Holy Week date back as early as fourth-century Jerusalem. The medieval Italians coined the term Hebdomada Authentica, "Real Week," for these seven days of preparation leading up to Easter. Cantemus Domino is an excellent introduction to the chanted liturgy for the most solemn and iconic time of the liturgical year. As we celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, this beautiful collection offers a number of selections to match the distinctive mood of each day.

Enrich worship throughout Holy Week
The soaring Christus factus est and solemn Improperium exspectavit fit wonderfully for the joyful beginning and earnest conclusion of the Palm Sunday service. Delightful and reflective, six of the seven Holy Thursday pieces are included specifically for the ritual foot-washing—a touching ceremony that precludes the unpleasant events to come. The long series of Improperia and the hymn Crux fidelis emote the somber beauty of Good Friday, as members of the assembly come forward for the veneration of the cross. During the vigil of Holy Saturday, we hear the Lenten melodies of Cantemus Domino and Vinea facta est for the last time, as we are ushered out of the darkness and into the light by the joyful Alleluia and triumphant dismissal Ite, missa est.

Enjoy stunning vocals and masterful direction
Dean Applegate has dedicated his career to the liturgical preservation of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony. He founded Cantores in Ecclesia in 1983, an award-winning and internationally renowned choir of children and adults that has performed all over the world—including the Church of St. Etienne-du-Mont, Church of Ste. Clotilde and the Nôtre Dame Cathedral. Cantemus Domino is the sequel to O Lux Beatissima and Inclina Domine, which also feature the stunning vocals of Cantores in Ecclesia under the masterful direction of Applegate.

Tracks: Procedamus in pace | Pueri Hebraeorum | Gloria Laus et Honor | Ingrediente Domino | Christus factus est | Improperium exspectavit | Nos autem | Postquam surrexit Dominus | Dominus Iesus | Domine, tu mihi | Si ego Dominus | In hoc cognoscent | Mandatum novum | Ecce lignum Crucis | Crucem tuam | Improperia | Crux fidelis | Lumen Christi | Cantemus Domino | Vinea facta est | Gloria "Lux et origo" | Alleluia: Confitimini Domino | Litaniae Sanctorum | Pascha nostrum | Ite, missa est

In Deo Gratias, Pedro creates fresh, singable, contemporary songs for processions and other ritual moments. Includes eight songs in English, three bilingual songs and one in Spanish.

Three of the pieces in Deo Gratias are Taizé-style, using a common antiphon in Latin and alternating verses in English and Spanish. This simple combining of languages encourages everyone in the assembly to join in and sing. Peter's goal in Deo Gratias is to "help people grow in their faith, as writing and performing this music helps me grow in mine."

Deo Gratias includes responsorial psalms, songs for penance services, the sprinkling rite, and a tender, Spanish processional for funerals.

The collection can be used throughout the year including Advent, Lent and Easter.

Pedro's songs are practical for small choirs or for keyboard and cantor, but can also be richly performed by larger choirs.

12 accessible new songs for the entire year
The late Monsignor Taulé believed that every parish should have a dynamic, evolving repertoire. As pastor at the oldest church in Barcelona, he knew from experience: quality music and the regular introduction of new songs are vital to a parish's spiritual health. Día de Fiesta gives Spanish-speaking assemblies 12 solid, accessible new songs for every season of the year.

Music for entrance and Communion processions
In preparing this new collection, Father Taulé made it his specific aim to provide new texts and melodies for Mass on Sunday -- el día del Señor, the day of celebration. From there, he narrowed his focus to two particular moments in the liturgy: the entrance procession and Communion.

Entrance hymns for every season
Preceding even the sign of the cross, the gathering song makes a powerful first impression. It sets the tone for the entire liturgy, anticipating themes in the readings and drawing the assembly together en el nombre del Señor. The collection includes one entrance hymn each for Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, and two for Ordinary Time.

Communion songs with easily memorized responses
Composed to inspire "pious listening" and meditation, the six songs for Communion feature short, easily memorized responses. Multiple verses, arranged for soloist and small choir, allow for longer processions. All 12 songs use Scripture-based texts for the entrance and Communion antiphons.

Expands the repertoire of Hispanic parishes
As Father Taulé explains in the songbook's generous performance notes, there's danger in a static repertoire. Sung too often for too long, music can lose its impact. Día de Fiesta is a wonderful solution for Hispanic parishes, expanding the repertoire for the beginning and heart of the liturgy.

Note: A long-time, beloved member of the OCP family, Alberto passed away in March 2007, very shortly after finishing this, his last collection of liturgical music. May he rest in peace.

This 14-song CD by Ricky Manalo, CSP features multilingual liturgical music, including songs with verses in Filipino, English, Mandarin, Chinese, Spanish and Latin.

Like a room lit by candles and filled with incense, these Taizé-style songs inspire prayer. Simple and meditative, with easy-to-sing, repeating refrains, they unite Christians of every background, drawing them into a place of peace and worship.

135 songs, including 30 new titles
A landmark release, Hear the Prayers That Rise offers 135 songs for use in and outside the liturgy. Its perfect for Communion and other processions, reconciliation services, Liturgy of the Hours, ordinations and more.

Music by more than 35 well-known composers
Presenting more than 30 new compositions, the collection also includes the several popular songs of Jacques Berthier (1923-1994), whose music has served the Taizé community for over three decades. More than 35 composers contributed to the project, including Barbara Bridge, Bernadette Farrell, Bob Hurd, Paul Inwood and Mercy Sister Suzanne Toolan.

From energetic gathering songs to quiet chants
The resource encompasses a variety of musical forms: litanies, rounds and canons, responses, acclamations and ostinatos (musical phrases sung repeatedly in the nature of a mantra). Styles range from more energetic gathering and praise songs to quiet chants for centering and meditation. Many songs can be sung without accompaniment.

Great for churches, retreat centers, prayer groups and more
Hear the Prayers That Rise will be especially welcome in small faith communities, prayer groups, retreat centers and churches hosting contemplative prayer services. For those who already have Taizé music in their repertoire, it makes a great supplement.

Music that unites, music thats easy to learn and sing
An ecumenical resource, Hear the Prayers That Rise cuts across denominational lines. People from every Christian community will feel at home singing these Christ-centered songs. Simple and easy-to-learn, this is music any group can use -- no matter their level of resources.

Includes sample order of service and song suggestions
The preface offers practical suggestions for using the music in a prayer service and includes an order of service, Scripture readings and sample intercessions. A topical/seasonal index helps the user find appropriate songs for each part of the service.

Music that creates a vestibule to the sacred
Sister Toolan has used many of these chants in a first Friday service thats been running for 25 years. It draws people from 100 miles away.

They arrive, she describes in the foreword, they come into the dimly lit chapel and they find themselves singing a quiet chant, a chant that becomes, as it were, a vestibule to the sacred. Powerful as it is, this insistent, meditative music doesnt lead people to forget their troubles, she explains. Instead, it invites them to bring their troubles to the cross.

Create a climate of prayer and peace in your community. Introduce the music of Hear the Prayers That Rise!

Their first new collection in 20 years!
Twenty years after releasing their last collection, the St. Louis Jesuits are back! Composers of some of the most beloved liturgical music ever written, the group -- Tim Manion, Dan Schutte and Jesuit Fathers Bob Dufford, John Foley and Roc O'Connor -- has come together to produce Morning Light, a reunion collection of hope-filled songs for Sunday liturgies, funerals, retreats, prayer services and other celebrations.

Beautiful, accessible, innovative melodies
Featuring 12 newly written songs, three by each member of the group (except Manion), this collection proves they still have it. They still have that uncanny ability to set Scripture-based texts to beautiful, accessible, innovative melodies that fit and enhance the liturgy -- and touch the hearts of today's worshipers.

Reflecting 20 years of spiritual and musical growth
But this is no copy of their previous work. Reflecting 20 years of spiritual and musical growth, these new compositions have a depth, maturity and humility that modern assemblies will appreciate. Of course, the world around them has also changed. Concerned for the "dark clouds" and discouragement they see, the group determined to write music filled with "the hope we have been called to."

New music by Bob Dufford, SJ and John Foley, SJ
"Behind and Before Me," by Bob Dufford, is an exquisite setting of Psalm 139. Spiced with well-balanced parts for guitar, flutes, strings and choir, it reassures us of God's intimacy -- and recalls our limited ability to grasp it. Opening with a lovely prelude for trumpets, "Teach Us to Pray," by John Foley, invokes the Holy Spirit's help in prayer and all we do. Inspired by Romans 8, this simple hymn is a timely reminder that "all things work for good."

New music by Roc O'Connor, SJ, and Dan Schutte
Suitable for gathering, preparation of the gifts, Communion, sending forth and other parts of the liturgy, the songs cover a variety of themes, including trust in the Lord, discipleship, light, hope, love and praise. Highlights include "Gather the People," by Dan Schutte. A spirited, syncopated entrance hymn, it builds slowly toward a grand, full-choir finale that can't help but draw the entire assembly -- "the greatest and the least" -- into full participation. Featuring gentle violin and acoustic guitar parts and based on a text by St. Augustine, "O Beauty, Ever Ancient," by Roc O'Connor, challenges us to find renewal and "new life" in God.

Inspirational and prayerful listening
Recorded with an excellent choir and impressive keyboard, wind, percussion and string accompaniment, the CD makes for inspirational and prayerful listening, besides being an excellent rehearsal tool. The composers take turns on lead vocals. Though not contributing to the composing effort, Tim Manion lends his familiar voice and plays guitar on nearly every song.

Hope-filled music for a troubled world
Just as sunlight in the morning dispels the darkness of night, so Morning Light uplifts and encourages -- through both text and melody -- offering hope in a sometimes dark and troubled world. Infused with the genius, faith and maturity of these legendary composers, it's destined to be yet another in their long line of classic and best-selling collections.

Written near the end of Cesáreo’s life, the title track of this collection is profound and hauntingly beautiful. This collection has come to be Cesáreo’s spiritual legacy. It contains responsorial psalms as well as music for Lent, Triduum and Easter.

This 12-song CD by Gerard Chiusano features music for a variety of liturgical uses, including songs for Advent and the Easter Triduum.

This 14-song CD by John Michael Talbot features John Michael's best-known songs for the liturgy, including settings for Christmas, Easter, responsorial psalms, Communion songs and music for personal prayer and study.

The first gospel-style psalmody collection
Introducing Psalms from the Soul, the first psalmody collection designed for all who love gospel music. Providing 28 gospel-style psalms and canticles with verbatim texts from the Lectionary, it features new music by some of today's best-known gospel composers.

Psalms and canticles for the entire liturgical year
Divided into two volumes, this highly anticipated resource supplies common psalms and Gospel canticles for the entire liturgical year: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost and Ordinary Time. Intended primarily for Sunday liturgies in parish settings, it also supports communal recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours.

Recorded with an authentic gospel choir
Recorded with an authentic gospel choir, the CDs reveal the full potential of this passionate music. The call-and-response between cantor, choir and assembly, infectious rhythms, and cantor embellishments all invite enthusiastic participation.

New music by four of today's best gospel composers
All the composers contributed new musical settings. A gifted pianist and composer, Rawn Harbor is one of the preeminent African American liturgists in the U.S. Long-time OCP composer Val Parker has two collections of piano improvisations. Both gifted musicians, ValLimar and Frank Jansen have two collections of spirituals and gospel-style music.

Original cover art by Ghana native Sami Bentil
Psalms from the Soul looks as good as it sounds. The songbooks and CDs feature "Outdooring," a colorful original painting by Sami Bentil. A native of Ghana, he produces art that blends the history of that nation with "his passionate vision of world peace." More information is available at samibentilart.com.

The entire congregation takes part by singing the response
"After the first reading comes the responsorial Psalm, which," the Church tells us, "is an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word and holds great liturgical and pastoral importance, because it fosters meditation on the word of God." The entire congregation "takes part by singing the response" —(General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Third Typical Edition).

An essentially Catholic approach to psalmody in true gospel style
Psalms for the Soul provides an essentially Catholic approach to psalmody in true gospel style. Written by gospel musicians for gospel musicians -- and all who love this spirited music -- these dynamic settings will help assemblies around the U.S. "sing the response" to God's word with heartfelt zeal and authenticity.

This 16-song CD by Eleazar Cortés features Mexican-influenced Latin music for Spanish-speaking people in the liturgy. The collection includes eight responsorial psalm settings and music for Quinceañeras, seasonal and funeral psalms as well as wedding songs; songs for gathering, communion, Easter Vigil and other celebrations in parish life.

This unique collection contains 22 stories and songs about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The delightful illustrations throughout this beautifully bound book will captivate children of all ages. This collection is a must for anyone working with young children, either in a parish or in the home.

The songbook features beautiful full-color illustrations and memorable story texts. The CD and cassette (available separately) provide lively recordings, and the activity book reinforces the lessons learned from the 22 stories and songs.

A wonderful resource for the classroom, as a parent-child activity or for children to use on their own.

Music by Christopher Walker, song texts and prayers by Daughter of Charity Sister Paule Freeburg. Illustrated by Jean Germano.

In the tradition of the many artists who have depicted Jesus in sculpture, painting and song, Mercy Sister Suzanne Toolan has created a reverent new musical portrait of Our Lord and the holy family. Opening with a dramatic representation of the Annunciation, her piano improvisations paint colorful, vivid scenes from Jesus' boyhood, youth and public ministry.

While most scenes are drawn directly from the Gospels, the music also covers some events not mentioned there, such as "The Wedding of Mary and Joseph." Her meditation on that festive occasion is a dance piece with sweeping rhythms and harmonic minor chords and melodies evocative of Jewish folk songs. One can truly imagine our Lord's mother and foster father celebrating to joyful music like this!

The music for "Joseph's Misunderstanding" depicts his restlessness and uncertainty perfectly, then ends with the resolution and peace that come after the angel's reassurance. "Jesus, the Little Boy" is playful and light, its quick movements mimicking the nimble feet and busy hands of an active, fun-loving boy. After the dissonant, stirring meditation on the crucifixion, The Life of Jesus closes with the slow-building joy, awe and exuberant major chords of "The Resurrection."

The recording features Sister Toolan-well known for her classic song "I Am the Bread of Life"-on the piano, with Mercy Sister Marguerite Buchanan reading short introductions to each piece. The fruit of creative genius and a lifetime spent in devout reflection on the Gospels, The Life of Jesus makes inspiring listening and an excellent background for prayer and meditation throughout the year.

One of the world's most respected Gregorian chant experts, Benedictine Father Columba Kelly has set the current Lectionary text for St. John's Passion to the traditional, ancient tone for this proclamation. Perfected through years of use at St. Meinrad Archabbey, this solemn, accessible setting for Good Friday is now available for widespread use in parishes and other communities.

Combining ancient and modern styles, Father Kelly's setting stands out for its ingenious adaptation of the traditional chant to the inflections and rhythms of modern English. The music is conveniently divided into scenes to assist the singers when practicing and proclaiming the Passion. Singing parts are for two narrators (medium voice), Christus (bass), and various individuals (tenor or soprano).

Group parts, such as the crowd and the soldiers at the cross, may be sung in unison but have optional three-part choral settings, as featured on the CD. All parts are a cappella. An excellent rehearsal tool, the beautifully recorded CD makes inspiring devotional listening, especially during Lent.

"The words of the text should communicate the vitality and mystery of the Lord's Passion and Death," explains Benedictine Father Harry Hagan in the introduction. "An over-wrought presentation calls attention to itself instead of the text while a tepid approach belies the power of the words. The proclamation need only reveal the power of the words."

Simple, poignant and meticulously crafted, Father Kelly's setting does just that, showcasing the mystical power of St. John's Passion.

This 14-song CD by Christopher Walker features music for each of the 14 stations of the cross and serves as a helpful learning tool for background accompaniment.