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Art Competition
The Life Socety of NIU Glaway is holding an art competition open to secondary students on the theme - Life, The Ultimate Work of Art. Deadline for recipt of entry forms is 12th March. The ideal submission should be moving, beautiful, and unique. The winning artist will receive a plaque as well as a cash prize of 150 euro. For more information or to enter the competition 'Life: The Ultimate Work of Art' please contact Life Society, Societies Office, Áras na Mac Léinn, E-mail: lifesoc@socs.nuigalway.ie Phone: 0876217702 (auditor).

Fiddler on the Roof
Fiddler on the Roof. Famous musical about romance, talking to God and Jewish traditions in Tsarist Russia at by Naas Musical Society. Moat Theatre Mar 8-13 8pm €20/€ 15. also being revived by Limerick Musical Society. University Concert Hall Mar 11-13 8pm €22/€20.

There Be Dragons
There Be Dragons is a new film by Roland Joffé (The Mission, The Killing Fields, City of Joy), which deals with incidents in the life of St Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei. Arising out of the horror of the Spanish Civil War, a candidate for canonization is investigated by a journalist who discovers his own estranged father had a deep, dark and devastating connection to the saint's life. A release date in 2010 is expected. IMDB Entry here. Official film website here.

Byzantine Iconography Course
Byzantine Iconography Course using the traditional technique of egg-tempera & gold leafing. Venue - The 'Old' St. Clement's School, South Circular Road, Limerick (entry via Redemptorist Church Car Park). Dates - April 19th to 24th. Contact - Mihai Cucu email - mihaicucu78@gmail.com Tel - 086 369 2037

Caravaggio Exhibition
Running March to June 2010 in Rome is an exhibiton of the work of renowned artist Caravaggio. For more information and an article on the works on show click here.

Mass in B Minor
Our Lady's Choral Society 21 March 2010 08:00 PM - MAIN AUDITORIUM Our Lady's Choral Society • Colette Boushell, Soprano • Chloe Hinton, Alto • Robin Tritschler, Tenor• Ian Caddy, Bass National Sinfonia• Proinnsias O' Duinn, Conductor.
J.S. Bach Mass in B Minor The Mass in B Minor is widely regarded as one of the supreme achievements of classical music. The work is in the repertoire of Our Lady's Choral Society over the past 60 years and will be performed on the day of the 325th anniversary of Bach's birth. More info and booking here.

Tracing the History of Christian Art
Lecture at Lismullin Conference Centre Co. Meath Thursday 25th March 8 pm - 9 pm.
The lecture is intended to weave the loose threads together to reveal the glorious tapestry that is Christian Art. In the process, it is hoped to discern some of the influences that informed Irish medieval art.
Presenter: John O’Riordan MA Art History UCD. For the last four years he has taught Art History for the BA in both UCD and DCU. He has also taught the subject in several Colleges of further education in Dublin. More info here.

Conference for Teachers
TEACHERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE ONLINE "Positive, practical responses in the classroom to what students are doing online", Saturday 27 March 2010, Lismullin Conference Centre, Co Meath, with speakers from Google and National Council for Technology Education (NCTE), and also student speakers. Time: 10.30am - 5.00pm [Registration: 10.00am] Cost: €50 (includes lunch and refreshments). Brochure here. Booking here.

Sound of Music
Connie Fisher, winner of BBC's How Do Solve a Problem Like Maria?, stars in The Sound of Music in Belfast at the Grand Opera House Until Mar 20 7.30pm (Mon 7pm, Thurs & Sat mat 2.30pm) £16-£45.50 Info: 028-90241919

Whistle Down the Wind
This stage musical will play in the Grand canal Theatre Dublin, from 11th to 22nd May 2010. Jonathan Ansell, lead vocalist in X-Factor runners-up G4, has been cast in his musical debut, starring in Bill Kenwright's production of Jim Steinman and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down The Wind, a stage adaptation of the 1961 novel by Mary Hayley Bell, which was also made into a film starring Hayley Mills and Alan Bates. The stage version is set in the American deep south just before Christmas, and follows three children who discover a man hiding in the barn on the farm where they live. Thinking him to be Jesus, they hide him from the adults in their community to protect him from harm, not realising that he is in fact an escaped criminal. More info and booking at Ticketmaster. Soundtrack available from Amazon.

