Our collection of great Catholic songs will have all you parochial school products, former altar boys, and uniform wearers humming along. And, really, any lover of religious music will find it enjoyable. Show
This list is very subjective, needless to say. In establishing our criteria, we considered many things, and upfront, we should clarify a few points. It had to be a pretty good one if it’s a seasonal song – like for Advent, Christmas, or Easter. Kind of like it’s harder for a designated hitter in baseball to make the Hall of Fame because DH’s don’t play defense. It was more difficult for seasonal songs to make our list. Having grown up in the ’60s and ’70s in the midwest of the United States, I think it’s fair to say there’s a significant bias to songs featured in that era and my geographical area. Still, we tried to include some of the most popular Catholic church songs from more recent years. And, I suspect that the songs sang in Missouri was similar to those sung in New York and California. The origin of many of these great Catholic hymns goes way back. Some may not be Catholic in origin, and some might not have had any religious affiliation, e.g., the tune to “Sons of God” was an old German beer drinking song. Ultimately, it came down to the favorite songs we liked. Hopefully, you’ll like them too. 50 Best Catholic Songs of All TimeThere are lots of Catholic hymns and church songs to choose from, and the list keeps expanding. But, these are the top 50 songs that we think belong in the Hall of Fame. Counting down from 50, here we go… 50) Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?Likely written by African-American slaves in the 1800s, historical records show it was first printed in 1899. Here are the opening lyrics: Were you there when they crucified my Lord? (repeat: Were you there?) Here’s Johnny Cash’s version. 49) The Cry of the PoorWritten by John Foley based on many Psalms. Church music at its best. The chorus: The Lord hears the cry of the poor. You might like Father-Daughter Duets by the Shaws. 48) Sing a New SongWritten by Dan Schutte, the song’s chorus is as follows: Sing a new song unto the Lord; Many of these great Catholic songs are in the singer-songwriter genre. Check out some of the best singer-songwriter performers on the pop charts in the 1970s. You might like The Best of Awards for Music, Book, and Movies 2020 47) Michael Row The Boat AshoreThis song was a Negro spiritual that was first noted during the Civil War. Per Wikipedia, “It was sung by former slaves whose owners had abandoned the island (St. Helena) before the Union navy arrived to enforce a blockade.” Catholic Church Songs46) Let There Be Peace on EarthIt was written in 1955 by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller; it was initially written for the International Children’s Choir. Per Wikipedia, “Jackson-Miller, who had been suicidal after the failure of a marriage, later said that she wrote the song after discovering what she called the “life-saving joy of God’s peace and unconditional love.” 45) Come to the WaterWritten by Matt Maher, this Catholic hymn’s opening lyrics are: O let all who thirst 44) I Am The Bread Of LifeWritten by Sister Suzanne Toolan, this Communion song almost didn’t come to be. Per the National Catholic Reporter: It was 1966, and Mercy Sr. Suzanne Toolan had been asked to write a song for the San Francisco archdiocese event. With the deadline looming, she worked on a song in an unoccupied room next to the infirmary in the Catholic girls’ high school where she taught. “I worked on it, and I tore it up. I thought, ‘This will not do,’ ” Toolan said. “And this little girl came out of the infirmary and said, ‘What was that? That was beautiful!’ I went right back and Scotch-taped it up.” That schoolgirl saved “I Am the Bread of Life,” one of the most popular Catholic hymns of the Second Vatican Council era. 43) Here I am LordProlific Dan Schutte also wrote this well-loved song. Written in 1981, the lyrics are based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3. The song has been used in the Papal masses. 42) On Jordan’s BankOne of the top 2 Advent songs – a seasonal Catholic hymns favorite – the lyrics go: On Jordan’s bank, the Baptist’s cry 41) Though the Mountains May FallAnother Dan Schutte song that’s easy to sing. Here’s the opening: Though the mountains may fall and the hills turn to dust, yet the love of the Lord will stand as a shelter to all who will call on his name. 40) Dominique“Sister Smile,” in French “Soeur Sourire,” was a Belgian singer and songwriter in the Dominican Order. Born Jeanne-Paule Marie “Jeannine” Deckers, she achieved worldwide fame when “Dominque” landed in the Billboard Hot 100. Debbie Reynolds played her in a feature movie. It’s an unforgettable Catholic song that will stay with you. The Singing Nun – Humming allowed when the video playsYou might also like Greatest TV Theme Songs. Catholic Music39) One Bread, One BodyWritten by John Foley, this Catholic hymn opens with these words: One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. 38) Amazing Grace37) Silent NightComposed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818, the version sung by Bing Crosby is the third best-selling single of all time. Father Joseph Mohr, a young priest, wrote the lyrics. 36) Blessed Be The Lord35) Like a ShepherdWritten by Bob Dufford. It goes like this: Like a shepherd, he feeds his flock and gathers the lambs in his arms, 34) Yahweh, You Are NearThis guy is like the Michael Jordan of Catholic hymns – yes, Dan Schutte again with this Catholic hymn. Opening: Yahweh, I know you are near, 33) Jesus Christ is Risen TodayIf it’s Easter and you’re at a Catholic Church, the odds are 99.8% that you’ll hear this one. Written in the 14th century, this one goes way back. It was originally a Bohemian Latin hymn. Here’s how it goes: Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! 32) Angels We Have Heard on HighA famous Christmas carol with lyrics by James Chadwick, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. The music comes from Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes, a French song. And, it goes like this: Angels we have heard on high 31) Holy, Holy, HolyHoly, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Mass Songs30) Eye Has Not SeenWritten by Marty Haugen. The opening: Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love him; 29) Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel – Advent28) Oh Come All Ye FaithfulAttributed to many authors, it goes like this: O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! 27) The Church’s One FoundationIt goes like this: The Church’s one foundation You might like: 40 Things To Give Up For Lent. 26) Joy is Like the RainSister Miriam Therese Winter wrote “Joy is Like the Rain” at the lowest point of her existence, knowing just three chords on the guitar. You might like our Fun Facts about the Top 25 Motown Songs. 25) Accept Almighty FatherIt appears to be translated from an old German hymn. It is said that religious songs are putting daily prayers to music. We agree. Here you go: Accept
Almighty Father 24) Go Tell It On the MountainDating back to 1865, this song is an old African-American spiritual that’s considered a Christmas Carol. 23) It’s a Long Road to FreedomFrom the Medical Mission Sisters “Joy is Like the rain” album which was released in 1966. Featuring easy-to-sing-along-to-lyrics, it goes like this: It’s a long road to freedom, a winding steep and high Traditional Catholic Hymns22) Praise God, from Whom All Blessings FlowOpening verse: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; You might like Teen Tragedy Songs 1960s. 21) Ava MariaMelody by Charles Gounod superimposed on Bach’s Prelude in C. Here you go: Ave Maria, Gratia plena, 20) We Gather Together19) Hark the Herald Angels SingEveryone knows this one: Hark! the herald angels sing 18) Weave Me the SunshineIn the 1970s, the “Guitar Mass” was a thing. If you were present, there was a good chance this song would be played. 17) Hail Holy Queen – