Episode 22: What Does Heaven Sound Like?

Description: Kids! Our second annual podcast with the wisest voices among us. Treat yourself to the refreshing perspective of these little angels, reminding us that the sounds of heaven are all around. Special thanks to the kids from across several states who participated in the fun! And of course, to the parents and teachers who are right by their side, cheering them on and honored to do so.

Description: We are getting excited for our first ever all-Spanish language hymnal! Returning to the podcast is our Editor of Spanish and Bilingual Resources, Peter Kolar, to discuss highlights that are sure to find a welcome home in every parish throughout this nation. ¡Vamos!Bio: Peter Kolar is the Editor for Spanish and Bilingual Resources at GIA Publications. An accomplished composer and pianist, his works include the bilingual mass setting, Misa Luna, sung at the papal liturgy in Philadelphia, and a solo classical piano CD Variations. Known for his creative use of both classical and Latin-American musical forms, Peter holds a masters degree in music composition from Northwestern University and sits on the board of directors for the Southwest Liturgical Conference. He resides in El Paso, TX, where he is the Director of the El Paso Diocesan Choir. From the Committee: Tu Pueblo Canta is more than a book. It is a treasure:*a treasure that enshrines the journey of the Hispanic/Latin-American people, radiates their love of tradition, and gleams well into the future for those who will behold, learn from, and improve upon its musical riches;*a treasure that reflects the toils and labors of a diligent and dedicated people whose faith both propels their daily toil and offers refuge from it;*a treasure that shimmers in the kaleidoscope of creation’s diversity, with pride and appreciation for Latinos across the globe who have somehow found community in a Spanish-language Mass offered at a local church or parish;*a treasure that proclaims dignity, affirms worth, and asserts God’s image to those facing op-pression, segregation, indifference and active aggression from within society and institutions;*a treasure that blankets and protects as a divine loving mother’s mantel against pain and misery, a balm of comfort for the weary;*a treasure whose pages will be held in sacred hands, just as the priest holds the illustrious sacred ritual books of the Mass, with a tangible weight and depth, at once timely and timeless;*a treasure whose adorning art increases the beauty of the sacred space it will occupy, befitting its place within God’s sanctuary;*a treasure whose sung words will teach the faith, challenge worldly precepts, and compel afervent lived discipleship;*a treasure whose melodies will uplift the spirit and soul, carrying heavenward the prayers of the gathered community;*a treasure whose embedded styles, character and rhythms will touch the heart once fullyeffectuated in breath and voice;*a treasure that will inspire future musicians, authors and composers to willingly offer their Spirit-fed gifts for the sake of the Church because of an ecclesial ecosystem that invites and upholds such contributions as essential to the Catholic liturgy;*and finally, a treasure that both reflects and illumines faith so that it is overflowing with life and steeped in resurrection joy. It is with grateful hearts that we, the members of the hymnal committee, offer Tu Pueblo Canta for the sake of our broader family of Spanish-speaking faithful. This hymnal was born of the desire to serve the people of God in the most elevated and dignified way possible. At its core, it is a labor love by the people, for the people. We have every confidence that Tu Pueblo Canta will become a source of profound faith and joy for your community—a shared keepsake to be cherished and treasured.—Tu Pueblo Canta Hymnal Committee Music in this episode: Eso Me Basta: https://giamusic.com/resource/eso-me-basta-senor-cdthilletcorrea-recording-012614 Tesoros Ocultos: https://giamusic.com/resource/tesoros-ocultostreasures-out-of-darknessreveringarr-kolar-print-012671 Porque Su Amor Es Eterno: https://giamusic.com/resource/porque-su-amor-es-eterno-print-g9186 Un Mandamiento Nuevo: https://giamusic.com/resource/un-mandamiento-nuevo-i-give-you-a-new-commandment-print-g10518 Ave Maria: https://giamusic.com/resource/ave-mariarubalcava-print-012722 Caminemos Con Jesus: https://giamusic.com/resource/caminemos-con-jesys-print-g10077

