January  2003

I was looking back over the past year and remembering all those people who have died. Many were friends, relatives, co-workers, or others that we knew. There were also those whom we did not know, they may have been a hero in some way like an actor or musician. (I lost a lot of those last year.) With my mind on suffering with the loss, a friend gave me a book on suffering. The book said suffering - even Christ's own suffering - was part of the Father's plan, and we are called to cooperate with that plan. There were stories of others that had suffered loss and discovered hope and healing through God's amazing grace. One story was of a Catholic deacon and renowned New Orleans lawyer who had everything in life - a loving, close-knit family, six beautiful daughters, friends, partners, and prestige. Then he faced obscure legal charges, and even though innocent, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. After three years of constant prayer he was cleared. God worked a miracle in his life. The man's name was Carl Cleveland.  

It was after I read the book that I realized that this was Catholic singer Kitty Cleveland’s father. This is proof that prayer works no matter what!

Kitty Cleveland spent years on her knees praying for her father. That is why her new CD is one that should not be missed. Cleveland has teamed up with Fr. Robert Cavlier to bring us The Miracle Of Love Rosary.  What makes this rosary different than others is that it also has the new “Mysteries of Light” that the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, recently added. It is the first recording to do so. Cleveland says it was Divine Providence that the new mysteries were added just as they were on the last night of production. The rosary has soothing acoustic guitar, cello and flute under the prayers, with meditations and song verses between the mysteries.  Both the meditations and the song lyrics celebrate the sanctity of life and God's great love for us. Fr. Cavlier’s gentle voice transports you through every mystery.  If you have ever heard Kitty Cleveland from her other CDs Sacred Arias or Surrender, you know this CD will not disappoint. Her classically trained voice defines The Miracle Of Love Rosary as her labor of love that will inspire everyone.

  Daughters of God is an exciting new collection that celebrates the faith and fellowship of women--from Rebecca, Ruth, and Mary to the believers of today. Produced and organized by Sarah Hart, Daughters of God is a collaboration of many talented women composers and performers, including Nellie Cruz, Jessica Alles-Smith, Bernadette Farrell, Janèt Sullivan Whitaker, Laurie Webb, Jennifer Martin, Rebecca Harper, Celia Whitler, and others. Sarah Hart won UNITY 2002 award for Producer of the Year for this album.  In personal and poetic ways, the fourteen original songs address relationships with God, faith, motherhood, childbirth, and the search for vocation and prayer. The women all take turns at the microphone, either as lead vocalist or backing each other up. Sarah Hart takes control as the lead voice in “I Rejoice,” a beautiful song of praise. Janet Sullivan Whitaker takes the place of the woman at the well in the song, “The Call.”  A soulful sounding Nellie Cruz tells us God receives every need in the song, “We Believe In Prayer.”  Singing with a beautiful classic piano, Jennifer Martin asks God to help us see His face in the sick, the poor and those suffering, in the song, “Break My Heart.”  Susan Hookong-Taylor’s voice will touch your heart as she sings, “Peace I Leave.”  She also sings with Wendy Andino and Jennifer Martin on the classic hymns, “Come, Holy Ghost.”  This is reworked musically by Sarah Hart. The gem of the CD is the title track, “Daughter Of God”, in which each of them take a role of famous women of the Bible.  Though Daughters Of God speaks primarily to women, men too, will enjoy this upbeat, contemporary music that explores the spiritual journey common to all Christians.

While at World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto many people were surprised by a musician relatively unknown outside his local circles. Fred Cacciotti was commissioned to form the contemporary section of the music instrumentation for the Opening and the Closing Papal Mass.  By special invitation he joined the WYD choir with guitar in a final farewell to Pope John Paul.  He was seen by millions in Toronto and on TV. Inspired by the performance, Cacciotti has now put out a new CD called Heavenly Eyes, Heavenly Hands. This is a CD of songs that express his devotion and commitment to Jesus. The songs confirm that  Jesus is in charge of our lives. “Jesus Is The Captain”  and “The Salvation Train” state He is the controller without a doubt. Songs like “Prayer To The Father,” “Spiritual Food,” and “Take Up Your Cross” tell us to read the Bible, pray and follow the Lord. The title song, “Heavenly Eyes, Heavenly Hands,” lets us know that God the Father is watching over us and keeping us from harm. One song that hits home with Cacciotti is “Be Ready.” The song enjoins us to avoid the things and people that would turn us away from God.  We must be ready, for the Lord is coming soon: “Some rock star celebrities fill super stadiums; their message is full of worldly consummation; but God’s word is clear  transcending all the ages; Believe in my Son, follow Him and be saved…” Cacciotti knows about rock stars. He was once known as the “greatest undiscovered rock guitarist.”  He did concert tours and some of the artists he shared the stage with were Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Albert King, Bruce Cockburn, and Neil Diamond.  After leaving the music business he was asked to start a Music Ministry at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Canada. The songs that he wrote there are collected on Heavenly Eyes, Heavenly Hands.  All proceeds of the CD will go to St. Joseph the Worker Roof Fund.

Scarecrow and Tinmen’s lead singer Chris Padgett has been touring the country for sometime now. As a member of a popular Christian rock band for seven years, Padgett has developed and refined his musical expertise. Give him a piano and you will soon be brought into one of the most worshipful experiences you have ever been a part of.  When Padgett has finished sharing his heart in his speaking ministry, he sits down at the piano and plays some of his original, worshipful tunes. To just sit in God's presence and reflect on the truth spoken by Him through His servant Chris Padgett as he plays the piano is quite an experience. These songs are now available on a CD collection called Follow.  It is best described as the lighter side of alternative music. Padgett takes a prayer that he surely says before every talk and puts it to music in the song, “What Do You Want To Say?”. The praise and worship side of Padgett comes forth in “Jesus, Father, Spirit,” a love song for the Trinity.  Other gems on the CD include the worship songs “Follow,” “As I Am,” “Tell Everyone” and “Resting In His Arms.” One track that stands out is Padgett’s song to his daughter, “Madeline.” This is the song of a father who looks at his little girl and thinks about the future. He asks his daughter to stay pure and to stay away from wickedness and sin. It's a wish that all loving parents have for their children. Whether or not you are a Scarecrow and Tinmen fan, this is a CD to own.