Handel's Day
On Tuesday April 13th there's a celebration of music, history and Handel rooted in the anniversary of the 1742 world premiere of Messiah in Temple Bar. Connecting the people and places of Handel’s time, this day long programme will involve a journey, from Handel and the Baroque to Irish traditional music. A full programme of events including booking and ticket details will be available on the Temple Bar Cultural Trust website and throughout Temple Bar and the city from Monday 15th March 2010.

Pro-Cathedral Musical Event
Sing Alleluia! The Lord is RISEN! An evening of Sacred and Inspirational Music to worship the Lord! By Rev. Fr. Marino Nguekam, C.S.Sp. And Friends In St Mary's Pro-Cathedral (Marlborough Street, Dublin 1) on Thursday 15th of April 2010 @ 8pm Tickets available in Pro Cathedral parish office, cost €10 More info: www.fathermarino.com

The Perfect Game
Coming to cinemas in the USA in April - The Perfect Game, the true story of young Mexican baseball players finding dignity and success with the help of a dedicated coach and a helpful priest. It is reported as having a strong faith element. No Irish release dates planned yet. Check out the official website.

Emmanuel 2010
The Fourth Emmanuel programme of liturgical music in Second Level Schools will come to a glorious conclusion in the Mahony Hall, Helix Centre on Wednesday & Thursday 24 & 25 March at 8.00 p.m. 40 schools from around the Diocese have been preparing for this programme of contemporary liturgical music. On the day the students will participate in a range of workshops on the Clonliffe/Mater Dei Campus before going to the Helix for the orchestral rehearsal and performance
If you have any questions do contact us in the Liturgical Resource Centre 01 8087554 or feel free to call either Gerard 087 2347220 –Paula 0868514867 or Ian 0862490779. Tickets are now on sale directly from the Helix ( 01 – 7007000 ) www.helix.ie More info here.

The Path of Beauty
The path of beauty is a special way to God, says Fr Sergio Marcanzin, the President of the Russia Ecumenical Centre. This is in the context of a conference series "The Epiphany of Beauty" being held in Rome in February and March. There will be a strong emphasis on icons. More info here.

New Beth Nielsen Chapman Album
Back to Love is the title of Beth Nielsen Chapman's new album (released January 2010). This doesn't seem to be as overtly religious as her Hymns and Prism albums, but it looks like there are some general spiritual and uplifting themes. Tracks include, Peace, Happiness, and The Path of Love. Previews of the songs can be heard on Amazon.

New Teachers' Group
The Association of Catholic Teachers is a new network, mostly of Primary Teachers, with the aim of sourcing good RE resources for the primary classroom. They produce a regular E-Bulletin with lots of such ideas including arts resources. Some of the resources would also suit junior classes in secondary school. Anyone interested can email irishcatholicteachers@gmail.com

Patty Griffin Gospel Album
Highly regarded US roots singer Patty Griffin has released an album of gospel songs. Downtown Church was produced by Buddy Miller, no stranger to gospel, and features guests like Shawn Colvin, Emmylou Harris and gospel group The Fairfiled Four. Songs include All Creatures of Our God and King, Wade in the Water, Virgen de Gaudalupe, We Shall All Be United, and House of Gold. Previews of the songs can be heard on Amazon.

Catholic Underground Ireland
Advance notice of dates for forthcoming events from Catholic Underground Ireland - prayer/music events. Saturday 20th March 2010 Location: Our Lady of the Angels Church, Church St. Dublin 7. Saturday 22nd May 2010 Location: Our Lady of the Angels Church, Church St. Dublin 7. Artist details to be confirmed in both cases.

Book on Stained Glass Windows
Lumen Christi - The Stained Glass Windows of Mount St Joseph Abbey by Laurence Walsh OCSO is a new book from Cistercian Press. Mount St Joseph is in Roscrea Co. Tipperary. There's a detailed review (by Raymond Gillespie of NUI Maynooth) of the book in the Irish Times Weekend Review section for Jan 16 2010. Click here to read the review.

Lassus Scholars
Dublin choir, The Lassus Scholars, provided the sacred music for an event in Rome to mark the Year For Priests. Choir director Ite O'Donovan described the concluding mass as one of the highlights of the trip. Ms O'Donovan's diary of the event can be read here. For forthcoming events featuring the Lassus Scholars click here.

Advent and Christmas Psalms
New CD of Advent and Christmas Psalms: Catholic composer Brian J. Nelson has released a new recording of Lectionary Psalms for organ, cantor and choir. The music is deeply rooted in the chant tradition, reflecting both Brian's classical training and immersion in the Liturgical life of the Catholic Church. More info here.

