Many of us have enjoyed the music of The Priests.  Today, I wanted to share with you some additional information on these holy singing talents.  For more information or to order their new CD, visit www.thepriests.  I hope you enjoy this beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.  The following information was submitted by their publicist and is a fascinating look at The Priests.  Lisa

The Priests are:

• Father Eugene O’ Hagan, aged 50, of the Parish of Ballyclare and Ballygowan: Church of  The Sacred Heart and Church of The Holy Family. Diocese of Down and Connor

• Father Martin O’ Hagan, aged 46, of the Parish of Cushendun: Church of St. Patrick (Craigagh), Church of St. Mary, The Star of the Sea (Culraney). Diocese of Down and Connor

• Father David Delargy, aged 46 of the Parish of Hannahstown: Church of St. Joseph and Church of St. Peter, the Rock, Diocese of Down and Connor

Accolades to date:

• Global music phenomenon of the year with more than 2 million copies of their debut album sold worldwide
• Bigger than Pavarotti – The Priests was the fastest selling classical debut album of all time – an official Guiness World Record holder.
• Press highlights include Time magazine, Observer Music Monthly, UK broadsheets and national TV
• They have pledged never to give up their “day jobs”

The Priests are a classical musical group made up of Fr Eugene O’Hagan, Fr Martin O’Hagan and Fr David Delargy. The trio met for the first time at St MacNissi’s College, County Antrim, and quickly realised their musical prowess as a singing trio. Singing was both part of prayer plus, in their spare time, they performed in local operas, musicals and choirs.

The Priests continued following their vocational training at The Seminary in Belfast and concluded their training at the revered Irish College in Rome after studying there for a total of 16 years between them. It was in Rome that their combined and rare talent was recognised, signified by the invitation of the Pope’s private secretary, the Papal Master of Ceremonies, to sing for the Pope in the sacred liturgy.

The Priests talent was soon recognised by Nick Raphael, a Sony Music record label head, and they signed to the label for a £1Million contract on the steps of Westminster Abbey in April 2008. The Priests were adamant to never allow their music commitments to stand in the way of their day jobs and parish obligations, and this is written into their contract.

The Priests debut performance was a spectacular event in Northern Ireland’s Armagh Cathedral in September 2008 where they sang a collection of classical and religious songs for a packed cathedral as well as for film cameras that were later to be broadcast coast to coast on the United States PBS channel. The concert was later released on DVD and soon became a best seller.

Their debut album, The Priests, was produced by legend Mike Hedges and Sally Herbet and released in Ireland on the 14^th November 2008 by Epic Records. Globally it sold almost 2 million copies in more than 40 countries and topped the charts in Ireland, going platinum seven times over, as well as making the top tens in album charts and hitting platinum in countries as diverse as Spain, Norway and Sweden. To mark the album release an ITV documentary was broadcast detailing their extraordinary rise from obscurity to global stardom.

The Priests have since scooped the Guinness World Record for ‘Fastest-selling UK debut for a classical act’ and been nominated for a Classical Brit. They have played in venues across the world, playing live to 3,000 people in Sydney and to 6,000 people at a homecoming gig in June 2009. Other accolades include a personal invitation to sing for The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall as well as starting out their tour with a performance in the presence of HM The and Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland at a huge peace and reconciliation charity.

Their rise to global stardom has been documented across the world’s print including headline features in the Washington Post, Time Magazine and Observer Music Monthly and they have appeared in TV shows across the world with artists from Tom Jones to The Killers including the BBC’s coveted Jonathan Ross show and the News at Ten with Sir Trevor MacDonald.

Their second album, Harmony, is now available from Sony label Epic. The album features tracks such as The Lord’s Prayer and Amazing Grace.

Complete Harmony for the Singing Priests

The Priests, the singing global superstars who broke the Guinness world record for the fastest selling classical debut album of all time, are releasing their second album in November. The album, entitled Harmony, will feature tracks such as The Lord’s Prayer and Amazing Grace and will be released once again by Sony label, Epic.

The Priests, brothers Fathers Martin and Eugene O’Hagan and Father David Delargy, were young school friends when they first sang together at the age of  12 (Martin and David) and 15 (Eugene).  Their love of singing continued whilst studying for the priesthood in Rome.  Once ordained, all three took up parish commitments.  Singing was both part of prayer plus, in their spare time, they performed in local operas, musicals and choirs.  In February 2008, a record company scout knocked on their door and asked them to make a demo.  The rest, as they say is history.  The Priests never allow their music commitments to stand in the way of their day jobs and parish obligations.   So adamant are they that their priestly duties must come first, their recording contract stipulates that they will never be asked to put record promotion ahead of their pastoral work.

