In her recent newsletter, looking at the advanced age and distant origin of the songs we sing in Australian parishes, Monica O’Brien put up some good examples of Australian music we could be using. They are all songs that are available to be purchased as sheet music and downloaded to be used to freshen up our tired musical liturgies.
Born Anew – Br James Maher
Make Me a Channel – Amanda McKenna
Live Life Anew – Michael Harvey & Ronelle McKay
We Gather at Your Table – Gina Ogilvie & Monica O’Brien
A Hymn of Healing for the Church – Br Michael Herry
The Lord is My Shepherd Psalm 22/23 – Gen Bryant
I have already blogged “We Gather at Your Table” and “A Hymn of Healing for the Church.”
James Maher msc wrote “Born Anew” for the 125th anniversary of St Mark’s parish, Drummoyne. It is a baptismal song, but with application as a recessional. It is in a fine country style.
The sheet music can be purchased for download at Willow. Even for an older person like myself the process is painless.
My backing is also a little country.
1 Born anew in living water, named and loved as one with you.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, nourished well with sacred food.
We are one, we stand together.
We proclaim your living truth,
Reaching out with hearts and hands to those in need.
Being companions on life’s path of mystery.
Refrain
That we might hear your voice, that we might recognise your love,
The source of all we are and all we do.
That we might speak your name and dare to walk with you in faith.
Oh let our hearts be opened now to you.
2 Christ you came as one among us and promised always to be near,
In our living of the Gospel, we behold your presence here.
As the love within our loving
And the truth which bids us come,
Calling us to enter closer to your side.
That our deeper yearnings might to be satisfied.
Refrain
Oh let our hearts be opened now to you.
© 2008 James Maher msc