I'm not ok...

I'm not OK. There I said it. I am a cradle Catholic and have had my 'ups and downs' in my faith. At the age of eighteen, I walked away from the Church only to come back at twenty-one and become a Youth Minister. Years later, I would become a worship leader and years after that, a campus minister. God has always seemed to find me right where I was and capture my heart. I lived through the abuse scandal in the Diocese of Orange as a Youth Minister. It was brutal. I saw friends get interviewed and watched as a settlement came out of 100 million but I was OK. I "dealt" with it. This time is different. I really have been trying to understand why THIS time hurts so much and I think I know why. Now, I am a parent. There is no responsibility I have ever taken on more seriously than being a parent. When your kids are young, your sole job is to keep them alive. Seriously. Just keep them alive. As they grow up, things get a touch more complex but my primary job as a father is to protect my children and give them the best life I possibly can. It has not been easy, but it has been worth every single drop of sweat and every single tear.  Now, this latest scandal has surfaced and I am angry. Even in the past when I had a crisis of faith, it never felt like this. The best word to describe it is, "detached" and I don't want to feel that way. I am passionate about my faith and I LOVE the Church. There is "change" that is needed. I don't claim to know what that is at this time but I know we need SOMETHING. We need to humble ourselves. We need to acknowledge that we have to make things better and DO whatever it takes to protect the flock. 

Today, as I listened to the Gospel, God seemed to find me once again and capture my heart. The Gospel said, "As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?"  Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."  Though I am still struggling, these beliefs still hold true. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in the Eucharist. And I believe although I am not OK right now, I will be because I am convinced that God's grace will continue to heal the Church and me.

+ Pasquale

The Kickstarter Phenomenon!

As history has shown us, benefactors have always been essential to the creation of art in society. They saw its importance and realized that art made things "better" in life.  It was through their generosity that many of the masters that we know today and their masterpieces were created for the world. Benefactors enabled artists in all genres to create, for that is what artists do best, they "create". 

For me, I really never considered myself an "artist". People use that term with me on occasion and I am always flattered with that title. To me an artist brings out the very best in the world. The poet uses words that bring the pages to life, painters use color, texture and line to evoke emotion and musicians write songs that truly speak to our hearts.

For someone like me, we still need benefactors to help us "create" our work. I have been extremely blessed in my life with employment but it is still a burden to record an album. I am not with a label, nor do I have a major publishing company that is funding my project. With studios and musicians costing thousands of dollars, we need your help to continue to create our works.  I rely on the generosity of others to assist me in the creation of my art. We need you to be MODERN DAY benefactors.

Crowd funding has become extremely popular over the last few years. It allows people, whether they know you or not, to support a project. Art, invention, or a cause, KICKSTARTER has brought back the "benefactors" to the average person. A vehicle like KICKSTARTER allows people like me to continue to create music.  As artists, we need you. ALL of YOU to help us create our art. Every gift is a blessing. One does not outweigh another. A prayer, a note, a well wish or a monetary donation (no matter the amount),  enable us to continue to do what we do best and that is CREATE art. It allows someone like me to be able to record music when otherwise I would not be able to do so. I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the amazing outpouring of LOVE I have seen in just two days on my KICKSTARTER. I may not be painting the "Mona Lisa" but I still would like to share my gift with the world. 

So, on behalf of artists everywhere. Thank you! Thank you for having the vision to see a different world. That you for seeing the chance to support artists like me who hope to glorify our God in song and thank you for being a benefactor that will allow artists to "create"!

God's great blessings upon you!! 

If you would like to donate to my Kickstarter, please CLICK THIS LINK!

Thank you for your continued support. Please pray for me and my family as I pray for you!               Pasquale

Songwriting, Inspiration and being creative and stuff...

There is nothing quite like writing a song. I often am asked about songwriting and I really don't have any profound answers. When I was in a secular band, I would write songs about every day life. Things that were good and more often the things that were "not so" good. But the chance to write down these "feelings" have always been a blessing to me.  The moment that my life got redirected to God, so did my writing. Thank you Jesus!

People often think there is some "magic" in writing. Maybe for some there is something "magical" that happens. I know for me, it is the simple inspiration that I get from people and things all around my life. The fact that God has given me this gift BLOWS ME AWAY. The older I get (being 40 now) the more I realize that EVERY opportunity to write, perform and even teach is a HUGE blessing from above and it has NOTHING to do with ME. My friend Trevor always reminds me to remain humble and to get out of the way of the work God is doing and that is always my advice to musicians I meet. Let God be God and you be YOU.