Since signing the £ million contract on the steps of Westminster Cathedral in April 2008, the Priests have enjoyed phenomenal global success. The release of their first album The Priests lead to them being nominated for a Classical Brit.  If that wasn’t enough they have given one off performances to The President of Ireland, The Prince Of Wales and The Duchess Of Cornwall and last but no means least, Her Majesty The Queen.

The full time Priests and part time pop stars have performed live shows in Australia, the UK, America, Canada and Ireland, been front page news in some of the world’s largest publications, including Time magazine and The Washington Post.  They have appeared on TV shows across the world with artists from Tom Jones to The Killers and made whistle stop visits to over 17 countries. They have even been interviewed by Jonathan Ross on his coveted prime time chat show as well as making the 10 o’ clock news with Sir Trevor McDonald. Their attraction then is evident, but Harmony proves once again that their talent is their most enduring feature and that 30 years of practicing paid off.

For more information or to order the new CD, visit www.thepriests.

But we need your help – please visit the website and place your vote for the winner.  You’ll meet some incredible priests and may even want to share their stories on your blogs!  The voting deadline is July 15, so hear over now to cast your ballot.

Rosary for Priests from Joseph ofNazareth on Vimeo.

Deacon Tom takes on a question from Mark S. of Philadelphia about how to keep positive in spite of the problems and scandals we hear about these days. Tom’s Answer? Perspective.

Avery shares a reflection on serenity and surrendering to God with a prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola.  Lisa Mladnich recommends “running a tight ship” in your faith formation efforts.

Sarah Reinhard shares a guilty confession about her language in this week’s Mary Moment, and a tip for how you might find help from Mary if you share her struggles. Also, a special thanks to Susan Bailey, who graciously agreed to let us use her Ave Maria music.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

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• Current CatholicMom.com Contests
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In this Year for Priests — Deacon Tom shares a tribute about one priest, Fr. Cyril Levy. Truth be told, our Catholic Church is filled with such wonderful priests, for which we give thanks.

Avery discusses Lent and gives some ideas for reflecting on the season.  Lisa Mladnich shares some amazing ideas for making teaching the faith a fun experience.

Inspired by the mention of St. Gemma Galgani on episode 45 of the Among Women podcast, Sarah Reinhard shares a quote by that saint and a reflection on suffering.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• Susie Lloyd – Facebook, Sophia Institute Press, CMGBooking.com
• Music by Popple
• Making Music, Praying Twice Lenten Activities
• Lent at CatholicMom.com
• Spread the Word to End the Word
• Current CatholicMom.com Contests
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• The Catholic Company
• The Handbook for Catholic Moms:  The Catholic Company, Amazon, Aquinas and More or Barnes & Noble
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Thank you to Anne Hughes for bringing to my attention her wonderful effort to support and encourage our priests during this Year for Priests. Please contact Anne regarding her project entitled “Letters to Priests, Thanking the Men of the Catholic Church”.  Here are the details from her recent press release:

Please contribute to a Catholic Book being published entitled, “Letters to Priests, Thanking the Men of the Catholic Church”.  At last, an opportunity to thank priests for their everyday dedication to healing and support. “Letters to Priests, Thanking the Men of the Catholic Church” is a new Catholic book being published to help us express our gratitude to the many priests who have guided us though grief and joy, with friendship and encouragement. This new publication will be a compilation of letters of thanks written by people from all over the world who have been helped, supported and encouraged by a priest. How has a Homily or Sacrament touched your life? Sharing your letter of thanks may be healing for you and others as you retell your experience. Many of us share the same stories – joyful and sorrowful – and in thanking your priest you may be a source of inspiration and healing for others as they read of your journey. Please join us in this new publication and contribute a letter of gratitude. WE INVITE YOU TO WRITE YOUR LETTER OF THANKS. You may also e-mail Anne Hughes or Teena Adamick at letterstopriests@gmail.com. Visit http://www.linkedin.com/pub/anne-hughes/15/754/812 or send a letter to Anne Hughes, P.O. Box 482, Ada, Michigan, USA 49301. Letters To Priests, Thanking The Men Of The Catholic Church is now a LinkedIn group.  Visit our brand new Blog.

In other news, the Catholic News Service takes a fascinating look at “Who’s Tweeting for the Vatican?” in this post.

Raise your hand if you’d follow the REAL Vatican on Twitter! I’ll bet an official Vatican Twitter account could give Ashton Kutcher a run for his money…

Video Link

What if Jesus said to you that He only wanted one New Year’s Resolution. With that as a premise — Deacon Tom explores what ONE THING he would resolve in 2010. And what might your’s be?

Sarah Reinhard shares her struggle with resolutions and a suggestion from My Ideal: Jesus, Son of Mary, by Fr. Emil Neubert.