March is Women's History Month, and boy (pun intended), are we in the midst of some history being made by women. Whether it is the national and international headlines made by survivors of Epstein's abuse, or the closer-to-home allegations of abusers in sacred spaces, the #metoo, #churchtoo movements (spearheaded by incredible women!) are uniting in a way that will allow generations to come to take their next cue toward equity and justice. Natalie Pucillo is an incredible young theologian and music minister who has a personal encounter with an alleged abuser, and also helps other survivors find their voice at Awake, a community of survivors, concerned Catholics, and allies responding to the wounds of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. I believe her, and I believe in the healing that is found by honoring her voice. Bio: Natalie Pucillo is a Master of Divinity student at Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Pastoral Studies, where she combines her interests in Catholic liturgy and sacramental theology, ecclesiology, and trauma-informed pastoral practices. A musician with over a decade of experience serving churches in the Washington, DC area, she is especially interested in how communal worship shapes connection and responsibility within Catholic settings. Natalie currently serves as the Survivor Resource Intern for Awake, a community of abuse survivors, concerned Catholics, and allies responding to the wounds of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. As a survivor of abuse by a lay minister, her personal and professional mission centers on naming the impact of harm within Church spaces and building communities that make room for truth and healing. Music in this episode: This Little Light of Minehttps://giamusic.com/resource/this-little-light-of-mine-print-ww1682 Sacred the Body, Ruth Duck/Mark Millerhttps://giamusic.com/resource/sacred-the-body-pdf-du01351

Description: Educator, podcaster, musician, deep-thinker, atheist-turned-Christian, from the "rust of the buckle of the Bible belt." Join this conversation with our own podcast producer, David Dault, as we recall a spiritual journey that intersects with the Indigo Girls, DMX, Quakers, Walter Brueggemann, Sr. Thea Bowman, and countless others. What is it that draws you into music and faith? For David, a line of the hymn "My Song is Love Unknown" was a critical turning point in recognizing his place in this great love story. You can learn more about David and his brand new book, The Accessorized Bible, at his website, daviddault.com. Bio: David Dault spends his time with one foot in the academy and one foot in the world of television, radio, and podcasting. At Loyola University's Institute of Pastoral Studies, he oversees the programs for Christian Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. Beyond Loyola, he is also an award-winning screenwriter, media producer, consultant, and radio host.Music in this episode:My Song is Love Unknown, John Ireland: https://giamusic.com/resource/my-song-is-love-unknown-print-g10112 God Bless Our No, Brown/Williams: https://giamusic.com/resource/god-bless-our-no-pdf-du01869

Join this conversation with composer, theologian, scholar, globetrotter, and Paulist priest, Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP. In this episode, we hear his journey as a liturgical composer, his family's rich prayer life, his later scholarship of Asian heritage like this month's celebration of Simbang Gabi, and his latest work exploring the growing world of AI and the ethics surrounding its use, urging our hearts and minds to turn toward honor, truth, and transparency to keep us grounded, embodied, and God's ongoing creation. Bio: Fr. Ricky is a Paulist priest, liturgical composer, theologian, and pastoral scholar whose work has shaped Catholic worship, intercultural ministry, and theological discourse. Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Marlboro, NJ, he studied composition and piano at the Manhattan School of Music; theology at the Washington Theological Union (WTU); and liturgy, culture, and sociology at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, CA. He currently serves as chairperson of the Paulist Initiative on Polarization ("The Communion Project"), leading efforts to bridge divides and foster dialogue within the U.S. Catholic Church. Songs heard in this episode: Be Glad in the Lord, G-4363; Spirit of Truth and Life, G-3909; One Bread We Bless and Share, G-4362

Description: Join composer Santiago Fernandez in this conversation about his journey as a liturgical musician, migrant, and composer. For one who grew up in Mexico, La Virgen de Guadalupe is simply a part of everyday life, and her mantle of protection follows each of us along the way. Heads up--there's an Easter egg announcement in here about our new Spanish-language hymnal: Tu Pueblo Canta!Guest: Santiago Fernandez Bio: Santiago Fernández has been active in parish music ministry for the past 35 years and is currently Music Minister at Church of the Holy Family in Novi, Michigan. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Wayne State University in Detroit, is certified in both Pastoral Ministry and Liturgical Ministry (locally by the Archdiocese of Detroit and nationally by the USCCB’s Commission on Certification and Accreditation) and is currently studying a Master’s Degree in Theology with a concentration in Sacred Scripture. Santiago is a frequent speaker and workshop presenter at events and conferences around the country and abroad in the area of Hispanic liturgical music.   He has four collections of contemporary liturgical music published by Oregon Catholic Press, a number of bilingual pieces published by GIA and is also author of the bilingual book Un Hermoso Intercambio Cultural/A Beautiful Cultural Exchange, offering ideas, reflections and suggestions to open doors and broaden horizons within the multicultural integration of pastoral work in the United States. Songs: Ave Maria: track 3 https://giamusic.com/resource/breath-of-god-recording-cd425 Enter His Gates, Santiago Fernandez https://giamusic.com/resource/enter-his-gates-print-g10700