We often are so concerned about writing the perfect song that we overlook the simple beauty in the perfect LOVE that allows us to write in the first place. My next project is just that. A "thank you" to God. It is filled with gratitude and love to my creator who has given me this amazing opportunity. One who is so undeserving has been so blessed. From "Arise" to "Fall In Love" this project is one that I am already so proud  even before I have walked into the studio. Why?  Because I finally figured out who I am as a musician....and it feels pretty darn good.

Please pray for me as I continue this process and I promise to pray for you.

St. Cecelia, pray for us!

In gratitude,

PT

:: Greg Says . . . ::

Nationally acclaimed Catholic Youth Speaker and Author, Greg Wasinski, says book Pasquale!

I'm grateful for this unqualified endorsement and feature from Greg, recommending me as a front-liner for your Diocesan youth events. Whether in my capacity as a musician, or speaker, or both, I'm here to serve.

" You often hear someone say, “That person really has a heart for God.” Often, we just take their word for it, however, in the special people, we see it ourselves. This statement would be the best way to summarize Pasquale Talarico from the moment I first met him. . ."

Check out Greg's full endorsement here.  

Questions or Booking Info, contact:

CJ@ptmusiconline.com

or 714-719-3345

:: Featured at CatholicBlog by Katie O'Keefe -- Musician Spotlight! ::

I was blessed to share my heart and ministry with Katie O'Keefe, a staff writer for the Catholic Artist  Spotlight!

Check out the feature here!

"Youth Minister, Composer and Musician Pasquale Talarico is turning heads and hearts toward Jesus with his music. [...] His new album “Ite Missa Est” is set to release this Spring and the featured single “ARISE” is now available on iTunes for download. Its infectious beat is sure to get your toes tapping and lift your spirits."

Thanks Katie! 

He Is Risen! We Are "One Family" In Christ

A beautiful and joyful Easter to all of my friends and family!  I am grateful to share the theme I wrote for Catholic Relief Services in this amazing season of grace.  We are one human family. God doesn't choose favorites! 

Check out Orange County Catholic's write-up on the song, and look out for the official launch at the end of July on CRS http://education.com.

Let's remember we're all brothers and sisters in Christ, the "firstborn" through death into eternal life!  We are one family.  (A great big thank-you to my co-writers -- Trevor Thomson and Jenny Pixler!

 Read the article: We Are One Human Family

Ted Miles of CRS says,

“For us as Catholics, our faith leads us to be in mission with and in service to our brothers and sisters who are in need. What I love about [One Family] is it’s Pasquale’s way of joining in that mission and contributing to that service through his own gifts and talents. ..[It] builds awareness, inspires people, changes their hearts."

 

TED Talks and The "Why"

Being a person that has the opportunity to be in front of people a lot, I often enjoy watching other keynote speakers and the way that they share their message. My boss at Servite recommended that I take a listen to a TED Talk about the "Why". TED Talks are hugely popular and I have enjoyed many of them for quite a long time,  and this was time was no different. 

Listening to Scott Sinek, I couldn't help but reflect on my own life and evaluate my ministry. It really made me think, "why am I in ministry?". As I lay in bed last night, my mind became full of different thoughts. I was struck with both profound ideas and even more profound reasons why I do what I do. But it didn't seem enough.

In the morning, I had an emptiness in my heart. Was I doing all of  this for the right reason? Was I doing it for my own glory or for God's? Why couldn't I answer a simple question of "why"? As the day continued, the emptiness became understanding. The beauty of this question is that it allows us to take a step back and evaluate. Whether you are a housewife, campus minister or insurance broker, we all have a reason WHY we do what we do.

And then it hit me. The answer to my troubling question rested in my heart. "Why" I do this is quite simple. I love God and I want to do my part to build the kingdom. Often times, we get caught up in the "how" or the "what" of our lives. The "things" we need to do and how will we be successful at doing those THINGS? We need to stop. Step back and ask "why" are we doing it.  Refocus on the truth of the WHY.

As I broke open the answer, peace filled my heart. I could sense the Spirit calming me.  We all have the "craziness" we deal with in our lives. Our "why" is what continues to motivate us and push through the struggles. Our "why" is what makes us passionate and helps others believe in WHAT we are doing and HOW we are doing it. Our WHY is what will draw others to us and have the desire to find out what makes us different than others and in my ministry, will lead people to Jesus Christ.

