The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s featured Advent song

The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s featured song this Advent is “Bending Towards the Light” at their “Franciscanized World” discernment site www.fscc-calledtobe.org/living/ .

“Light” is co-written by Bob Kindred, Henry Timm and Anne Phillips, taken from her show "Bending Towards the Light...A Jazz Nativity", the Christmas story told through the medium of jazz with stars such as Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton and Tito Puente playing roles. Now "a new New York Christmas tradition", it’s performed annually in New York City with local productions in many cities.

Sr. Mary Carol, from Holy Family Music Conservatory in Manitowoc, commented that the song express how “In December we enter into the darkest time of the year. The darkness is overcome with lights everywhere: candle lights, lighted ornaments and trees, outdoor decorations. However, the greatest light is Jesus who comes in peace in humble surroundings for our salvation.”

Singer, composer, arranger, conductor, producer Anne Phillips began her career as a member of the Ray Charles Singers on the Perry Como Show. In addition to recording the classic album "Born To Be Blue", she worked as a singer and choral arranger/conductor with many of the music world's leading artists from Carol King and Mahalia Jackson to Sammy Davis Jr., George Jones and Neil Diamond. She is widely known as the writer/arranger/producer of many national commercials

The “Franciscanized World” page is designed to help discerning women see the world as Saints Francis and Clare did - realistically, compassionately, finding good and holy possibility in the substance and culture of everyday life. "We’ve talked with young women candidates to our community to learn the best way to reach those interested in joining us,” Sr. Julie Ann Sheahan, OSF, Directress of Vocations for the Franciscan Order said. “We want to present our life as a viable option for them. Personal invitation is always best; however, we became convinced that real conversations can begin by using the language of images and music.”

Established in 1869, the Roman Catholic Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic health care, education and parish ministries in 13 U.S. dioceses (Green Bay, Superior, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Tucson, Honolulu, Chicago, Marquette, Jackson, Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus and Steubenville).

http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org

CONTACT: Sr. Julie Ann Sheahan OSF 920-682-7728

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity

Advent and Christmas Videos, part two

Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey
Chant Title: Missa in Nocte - Introit, http://www.milanrecords.com/norbertinefathers/



Nancy Krebs "Waiting for the Christ Child," www.nancykrebs.com
One of my very popular Advent songs from my CD "Come to the Stable". It was inspired by a sermon I heard during the month of December--urging us all to try to find our own personal 'wilderness' in which we can quietly wait for the coming of the Christ Child! This video was recorded in 2005.



Susan Bailey "Ave Maria," www.sungrosary.com



Bob Metivier and Terry Modica "For You a Savior Is Born"
Available as a high-res Multi-Media Meditation from Catholic Digital
Resources (http://catholicdr.com), a publisher of downloadable evangelization tools.

Advent and Christmas Videos Part One

Here are Advent and Christmas videos to sample. We will continue to add videos to this post as we receive them.

We begin with "Cold, Cold Night," sung by Sri Lankan artist Gresha Schuilling. Produced by Mediaeye Music. Coordinator Paul Marie Mendis writes, "I handle all my fathers songs. He has written several spiritual songs and have also earlier produced a audio documentary called "The Passion Report" on the Way of the Cross. We are originally from Sri Lanka but have been living in London, England for the past forty years."

The artist website is http://www.myspace.com/nimalmendis

The song can be purchased on iTunes by December 11



Donna Lee D'Alia, "What Child Is This"? www.donnalee.ws

Tatiana (Tajci), "How I Love the Christmas Season," www.idobelieve.com



Bob Rowe "You're Someone Special" http://www.visioncouncil.org/bobrowe/

"This is a clip from a Christmas special that Bob taped for Familyland Television, in 2005. The show originally aired on the Skyangel Network and affiliates, in December 2005. The song is an original favorite of Bob's audience, intitled: "You're Someone Special!"
pc 2005 Familyland Television, used by permission.