Guest: Emily Bradfield Bio: Emily Bradfield is a marketing and brand strategy professional based in the Greater Chicago area. She is passionate about creating cohesive brand narratives across the marketing funnel and aligning performance with brand strategy. Early in her career, Emily served in roles such as Marketing Associate at the Chicago Sinfonietta, where she handled communications, engagement, and public relations efforts for the orchestra. Her professional network includes positions with law firms, among other organizations, demonstrating her flexibility across industries in brand & marketing roles. Description: In this episode, we invite the host's own sister into the conversation, pivoting from her experience in marketing in brand management and its implications in church work, toward a deeper reflection about home, music, and faith. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so this conversation highlights some of the realities of those who experience domestic violence. A few statistics to add some context to the conversation: *An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.*Nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by a partner and reported it having a related impact on their functioning.*Just under 15% of women (14.8%) and 4% of men in the US have been injured as a result of intimate partner violence that included rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.*1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.*Intimate partner violence alone affects more than 12 million people every year.*Over 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.*Almost half of all women and men in the US have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime (48.4% and 48.8%, respectively).*Women ages 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 generally experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence.*From 1994 to 2010, approximately 4 in 5 victims of intimate partner violence were female.*Most female victims of intimate partner violence were previously victimized by the same offender at rates of 77% for women ages 18 to 24, 76% for ages 25 to 34, and 81% for ages 35 to 49.(these statistics and more can be found at thehotline.org)

This time on Interchange, we're joined by composer Mark Miller, a musician renowned for his vibrant voice in Christian worship communities across the world. In this candid conversation, Mark shares a part of his personal story that shapes his perspective on themes of belonging, identity, and grace—elements so often reflected in his music. Mark embodies a spirit of gentle inclusivity, combining theological depth with accessibility. In his role as both composer and educator, his personal narrative of adoption resonates with his commitment to writing music that assures people they are claimed and beloved. Bio: Mark A. Miller has a passion for building community through music and believes that everyone is a child of God. He adheres to Cornel West’s belief that “Justice is what love looks like in public.” A graduate of Yale and Juilliard, Mark is Professor of Church Music, Director of Chapel, and Composer-in-Residence at Drew University. He is also a Lecturer in Sacred Music at Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music and Divinity School, and Minister of Music of Christ Church in Summit, New Jersey. Previously, he provided musical leadership for Marble Collegiate Church and The Riverside Church (both in New York City). His sacred music is widely published and sung by communities of faith around the world. Mark’s Let Justice Roll (for chorus and orchestra) was performed for “Juneteenth Celebration: All American Freedom Day” in 2019 at Carnegie Hall. His album, Imagine the People of God, is available on iTunes. Mark has led choirs and performed in Sweden, South Africa, Austria, Russia, and the Baltic states. He spends part of the year traveling around the United States (often with his band, Subject to Change), lecturing, preaching, and presenting concerts focused on creating community and advocating for social justice for all people, especially the LGBTQIA+ community. His music has been called the soundtrack for a new generation to express and celebrate hospitality, equity, and justice. Mark resides in Plainfield, New Jersey, with his husband, Michael Murden. They have two adult children, Alyse and Keith, and a cat named Oscar.Music heard in this episode:Hope Will Not Fail: https://giamusic.com/resource/hope-will-not-fail-printed-music-11378Who You Are: https://giamusic.com/resource/who-you-are-pdf-du01353We Will Rejoice: When the Fig Tree Fails to Blossom https://giamusic.com/resource/when-the-fig-tree-fails-to-blossom-printed-music-11383Gather at the River: https://giamusic.com/resource/gather-at-the-river-pdf-du01359

One of those things about the human condition is that we're gonna get hungry. Whether it be the physical hunger for something to fill our bellies or the spiritual hunger for comfort, belonging, justice, our bodies need these embodied experiences of satiation: a truly sacramental experience of foretaste of God's abundance. But it's complicated... and Stephanie is over it. We need food to live, and we know that we cannot live on bread alone. So what makes this simple truth so complicated, unable to freely be in a human body, accepting our human needs? And to work in one more pun--what's eating at you? Bio: Stephanie Fiorentino, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian specializing in intuitive eating and disordered eating recovery. She is passionate about health accessibility and a sustainable approach to nutrition without stigma or shame. You can learn more about her and her work at foodwonderful.com. Music in this episode:Living Bread, Adam Ubowski, Lori Ubowski, Sarah Hart: https://giamusic.com/resource/living-bread-print-007861

For us in Chicago, the whirlwind continues after the surprise announcement of Pope Leo XIV--a native Chicagoan, with Black Catholic roots and a legacy of ministry in Peru. On June 14, Chicago held a celebration at Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, that concluded in a Mass. Where does one even begin planning a huge liturgy like this? Join members of the planning team as we share a bit of mystagogical reflection on our experience preparing for this historical event.  Guests: Peter Kolar, Samantha Polo, Mike Ward, and Matt Merkt Music: Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, G-5627