I pray that my WHY always remain in HIM. That my WHY not become something that I want but rather what GOD wants from me. That I may continue to serve HIM in whatever way he calls me. 

Thank you Jesus for being the WHY in my life. Thank you Jesus for being the answer to my question.

When you ask yourself WHY, what does your answer look like? 

"Frozen" hearts no more. . .

I would be lying if I said I was a Disney movie guy. When I was a kid, I do remember watching "Lady and the Tramp" and always loved the scene with the Siamese cats and the little goldfish. Since becoming a father, I have watched more Disney movies in the last five years than in my previous thirty five years on this Earth. From Aladdin to Planes and now Frozen. It is amazing what you will do for your girls.

Today was my daughter, Gianna's fifth birthday. Like most children in the U.S., she is obsessed with the movie Frozen. Unlike most parents in the world, I had not seen the movie. When Gianna went to see it in the theaters, mom was "lucky" enough to go with her. Tonight, she received Frozen on DVD from her grandma and Poppi and tonight, I got a chance to watch it with my two girls.

I am glad that I did.

 I really did like it.  From the music to the animation, it was pretty darn good. I always felt that these movies were made more for the adults than the kids. The themes and the characters, although appearing simple at first, are quite complex. There is always something much deeper to each of them: From Elsa's brokenness and closed heart, to Anna's desire to be wanted and loved, these are things that many of us can relate to in our own lives. The metaphor of the closed gate of the castle that kept the sisters in but also kept the world out are the same walls that many of us put up around us to bury whatever pain we may be hiding from everyone else.

"Conceal, don't feel. Don't let them know." --That line is very powerful to me. How many of us are hiding from something in our lives? How many of us each and every day put on a mask and PRAY that no one has any clue of the pain we are enduring?  It is no wonder why this movie was so popular. It is a story that rings true for many of us.  It is a struggle that many of us deal with in our own lives.

The movie also gave me time to personally reflect on a few things. The mere idea of "frozenness" made me think about the Lenten season.  It made me wonder where I was on my preparation for Easter. What was I running away from? What would I run to? I took a moment to think about my own sin. The sin (cold) that pushes so many away from me. The sin that separates me from the love of God and that love is the only love that will breathe life back to our hearts. A God that in the "greatest act of Love" turned the cold of death into everlasting life in his own resurrection. 

And in the end, it really comes down to one thing. Love.

Funny how that works. We seem to try and find the most complicated answers to questions. For the most part, we come back to love. We return to that in which life is given. We return to the love that sets us free. That same love that died on the cross so that sin would never have the last word. That LOVE is the promise that guarantees us that we would never be have to be Frozen but rather alive in the love of God.

Thank you Jesus for the love that has  pushed the cold away and set our hearts on fire for You.

:: Featured on Impacting Culture, University Journal! ::

I'm honored and grateful! John Paul the Great Catholic University has featured a great interview with me regarding impacting culture for Christ through the arts on their Art and Entertainment Journal!

Check it out here, and let me know what you think!

"Faith and wonder, gratitude and grace – they are also live wires, unassuming words until you touch them. This is why we as humans create, I think – we make to reach out towards the mystery which is God, found in beauty; found in fellow man; found in – as Pasquale demonstrates – music." (excerpt)

How are you investing your talents?

Priest, Prophet, King.

Lately, I have been getting asked a lot about my new album. What will it sound like?  What are the inspirations behind it?  Will there be saxophone again? ( In  answer to the last question: there will not be saxophone again.:) ) 

As I prepared to write music for this new project though, Ite Missa Est, I wanted to work with other musicians who had a passion for the Liturgy. I wanted to work with people who understood the beauty of the Holy Mass and the need for music that would compliment it in every way possible. I am blessed to have worked on this project  with great artists like Casey McKinley, John Flaherty, Jenny Pixler and Trevor Thomson.  One thing holds true for all of these awesome musicians. They love our God and they all have a passion for the liturgy. 

As I sat down, I knew that I wanted the album to be a mass from top to bottom.  From gathering song to recessional with mass parts included.  I had no idea what was going to come from this prayer, I just knew that if was to be blessed, I had to turn it over to God.

As the songs came forth, I also recognized the blessings in each piece.  "Arise" was our call to wake up from our sleep and see the greatness of our God.  "Offering to You" is a statement of bringing everything to the altar, not just the bread and wine, but each and every one of us. "Wake Our Hearts" is my Eucharistic hymn from a Eucharistic people.  "Fall In Love" is inspired by the beautiful prayer by Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ..  It  is a song about falling in love with the One who made us, in an "absolute and final way".  As Hillsong United says in "Go... giving it all away, giving it all to go Your way".

The song that I had struggled with was the recessional.  I wanted something that reminded me of Steve Angrisano's "Go Make a Difference". That song still brings back great memories to me and really is an anthem to change the world.  As I struggled with a recessional, I recalled a reception I attended with Fr. Robert  Barron and then inspiration hit: It was the theme of Fr. Barron's latest series, staring me straight in the face.   "Priest, Prophet, King".  That was it! The call for us to go out to all the nations -- to bring the Good News just as the Book of Romans tell us all, be "not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ".

Needless to say, I am very excited about the upcoming album. I am grateful to God for giving me so many great people to be with me on this journey. I am grateful for you and I ask that you pray for me and my family as we continue to work to build the Kingdom of God.

"One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.”

“Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
’Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.”

— Amazing Grace by John Newton

One of my favorite songs is "Amazing Grace".  The lyrics really speak to my heart.  Newton embraced his own brokenness and crafted an image that many  of us can relate to in our lives: The image of a blind man being set free by God. Whatever that blindness may be in your life,  he reminds us that the only way  that any of us are going to make it through is by the Grace of God.

He is right.

As I looked at this Sunday's readings, they share two very distinct ideas. Light and darkness. Simple enough, right? Any child can recall how terrifying it was when the lights went out. We would negotiate with mom and dad to leave a light on. Maybe, we even got a cool night light to calm our fears. Staring at that light, we were brought some peace. until we closed our eyes and went to sleep.

As children, we learned that light overcomes darkness and that being able to see brings us calm and security.  One of the challenges of faith is to accept  that God is our light. He calms our fears, He overcomes darkness and brings peace to our life. That God would come down from the heavens  to be among us. That the King of Kings would come to serve; not to BE served. That God would dwell in each and every one of us. That we become that light not  to be hidden under a bushel basket; but rather, set out for the whole world to see.

The other night I was blessed to lead an XLT with the band at St. Frances of Rome in Wildomar. It was amazing to see so many people in worship praying and singing. There was great sound, great production, and cool music, but the best  thing about the night was the light that shined from the altar in the Eucharist. The light not only shined from the monstrance that held our Lord, but from the people who were present. It was blinding. It healed and it brought peace. It was beautiful and it was LOVE. 

This Sunday is also Laetare Sunday. Taken from Latin, it means simply, "to rejoice"  Being mid Lent, we look to the passion of our Lord. We look to the death on the cross but more importantly, we rejoice in the promise of the resurrection. We celebrate the Light of the World who conquered the darkness. The Light who made all things new.  The light that dwells in you and me.

"If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see"

Thank you Jesus for being that light. Thank you Lord for showing us the way. We praise you and thank you Jesus. You are the Light of the world.  Continue to open the eyes of the faithful. May they see less of us and more of You and end our blindness forever.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

What blinds you? 

What are the "lights" in your life?

How are you preparing for Easter?

Wiffle Ball, Saturday Morning Cartoons and the Book of Deuteronomy

“However, take care and be earnestly on your guard
not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen,
nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live,
but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”

— Deuteronomy 4:9

When I was a kid, there are three things I remember so clearly. God, wiffle ball and Saturday morning cartoons. 

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St. Justin Martyr

God was part of my life every day. I went to Catholic school for twelve years. First to St. Justin Martyr (Go Olympians!) and then off to Servite High School (Go Friars!!). We went to mass every Sunday with the family. Back then, you could count on one or both of the Talarico boys (yes, even Frank Jr.) as an altar server and my grandma, in her wheelchair, praying her prayers. My parents slaved away at Fish Frys, helped to run the PTA  and start the youth group.It was what we did as a family.  It would be an example to me and would eventually lead me to where I am today in ministry. I will never forget those days. It was my first and most profound experience of God and Church. 

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Voltron

Wiffle ball was one of the biggest parts of my childhood. I know everyone likes to reminisce, but probably my favorite thing to do after school and on the weekend was play wiffle ball. We would rush home from school and get everyone in the cul-de-sac and pick teams. Friends from my class would join in; as well as, the neighborhood kids. Typically, they were the same teams but they were so much fun. I always tried to be on the opposite team of my brother just because, well, that is what brothers do, right? We would stay out till we couldn't see the ball any longer and then mom would yell to us all to come and eat dinner. All were welcome and all ate well. It was my first form of community. It was awesome.

When it came to the weekend, Saturday mornings always started with cartoons. After wiping the gunk out of our eyes, we would rush down to see what was on the TV. Back then, Bugs Bunny was cool. I think he still is!  Voltron was the new, hot cartoon and everyone thought they were a superhero. Once we watched a little bit of cartoons, we moved on to our chores. The "list" as my brother and I called it remained the same throughout my childhood. I dusted and Frank vacuumed, He cleaned the mirrors and I emptied the trash baskets. At the time it seemed like such hard work. Not so hard to me now.  We couldn't wait till we were done so we could get outside and play. Going outside and play, seems like such a "foreign" idea now a days but it was priceless to us. 

So by now you are asking yourself, Pasquale what does that have to do with anything and why did I read your blog today? They are good and fair questions. Today's reading from Deuteronomy reminds me to cherish the memories and to share them with my children.  

This upcoming year, my Gianna will begin Catholic school at Holy Family Cathedral. There is no doubt that Maurissa and I will help out in any way, just as my parents did for me and my brother. We will cause it is our new community, just as St. Justin was for my childhood.  We will help  because it is what  we are called to be as Church. The body of Christ.

As for wiffle ball, Gianna does enjoy playing baseball in the backyard with daddy, but more importantly, she begins soccer in a couple of weeks. She is so excited. She can't wait to get all dressed up and run around on the soccer field. Before you know it, she will be having her friends over to play games and hang out. Just like I did when I was a kid.  Then the slumber parties. And before you know it, Claire will begin just as her sister. Lord, help us. 

The other day, I had the chance to come home early and sit on the couch with my girls. Just the three of us. I know they are only supposed to get so much TV a day, but like they always do, they convinced their daddy to put on cartoons, eat Otter Pops and sit on the couch together. It was priceless. There really is nothing better in life. It made me smile from the inside out and brought to mind memories of my childhood.

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Looking back, I can still hear Billy Crabtree yelling to me from the fence. I can still smell the lemon pledge from polishing the furniture and see the "list" on the fridge.  I cherish the days I had with Jimmy, Gil, Mike, family and friends. I praise God to be able to share and teach my children the same things. God is so good. Thank you Jesus for the many gifts I have been given. You are so generous to an unworthy servant.

What do you remember most in  your childhood?

What will you teach your children?

What have your children taught you?

Dedicated to my dear friend, Michael Catanzaro - You are missed.

The blind leading the blind

Technically, I am legally blind. I have an eye prescription that is 20/400 or something off the charts! In the morning when I wake up, I am in a rush to put my glasses on so that the blur I  see when I awake  comes clear as soon as possible. I have never really thought about it too much. There have been times where I thought I would get LASIX to fix my eyes, but it just never seemed that important. In the morning when I wake up, I rush to put my glasses  or contacts on so I can see throughout my day. Without them, I would not be able to see a thing!

This got me thinking about my faith. How clear is my vision for God? As I move day by day towards Easter, am I making sure I am focused on Jesus? 

It gets really easy to find the comfort in the norm. Giving up sodas or sweets in our Lenten sacrifice, but are we really sacrificing to get closer to our God? Is it clearing my vision so I can see the risen Christ?

For me, the sacraments have become my contact lenses, my glasses. In the haze and blur, reconciliation and eucharist make everything clear. Like I have said before and I will say many times, I continue to stumble, but the promise that is so much greater than me clears my vision and brings me to great joy. It brings me to Christ. It is the reason I write the music that I write and go around the country and speak. I know what the truth is and I want to share it! My hope is that I can help people see clearer.

Thank you Jesus for allowing the blind to see! Thank you Jesus for giving me the chance to open my eyes and see you goodness.

Thank you Jesus!

Is it baseball season yet?

My entire life, I really only played one sport and that was baseball. I loved it when I was a child and I still do to this day. I played my entire life and through high school. I was pretty good, but nothing too fantastic. I just really loved the game. There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh cut grass in the afternoon. The feeling of stepping into the batter's box and looking right into the eyes of a pitcher throwing a nasty slider. It is awesome!