Simpsons and the Vatican
Vatican Newspaper L'Osservatore Romano has commented on the Simpsons, congratulating the show on its 20th Anniversary. The show is praised for "realistic and intelligent writing", but there is also a reference to "excessively crude language, the violence of certain episodes or some extreme choices by the scriptwriters." More details here.

Free MP3 Download
At the time of writing (28/12/09) there's a free MP3 download available from Liam Lawton. For your free version of his song The Darkest Midnight go to www.liamlawton.com and follow the simple instructions.

Dublin Gospel Choir - 2010 Dates
22 Jan at 8pm The Venue, Ratoath - Tel 01 689 5600; 20 Feb at 8pm SET Theatre, Kilkenny - Tel 056 776 5133; 27 Feb at 8pm An Grianan Theatre Letterkenny – Tel 074 912 0777; 12 Mar at 8.30pm Night of Soul, Shankill; 13 Mar at 8pm Saturday 13th March - Tenerife Musicematico Festival, Tenerife, Spain; 20 Mar at 8pm Hamlet Court Hotel, Johnstown Bridge, Co Kildare – 046 954 1200; 02 Apr at 1.30-3.30pm Paddy Power Irish Poker Open - Burlington Hotel; 10 Apr at 8pm Jerome Hynes Theatre, Wexford - Tel 053 91 22144; 16 Apr at 8pm St. Agnes Church, Crumlin - 75 year celebration. 29 May at 8pm Draoicht, Blanchardstown. More info here.

The Priests: New CD
Harmony is the new CD by the Priests. Their previous CD broke the Guinness world record for the fastest selling classical debut album of all time. This new album features well known songs like Amazing Grace, You'll Never Walk Alone and How Great Thou Art, along with lesser known pieces like When Thou Art Near, King of Kings and Lift Thine Eyes. There are audio samples at the relevant page on Amazon, along with a video of The Priests singing Amazing Grace live at Gladstone Library.

Gerard Manley Hopkins Summer School
The 23rd Annual Hopkins Festival, will be moving to Newbridge College for 2010 - July 24 - 30. There will be poetry readings, study and a wide variety of other cultural activities. At least, 20 countries will be represented and there will be a strong presence by leading Irish Writers, Artists and Scholars. More info at the festival website.

Splendors of the Magnificat
Splendors of the Magnificat is a beautiful art book and audio CD with 11 of the most inspiring musical renditions of Mary's Magnificat. - 11 meditations on Mary's Magnificat prayer of praise, along with 65 high-quality reproductions of sacred art with commentaries - More than 1 hour of splendid music. More info and sales here.

Mary Duff CD
Recently released CD from Irish singer Mary Duff features 13 INSPIRATIONAL SONGS, FEATURING THE PRAGUE FILM HARMONIC ORCHESTRA. Track Listing: 1. Voice Of An Angel 2. Be Still And Know I Am With You 3. Panis Angelicus 4. Ag Criost An Siol 5. There Is A Place 6. Nearer My God To thee 7. Ave Maria 8. If I Can Help Somebody 9. Amazing Grace 10.O Holy Night 11.Let There Be Peace On Earth 12.How Great Thou Art 13.Goin' Home

Susan Boyle CD
"I Dreamed a Dream" is the new CD from Susan Boyle (Britain's Got Talent star) which features some spiritual music, including Amazing Grace, Silent Night and How Great Thou Art, along with some popular secular material, like Daydream Believer, Cry Me a River and title track I Dreamed a Dream. Audio samples are available here at CD Universe.

CD: Christmas at St. Michael's Abbey
This CD features the propers of the 3 Christmas Masses sung by the choir of priests and seminarians at St. Michael's Abbey, in Silverado California. The chants of the Norbertine Order are slightly different from the Roman versions and add a richness to the patrimony of Church music. They are recorded here by the fathers in the abbey church. More info and audio samples here

Daniel O'Donnell Gospel Album
Daniel O'Donnel's new album Peace In The Valley features 15 new recordings of inspirational favourites, including "Peace In The Valley", "Mansion Over The Hilltop", "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "I'll Fly Away", all of which have been recorded by some of the most famous artists in the Country/Gospel genre, including the title track which was made famous by Elvis Presley. Tracks can be previewed at Amazon.

Song for a Winter's Night
Tommy Fleming's new album Song for a Winter’s Night is available from Friday 4th December 2009. Tracks: Walking in the Air, Bells are Ringing, Angels We Have Heard on High, In the Bleak Mid Winter, Christmas 1915, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel, It Came upon a Midnight, Who Comes This Night, Wexford Carol, O Holy Night, Silent Night, Song for a Winter's Night. Also released is the DVD of the same title, recorded live in Belleek Castle, Ballina, Co. Mayo in a unique intimate setting with an invited audience of family and friends. The DVD features 20 tracks including many Christmas songs from the album "Song for a Winter Night", along with some of Tommy's favorites including "The Orchard", "Wait ‘till the Clouds roll by", "Old Clothes" and many more. The CD and DVD are available from the usual outlets and from the artist's website.

Alma Mater Album Released
The highly anticipated album from Music From The Vatican, 'Alma Mater' featuring the voice of Pope Benedict XVI is out now - Dec 09. You can order your copy of this album now from Amazon, or buy in the usual oulets. At Amazon you can also preview all eight pieces of the specially commissioned beautiful blend of gregorian chants and contemporary classical melodies. At the official site of the album there are videos relating to the album including a performance from the Vatican Choir.

Choirs for Christmas Competition
Now in its eleventh year, the established RTÉ lyric fm Choirs for Christmas Competition invites choirs from all around to country to share their music making with lyric listeners throughout the Christmas Season. Choirs from all corners of Ireland competed in last year's celebration with some outstanding entries coming from Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Limerick, Mayo and Wicklow. Deadline for entry is Friday December 4th 2009. More info here.

Resonance of the Gift
Theology of the Body inspires beautiful music - Resonance of the Gift: Musical Reflections on Theology of the Body. A set of 12 piano hymns by Peter Gerard Baklinski, to soothe the heart and uplift the spirit, celebrating the truth, meaning, and power of human love within the divine plan. Available on CD or downloadable mp3. Listen to a sample or order here. All orders shipped FREE until Christmas.

New Christmas Albums
New Christmas albums for this year include: Christmas in the Heart, by Bob Dylan (see left), My Christmas by Andrea Bocelli, A Cherry Cherry Christmas by Neil Diamond, and The Irish Tenors Christmas. There are also some Christmas songs, including "Gabriel's Message" on Sting's new album If on a Winter's Night, and Midwinter Graces by Tori Amos also features some Christmas material, including "Coventry Carol". For more details, including song samples go here at CD Universe.

Music From the Vatican - Alma Mater
This new album, Alma Mater, is due out on 30th November 2009. It features a range of music and includes the voice of Pope Benedict, who along with the Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome will be releasing recordings of eight original pieces of modern classical music – proceeds from the album will be used to provide music education for underprivileged children around the world. The video clip on left provides a short introduction to the project, which is produced by Geffen/Universal music. More info, including the facility to pre-order the album, is available on the official website for the project.

Pope Benedict on Music
At a piano concert in the Vatican on 18th October 2009, Pope Benedict reflected on the power of music: "Music is a part of all cultures and, we might say, accompanies every human experience, from pain to pleasure, from hatred to love, from sadness to joy, from death to life ... We see how, over the course of the centuries and millennia, music has always been used to give a form to that which we are not able to speak in words, because it awakens emotions that are difficult to communicate otherwise". He also referred to the ability of music to become prayer: "Music," he said, "great music, gives the spirit repose, awakens profound sentiments and almost naturally invites us to lift up our mind and heart to God in every situation, whether joyous or sad, of human existence. Music can become prayer." Full text of the speech here.

Emmanuel '10
Emmanuel is an initiative of the Dublin Dioces that aims to celebrate liturgical music in schools. Deadline for application is Friday 6th November - application forms and brochures were recently sent to schools. Teachers wil be invited to workshops in late November where they will get music and CDs for the 2010 event, which will take place in the Helix Theatre on 24th and 25th March. In 2009 around 1,200 students sang with an onstage orchestra. Websites for more details: Bebo and Dublin Diocese. Email: litsec@dublindiocese.ie or ring 01-8379253 ext 241.
Added on 19/11/09: further invites for late applications sent to schools.

New Film on Fatima
Due for release in USA in October 2009, The 13th Day is a new film about the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. There are no plans currently to release it in Ireland, but the DVD can be pre-ordered from the film's website - www.the13thdaymovie.com where a trailer (also on left) from the film can also be seen. The film is written and directed by Ian And Dominic Higgins.

Conference on Sacred Music
St Colman's Society for Catholic Liturgy will hold its third International Liturgy Conference from 10th to 12th July 2010 in Cork and Fota. The title for the Conference is "Psallite Sapentier: Benedict XVI on Sacred Music". An international panel of experts will discuss theological, historical and practical issues relating to sacred music in the Roman rite. Details and booking from colman.liturgy @ yahoo.co.uk or from the Secretary at Leeview, Rushbrooke, Cobh, Co. Cork.

New Film on Life of Mary
Mary, Mother of Christ is due for release to cinemas in April 2010. It will star, among others, Al Pacino (Herod), Camilla Belle (Mary), Peter O'Toole (Simeon) and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Gabriel and Lucifer!). The script was written by Barbara Nicolosi (a Catholic and founder of ACT One–a screenwriting school aiming to empower Christians in Hollywood) and The Passion of the Christ co-writer Benedict Fitzgerald. More info here.

Pope's New Album
Reported by Reuters news agency: - A Muslim, a Catholic and an agnostic composer have contributed music to an album called Alma Mater featuring Pope Benedict singing and reciting prayers, which is due for release in November. Read more here.

NEW CD from Louth
The Louth Contemporary Music Society has released a new CD featuring many spiritual pieces. The new disc is titled A Place Between, and features world première recordings of works by John Tavener, Arvo Pärt, Valentin Silvestrov, Alexander Knaifel as well as pieces by Henryk Górecki and John Cage. All of these composers have, in various ways, been deeply influenced by profound spiritual, religious or cultural encounters. The CD intersperses beautiful works for string quartet (Silvestrov's meditative “Ikon”, Tavener's deeply moving “Ikon of Joy/Sorrow," Pärt's reflective “Da Pacem Domine”) with two solo piano works (Pärt's uplifting “Hymn to a Great City," Cage’s melodic and expressive “In a Landscape”). Górecki's memorial for Michael Vyner "Good Night" and Knaifel’s mystical “O Heavenly King” both feature the haunting voice of soprano Patricia Rozario. Silvestrov's 25.X.1893 lullaby is a melancholic and lyrical piece for violin and piano.

Quilty Artists
Quilty Artists is new group for Catholics intersted in the arts, especially those who pratice the arts. Their new website is in blog/forum format and is in the early stages of development. There's an opportunity to share personal stories of one's experiences with the arts and faith, a chance to share song lyrics, a prayer section, and ideas to inspire beautiful artists!

Award for Secret of Kells Film
Tomm Moore, Director of Cartoon Saloon's THE SECRET OF KELLS accepted the prestigious audience award for best Feature film at the 33rd Annecy Animation festival in France on Saturday June 13th. Moore received his Crystal award from Jean-Pierre Jeunet, director of Amelie and Alien 4. The festival, one of the most respected events for animation film in the world, screened 525 films including 27 feature films over a week. With over 120,000 tickets sold it is one of the largest film festivals in Europe. Henry Selicks's feature CORALINE and Adam Elliots film MARY AND MAX shared the Jury prize for best feature, with the audience choice going to THE SECRET OF KELLS. Tomm Moore was not the only Kilkenny native to be honoured on the night. David O'Reilly, who trained in Cartoon Saloon while a student and also from Kilkenny received the Special Distinction Award for his film Please say something, a film which won him a Golden Bear at the Berlin festival earlier this year. THE SECRET OF KELLS is released on DVD in Ireland August 7th 2009

Latest CD from the Hutchisons
Songs is the latest CD from Canadian group The Hutchisons- it's gospel folk, acoustic style with great harmonies and subtle backing. Three songs from the album can be played from their new website, where there's also an option to buy the album and earlier releases, including Angela Hutchison's solo albums. "Songs" has a particular focus on heaven, and how the hope of eternity sustains us through earthly suffering.

Musical Setting of Hail Mary
US Composer David Burke has released a beautiful musical setting of the Hail Mary, which you can play below. The song is free and is included here with the kind permission of the author. You can read about David's other spiritual work, including his musical The Wonders of His Love at his website. The sheet music is also available free (here), again by kind permission of the author. His own commentary on the song can be found here.

Little Oak Glass
This is a stained class workshop in Kerry that produces all sorts of stained glass works, some of a spiritual nature. Check out the "Glance at Glass" series on their blog. One of the items on the page is a stained glass window featuring Our Lady, which can be seen in Waterville Church Co. Kerry.

CD - A Song for all Seasons
This CD by Emmanuel Mc Stravick from Belfast will feature 10 catholic songs and a new song dedicated to Our Lady that will be released as a single.This album will help fund the Passionist Fathers in Ireland and also a major pro-life organisation. Each song will be represent a particular saint from the Catholic Church and features themes of hope and healing. It will be released in September 2009.

Scorcese Movie on Martyrs
Renowned director Martin Scorsese is reported to be working on a movie about the Japanese Martyrs. Filming is due to begin in New Zealand in 2010. The work will be based on a novel, Silence, by Catholic author Shusaku Endo, which tells the story of a Portuguese missionary from the 17th Century and the martyrdom of early Christians in Japan.

Resource for Music Ministers
The Diocese of Kildare and Loughlin has produced a guide for music ministers. On their website there is an introduction and extracts from the resource along with a link for downloading the full resource. Click here.

New Album from Liam Lawton
Healing Song is the latest album from Liam Lawton, due to be released in May 2009. It is a new collection of liturgical music, featuring the orchestrations of Mark Cahill, The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and the St Colman's Cathedral Choir under the direction of Dominic Finn.
Added 7/6/09: Hear clips from the album here.
Added 31/10/09: Read review of album here.

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler
This is the title of a new TV movie premiering on April 19th in USA. It tells the story of Irena Sendler, a Catholic social worker in Warsaw during World War Two who risked her life to save Jewish children from the Nazis. Anna Paquin stars in the title role, with Goran Visnjic co-starring. For the official website of the film click here. The site includes materials for teachers, including links for further study, and a short video on the making of the film. Sendler died in 2008.

Ireland's Own Article
The Ireland's Own issue of March 6th 2009 features an article on "Holy Hollywood", a wry and lively view of the relationship between Hollywood and religion, by Tom McParland.

The Secret of Kells
The Secret of Kells is an animated film featuring a fictional story about the writing of the Book of Kells currently showing in Irish cinemas. Music is by Kila and Bruno Coulais (Les Choristes). The official website for the film is impressive (www.thesecretofkells.com) and includes related worksheets for primary and secondary schools. The secondary version is here. See also the blog entry for 24/3/09.

Celtic Joy
Celtic Joy: A Celebration of Christmas - another new Christmas album for 2008 - this time featuring Nóirín Ní Riain with her sons Eoin and Micheál Ó Súilleabhain. Style ranges from Sean Nós to Gregorian Chant, and tracks include: Coventry Carol, Ave Maria, Salve Regina, The Holly and the Ivy, Song for Jerusalem and The Beatitudes.

Enya - And Winter Came
Enya has released a seasonal album And Winter Came, which features some Christmas music - including the standards O Come O Come Emmanuel and a choral version of Oíche Chiúin (she released a solo version a few years ago). Other tracks include Journey of the Angels, Spirit of Christmas Past and White as the Winter's Night. The lyrics are available here.

Chant - Re-release for Christmas
Chant - Music for Paradise (Universal Music) an album of Gregorian Chant recorded by a group of young monks of Holy Cross, a Cistercian Abbey in Austria. was released in May 2008, and has now been re-released in a 2-disc edition for Christmas, with extra tracks for the season, including music for Advent Vespers, Advent Mass, Christmas Lauds and Christmas Mass. For more information and reviews see the Amazon listing.

James Kilbane Christmas Album
Irish gospel singer and former You're a Star finalist James Kilbane has released (Nov 2008) his first Christmas album. The Christmas Collection features many Christmas standards like Little Drummer Boy, When A Child Is Born, Away In A Manger, One Holy Night and Mary's Boy Child, along with some lesser known Christmas material. This is James' seventh album - check out his other gospel material on his website. All James Kilbane's music is available on download at iTunes, Napster or CDBaby.

The Priests Album
Three Northern Irish priests, Eugene O'Hagan, Martin O'Hagan and David Delargy have a new album (Nov 2008) which is expected to do well in the Christmas market. Released by Sony BMG, tracks include Ave Maria, Panis Angelicus, Benedictus, Pie Jesu , Abide With Me, Ag Crióst an Síol and O Holy Night. There's a full track listing, a video interview with the Priests and a chance to buy at Amazon.
See The Priests singing here.

Mary Chapin Carpenter Christmas album
Just released (Oct '08) new Christmas album by Mary Chapin Carpenter - called Come Darkness Come Light - Twelve Songs of Christmas it features traditional songs like Once in Royal David's City and Children Go Where I send Thee, with new songs writen by the singer. Genre spans country/acoustic rock/folk.

Saints and Scholars
Saints and Scholars, a CD of rare liturgical plain chant sung by the group Schola Gregoriana from Maynooth is now available from Veritas shops, the National Concert Hall music shop and St Patrick's College Maynooth.

Works of Art
This week (Issue 2/10/08) the Irish Catholic has started a series on great works of art - this week it's The Vale of Rest by Sir John Millais Everett.

Vision - The Musical
Vision is a musical re-telling the story of Bernadette of Lourdes in a modern idiom, with rick, pop and jazz influences. Written by Jonathan Smith and Dominic Hartley, and originally performed in 2002, this year has seen performances in England, Nigeria and Lordes itself. Check out the website for more information, including upcoming performaces, a downloadable score and a recording of the Lourdes event.

Irish Priest's New Novel
Fr William King, parish priest of Drumcondra, has published a new novel - Leaving Ardglass. Set in 1950's Ireland it tells the story of two brothers, one of whom becomes a priest and one a builder in England. This is his third novel. More info here.

Vatican Bans Filming
The Vatican has banned the use of churches for the filming of Angels and Demons, a new film based on one of Dan Brown's books, a prequel to the Da Vinci Code story. Some scenes are set in the Vatican and other churches. A Vatican spokesperson said that Brown has "turned the gospel upside down to poison the faith".

New Musical on Mary
Mary of Nazareth, a Story that Continues is a new musical on the life of the Virgin Mary, which has Vatican support. Alma Menera, a former Miss Italy plays the title role. The musical is also sponsored by the Italian Senate. More details here.

Church Architect
North by Northwest: The Life and Work of Liam McCormick is a new book by Paul Larmour and Shane O'Toole about one of Ireland's most prominent architects of modern church buildings. His best known churches include St Aengus' Church, Burt, Co. Donegal.

Chant Music
Chant - Music for Paradise (Universal Music) is a new CD (released in May) of Gregorian Chant recorded by a group of young monks of Holy Cross, a Cistercian Abbey in Austria.

Lourdes CD
Lourdes Where Miracles Happen is a new (Feb 08) 17 track music CD launched to mark the 150th anniversary of the appearances at Lourdes. It is dedicated to the people who have travelled to Lourdes with those who are ill.

New John Michael Talbot Alum
Living Water is John Michael Talbot's latest album, his 50th. There are samples to listen to on his website, and the album can also be ordered from there. It includes more songs for worship - A Kyrie, Sanctus, Gloria and many other tracks. On the news section of the Catholic Music Network site there's an enjoyable account of a presentation made to JMT on the occasion of this 50th album. Read it here.

Grammy Awards
Grammy Awards Feb 2008: Joint winners in the Gospel section this year were - Blessed & Highly Favored The Clark Sisters Track from: Live - One Last Time [EMI Gospel] and Never Gonna Break My Faith Aretha Franklin & Mary J. Blige (Featuring The Harlem Boys Choir) Track from: Bobby: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Island Def Jam].
More detailed info here.

From 2007:

Angela Hutchison
The Hutchisons from Canada (see Music page) have set up online sales on theirwebsite. The albums Grace Child, Hope for Sure and Christmas can all now be purchased through our secure, PayPal-powered shopping cart, which you can find out more about at www.angelahutchison.com/order.html.

Liam Lawton - New CD/DVD
The Liam Lawton 'Song of the Celtic Soul' DVD and CD is on sale in the shops from Friday 9th Nov 2007. The DVD and CD will be sold as a set. The DVD was filmed in the Docklands of Dublin last year Set in Dublin’s docklands this event was the first of its kind to be staged on water in Ireland’s capital. The unique special event, with a stunning stage designed around the theme of Angels by Alan Farquarson, featured guests Roisin O’Reilly and the boy soprano Joseph Mc Manners, the full Irish Film Orchestra and Chorus along with traditional Irish instruments. The event was attended by almost 5,000 people. The orchestral arrangements were done by the world renowned composer and arranger Nick Ingham whose films include Shakespeare In Love, Cold Mountain, Billy Elliott and Finding Neverland. The collection on this DVD and CD include many of the old favourites - Cloud's Veil, Benedictus, Lament of the Virgin, Voice of an Angel and more - there are also a few new pieces - 'Secret Land', 'I Heard an Angel' 'Field of Dreams' - and Destiny (only on the DVD).
See a sample video here.

