On the Musical Road to Emmaus

Thinking about music and scripture to help parishes through pastoral transitions, common in the month of June, when new priests are ordained and others choose to retire.

A discussion of the famous hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" in the context of Trinity Sunday -- and more!

A discussion of Pentecost and the plethora of musical options related to the feast and to scripture for the day.

A podcast episode about death and life, the grief and joy around the resurrection, and "I am the Bread of Life," by Sister Suzanne Toolan.

A reflection on the Third Sunday of Easter (cycle A) and an upcoming visit from composer and liturgical musician, Bob Hurd.

An interview with Father Rob Hagan, Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova.  We discuss St. Augustine, the Augustinians, City of God, and the Augustine quote used in Elaine Hagenberg's anthem "Alleluia!"

Discusses the strong and different emotions emerging out of Palm Sunday, while also analyzing Michael E. Showalter's "The Lamb is Crucified" and Lloyd Larson's "Hosanna"

The first part of an interview with Deacon Ben Servagno, serving the Allentown Diocese through his assignment at my home parish, St. Ann Church of Emmaus, PA.  In part 2, we will get to preparing for Lent, but Ben's journey to the diaconate is an interview worth listening to by itself.

An analysis of Elaine Hagenberg's anthem "All Things New," in the context of St. Ignatius, the church year, and learning patience.

Contemplating the readings and musical selections for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, along with the Superbowl

I dove into the Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount, about 20 episodes ago, in terms of music.  This episode features a conversation with my colleague Mark Koscinski, a deacon in the Polish Catholic Church, more into the liturgical meaning of this famous excerpt from the Gospel of Matthew.

Thinking about preparing for the Lord and preparing for a massive winter storm.

The beginning of Ordinary Time, Cycle A, with a focus on being open to hearing the Lord, as in "Here I Am, Lord."

I had a wonderful conversation with Lloyd Larson, composer, conductor, arranger, singer, pianist... we talked a lot about his musical career and approach to composition, then focused a bit on his anthem "Morning Star."

A discussion with Father Allen Hoffa about his favorite Advent hymn, 'Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming."

Charlie McDonald, chaplain at Moravian University, talks about his favorite advent hymn, "In the Bleak Midwinter."

An interview with diocesan priest Father Mark Searles, about his favorite Advent hymn, "Come, O Long Expected Savior."  

A podcast episode comparing Dan Schutte's "City of God" and St. Augustine's City of God, preparing for the First Sunday of Advent.

A discussion of the Feast of Christ the King, closing out the liturgical year, and the anthem "All Praise to Thee" by Elaine Hagenberg.  (Musical clips used with permission of Beckenhorst Press)

Inspired by a podcast episode by Jeff Cavins, Carol shares her thoughts on singing at Mass -- especially for those who choose not to sing! 

A discussion of All Saints and All Souls Day, which start the month of November, with a discussion of the Requiem Mass, and specific examples by Gabriel Faure.

Pondering World Singing Day and the hymn "Sing of the Lord's Goodness"

The history of Gift of Finest Wheat, coming out of the 41st International Eucharistic Congress, and a survey of the music.

An exploration of this beloved song. 

An interview with composer and pastoral musician Bob Hurd, who publishes through Oregon Catholic Press.

A discussion of the Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount) and the connection to the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C.

A consideration of Ola Gjeilo's setting of "Ubi Caritas", with a comparison to the ancient Gregorian Chant of the same text.

A discussion of Elaine Hagenberg's choral anthem "O Love" in the context of the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (cycle C).

A lesson on the anthem "God So Loved the World" by John Stainer, to be featured for the Exaltation of the Cross.

This short episode responds to a choir member's question about the origin of the hymn "There is a Balm in Gilead."

Let’s get started! And reflections on music for the September 14, 2025.(Recorded on September 9. 2025)