As I have gotten older, my days of playing baseball are resigned to suiting up once a year at my high school alumni game. Every year it feels as if the pitcher has gotten closer to me when I hit and the bases have gotten further away when it is time to run. I am also reminded of my age by the amount of ibuprofen I take the following day so I can relieve the soreness in every single joint and muscle.

There are times during the Lenten season when it reminds me of my baseball days. No matter how much I focus, I can't seem to hit the pitch and no matter how fast I run, I never seem to beat the throw to the bag. My prayer life feels "off" and I need to get refocused.  

Maybe I am oversimplifying this, but the more we focus, the more we see. Meaning, the more we  make an effort in our prayer lives, the clearer things become in our relationship with God. It is true, there are always times in life when we swing and miss, but even in baseball, an all star, heck a HALL OF FAMER fails about 70% of the time at the plate but a good hitter ALWAYS gets back to the plate!

People often ask me how I focus. For me it is through my song. It is through picking up my guitar and praying. That is my new baseball field. That is my batter's box where I get to take a swing at a pitch and hopefully make good contact with the ball.

We may strike out but we get another chance. We step back into the batter's box for another swing, another chance to succeed. Focused on God, you will not fail because God never fails. Ever. You will knock it out of the park.

How focused are you this Lent?

What are you doing to get "refocused"?

Are you slowing down to prepare for  the Easter celebration?

Lord God, make me smaller so I may never think I am bigger than You.

Lord God, make me slower so I may never think I can outrun your great love.

Lord God, make me weaker so in my weakness, You may dwell in me!

Ain't "No One" Like This Nun - Sharing the Living Water

Just like everyone else online, I had the chance to watch the "sister who rocked the world".

I couldn't help myself.  I had to click to see what everyone was talking about!  From the first bar, I knew this sister could sing. Dressed in her habit, Sister Cristina Scuccia lit up the stage singing Alicia Keys's "No One". Not with pyrotechnics or huge production, she wowed the world with her joy. PURE JOY! Her joy was infectious!  It was something much bigger then what was taking place on the stage.  People didn't see the image of a Catholic nun they had expected with furrowed brow and a ruler in hand, ready to swat your knuckles.  Rather, they saw pure joy -- the joy that we all long for in this life.  As she sang, the joy spread to everyone watching, and it hit me right between the eyes.

As she sang, the cameras showed the "wow'ed" judges. They were mesmerized. They all wanted her and begged her to come to their team. The cameras then focused on one judge in particular named, J-Ax.  Covered in tattoos, he is one of the most famous rappers in Italy and he was the first to turn around and see who was singing on that stage. I believe his turning around changed many lives, including his own.

The rest is internet history.  As J-Ax looked at this nun, he was stunned.  His eyes welled with tears and he stared at Sister Cristina as if he had seen a prayer come true.  You see for me, I imagine --  and this is just my imagination --  that J-Ax may have been going through some rough times lately and had asked God for a sign.  Maybe last week, maybe that day and when he turned around, God answered his prayer with the voice of an angel in Sister Cristina.  I have no idea what was on the heart of J-Ax nor does it really matter. I do know this: Something inside of him took a chance.

This Sunday's Gospel is about the Samaritan woman, but more importantly, it's about our thirst for living water.   We could go up and down on the historical significance of a Jew and a Samaritan woman, or even her sinful nature in regards to how many husbands she had, but what we need to make sure we never lose focus on is the "living water".  We cannot be satisfied with what the world tells us will satisfy us. We just can't. We have to long for more. We have to take chances and drink from the living water of Jesus Christ. God gives us these signs each and every day. We just need to turn around and see them.

I believe J-Ax has found living water.  I believe Sister Cristina will bring the good news and the living water to all she comes in contact with during this show and forever.  I believe a prayer was answered for him and for many this past week.  I can just feel it!  Sister Cristina said in an interview, “I came here because I have a gift and I want to share that gift".  She said, "I came to evangelize".

She already has evangelized. With her voice, her talent, her joy. and her vocation. I can only pray one day I will do the same with my music.

I have no idea if Sister Cristina will win.  I hope she does. I really do. One thing is for sure, she will change hearts and in this conversion, we all shall search for the living water.  