New Bruce Springsteen DVD/CD
The new Bruce Springsteen music DVD, Live in Dublin features most of the songs from his Seeger Sessions concerts, and some gospel numbers are included - e.g. Oh Mary Don't You Weep, Jacob's Ladder, When the Saints Go marching in, This Little Light of Mine. This comes in DVD only edition or Audio CD edition or combined DVD/double CD. Bruce's website features links to video samples from the DVD.

New Film on the Resurrection
The Investigation is the title of a new film on the Resurrection. The Pope recently received a private screening, has opened in Spain and will shortly be released in the USA. It tells the story of a Roman official given the job of investigating the disappeance of the body of Jesus from the tomb.

In Praise of Mary
This is the title of a new CD of Marian hymns and chant from the Cistercian Nuns of St Mary's Abbey, Glencairn, Co. Waterford, who worked with singer Nóirín Ní Riain on the project. Click here for a video report on the abbey and the CD from RTE's Nationwide series.

Amazing Grace
This new film on William Wilberforce's campaign to end slavery in the British Empire, released in March 2007 to coincide with the 200th Anniversary on the abolition, is now available on DVD. Wilberforce was motivated by his Christian faith, which also features in the film, as does his connection with John Newton, the writer of the hymn. The official site for the film includes trailers, resource materials and study guides dealing with the film and with the issue of slavery in general - www.amazinggracemovie.com/
There's also an Irish site for the film (www.amazinggrace.ie) where you can find cinema information and some resources relating to Ireland.

CD and Concert - James Kilbane
James Kilbane has released (March 07) a new album of spiritual songs - Life's Miracle aims to be a collection that will be, according to the singer, "practical for Christians in their everyday prayer". In style it's praise and worship with a Country feel.

The Nativity Story
The Nativity Story film is now available on DVD. For trailers, video clips, screensavers and even an interactive Advent calendar go to the official website for the film. The US Catholic Conference review is here; a review from the Catholic Education Resource Centre is here.

Road to Memphis
Road to Memphis by Mildred D. Taylor is one of the novels on the Leaving Cert English Course (for 2007 at least). It's also useful for R.E. teaching, using extracts, to deal with the issue of racial prejudice (it's set in the deep south USA around 1941). There are some religious elements as well as the central characters, the Logan family are religious, pray together, go to church. Notes are available on this theme of prejudice in the novel using key scenes as a way of breaking it down into manageable sections. These are available as a Word document, or as plain text, on request - will send them by email as an attachment - use contact details over.

Da Vinci Code
With the release of the movie on DVD there's an Irish site to deal with the issues raised - www.davincicodeireland.com features, among other resources, free Powerpoint presentations and FAQ sheets to download, with the offer of speakers to deliver the presentations if required. There's also a comprehensive site from the U.S. Catholic Conference - www.jesusdecoded.com

Hopkins Poems Set to Music
Singer Sean O'Leary has an album of Hopkins poems set to music. There are samples to listen to on the website dedicated to this project - follow the link to "Play Demo". If the clips don't work first time try the link to "Help" at the bottom the demo page and you'll get an alternative way to play them. Particularly striking are his versions of "I wake and feel the fell of dark" and "Spring". There is a link on the site to buy the album.

Religious Art in Tallaght
Five sculptures inspired by St Luke's gospel have been dedicated at Tallaght Hospital in Dublin. The five scenes of healing are in bronze and ceramic and depict Jesus healing illnesses and restoring peopl to their communities and are in the chapel at the hospital.

Music CD
Faith Alive is a group founded in England by Irish priest Fr Con Foley. They are young people aiming to pass on the faith to other young people. From One Generation to the Next is their new CD. Included are parts of the Mass and new songs also. The CD can be ordered from their website, which also has samples of the music to download: www.faithalivecyc.com

Wedding Album
This is the title of a CD from Veritas, featuring appropriate music for the Sacrament of Marriage. Read more.

Hollywood and Religion
A new study by the Parents' Television Council in the USA looks at Hollywood depictions of religion - finds negative depictions of religion but more positive depiction of faith in general. Read the full story here.

Gospel Movies
Hollywood producer Jake Eberts is to be involved in producing more gospel movies, in association with Visual Bible International. In the short term The Gospel of Mark will follow the most recent movie The Gospel of John which gained cinema release. Eberts previous credits include Chariots of Fire and Driving Miss Daisy.

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