Please consider joining us in support of the SQPN.com Giving Campaign.  Your donations will help us to continue in this important evangelization work.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• Annie Karto
• A Conversation with Dan and Ry
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• Natasha Howes, Producer of The 13th Day; live from the United Kingdom
• Ian and Dominic Higgins, WRITERS and DIRECTORS of The 13th Day; live from the United Kingdom
• Actress Jane Lesley, who plays Maria dos Santos in The 13th Day; live from the United Kingdom
• Actress Filipa Fernandez, who plays Lucia in The 13th Day; live from Portugal
• Anthony Ryan, Marketing Director for Ignatius Press, North American distributors of The 13th Day
• Mark Brumley, CEO for Ignatius Press, North American distributors of The 13th Day
• Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR, an expert on Our Lady of Fatima

I hope you enjoy this fruitful conversation about the making of the film, its mission, its impact upon the producers and actors, and the special features contained in the special The 13th Day DVD collection.

Have you ever heard Fr. Tom Forest? He’s one of the great preachers and leaders in the Charismatic Movement. Deacon Tom honors him during this Year of the Priest.

Sarah Reinhard shares another special Mary Moment discussing the Marian title “Cause of Our Joy”.  May Mary help us see the joy her son Jesus brings to our lives!

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• The 13th Day DVD
• The 13th Day website
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Sarah Reinhard brings us a Mary Moment with Deacon flair!  Sarah and Deacon Tom Fox discuss devotion to the Blessed Mother, including the self consecration to Mary, Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary, the Madonna House, and Sarah’s column on Our Lady of Combermere.  Don’t forget to contact Deacon Tom at his Catholic Vitamins podcast to get one of the free copies of the “Discerning Your Gifts” brochure.

We close the show this week with a debut of the terrific Popple song Salt and Light from their new CD “Hip Hip Hooray”.  Check out the Popple website and download or order your copy of Hip Hip Hooray today.

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with CatholicMatch.com as they begin sponsoring this podcast.  Please support CatholicMatch.com and be sure to enter our current CatholicMatch.com for your opportunity to win a three month membership to the Leading Catholic Singles Community.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• Fr. Andrew Gawrych, C.S.C.:
  • The Cross, Our Only Hope: Daily Reflections in the Holy Cross Tradition
  • The Gift of Hope: Advent and Christmas Reflections in the Holy Cross Tradition
  • The Gift of the Cross: Lenten Reflections in the Holy Cross Tradition
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Fr. Leo is the author of Grace Before Meals: Recipes for Family Life, one of the few cookbooks I have actually ever read and used!  My personal copy was a gift from Deacon Tom Fox and is autographed by Fr. Leo – I almost don’t want to use it for fear that one of Fr. Leo’s signature recipes will be dripped on the pages, but this book is too good not to enjoy.

Fr. Leo’s talk this morning was very fitting, coming as we commemorate the events of September 11, 2001.  He shared with us that the origins of his Grace Before Meals ministry came about in the days immediately following 9/11, when he and his brother priests were on retreat together.  It was an amazing story, told with wit and energy.  When listening to Fr. Leo or watching him cook, you can’t help but cheer for him – I truly hope that he finds success on network television, where he can share an example of a holy Catholic priest living life to its fullest.  His message this morning also reminded us that gathering with our families around special meals, even the non-gourmet variety, draws us closer to one another and to the God who loves us so greatly.

I hope someday you have the treat of enjoying a home-cooked meal from Fr. Leo.  But in the mean time, you can take advantage of his wisdom by acquiring your own copy of Grace Before Meals: Recipes for Family Life and visiting him at GraceBeforeMeals.com.

View my photos of Breakfast with Fr. Leo at Facebook.

In the mean time, this morning I read this headline from Catholic News Service:

CNS STORY: Pope says families should create ‘spiritual terrain’ for vocations

In the article, Pope Benedict XVI is quoted as saying:

“When couples dedicate themselves generously to the education of their children, guiding and orienting them toward the discovery of God’s design of love, they prepare that fertile spiritual terrain where vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life arise and mature,” the pope said.

He offered a prayer that in the Year for Priests, “Christian families may become small churches in which all the vocations and charisms given by the Holy Spirit will be welcomed and valued.”

Pope Benedict’s comments, following so closely on the heals of my conversation with Fr. Gawrych, have me questioning whether I’ve done enough in my own home to till that “fertile spiritual terrain” – I know the answer, sadly, is no.  We talk about vocations, but I think we fall very short.  It’s quite perilous, walking the tightrope of raising Catholic teens.  I do my very best to share my love of our faith with them, and yet not to be so overwhelming with it that they begin to turn off.

How fertile is the spiritual terrain around your home?  What works for you and what doesn’t?  Is your parish actively working on welcoming and valuing vocations?