Sister chose J-Ax as her coach.  She will bring so many so much joy with her talent, and her vocation on that stage.  She will bring the truth.  She will bring the "living water" to him.  She will bring them Jesus.

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

John 7

What do you thirst for? How will you quench it?

"I am a sinner...thank God for ..."

...forgiveness.  It seems every single day I stumble.  Something that I should not be doing I seem to do anyway. 

It seems that people think since I am in the role that I am, I should be perfect.  I strive to do the best I can to get closer to my God.  Every day, I strive to be holy  but I fall. I fall and it hurts.

There are days the scars seem deeper than others. I make mistakes, I get up, but these scars remain. There are days I know everyone can see my scars.  Thank you, God, for those scars.  They remain as a constant reminder that not only am I a sinner but I am redeemed by our Savior's  healing power. The same God who raised Lazarus has come for me. The same Lord, who made the blind man see, has opened my eyes. A loving God who would do anything for me, even sending his only begotten Son to save me.

I am a sinner. I am broken. I am frail  but I am also saved by the grace of God. Our salvation happened on the cross. So I live my days and look to the promise of resurrection. I am a sinner...but I will not accept that as my fate.  I know God has plans for me.  I know they are for happiness and joy.  We praise you Jesus for your sacrifice and the forgiveness that You have given to all us. I am a sinner and I am forgiven and for that, I am grateful.

"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" 1 Corinthians 15:55

What does tomorrow hold for you?  how will you make it different?

St. Michael the Archangel, protect us in this battle against sin!

Friends and Novenas

One of the greatest gifts God gives to us is the gift of friendship. They come in all shapes and sizes and many times we would could never imagine our life without them.  My friend, Bobby,  is a great example of that friendship. He is a calming force in my life and for that I am grateful. He took me aside when things started getting a little hectic with music and we began praying this novena together to remind me to allow God to be at the front of my music ministry. Needless to say, he is a good friend.

St. Cecelia, pray for us!   

Novena to St. Cecilia 

O Eternal God, Who gave us, in the person of St. Cecilia, a powerful protectress, grant that after having faithfully passed our days, 
like herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of beatitude, where in concert with her, we may praise You 
and bless You forevermore in eternity. Amen. 
 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 
God the Father of heaven, 
Have mercy on us. 
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 
Have mercy on us. 
God the Holy Spirit, 
Have mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, 
Have mercy on us. 
Holy Mary, Mother of God, 
Pray for us. (repeat after each line) 
Saint Cecilia, 
Saint Cecilia, wise virgin, 
Saint Cecilia, whose heart burned with the fire of divine love, 
Saint Cecilia, apostle by your zeal and charity, 
Saint Cecilia, who converted your spouse and procured for him the crown of martyrdom, 
Saint Cecilia, who by your pleadings moved the hearts of pagans, and brought them into the true Church, 
Saint Cecilia, who did unceasingly see your guardian angel by your side, 
Saint Cecilia, who mingled your voice with the celestial harmonies of the virgins, 
Saint Cecilia, who by your melodious accents celebrated the praises of Jesus, 
Saint Cecilia, illustrious martyr of Jesus Christ, 
Saint Cecilia, who during three days suffered most excruciating torments, 
Saint Cecilia, consolation of the afflicted, 
Saint Cecilia, protectress of all who invoke you, 
Saint Cecilia, patroness of holy canticles, 
Saint Cecilia, special patroness and advocate of all singers, musicians, authors, and students, 
 
We salute you, O Virgin, who gave your blood for the defense and faith of Jesus Christ. We seek your prayers 
for liturgical music that is beautiful, holy, and universal. 
 
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world 
 Spare us, O Lord. 
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, 
 Graciously hear us, O Lord. 
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, 
 Have mercy on us. 
God glorified Saint Cecilia, 
 And he crowned her virtues. 
 
Let us pray. O Eternal God, who gave us, in the person of Saint Cecilia, a powerful protectress, grant that after having faithfully 
passed our days, like herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of beatitude, where in concert with her, we 
may praise you and bless you forevermore in eternity. Amen. 

CRS and New Beginnings

God works in mysterious ways. A couple of years ago, I was ready to hang it up and be satisfied with playing the music the way I have always done so. Since  then, I have been introduced to my mentor and friend, received my Advanced Certificate in Pastoral Ministry and now tapped to record the new song for Youth and Young Adult programming for Catholic Relief Services. 

God is so good. Look out 2015, there is a fire that is burning!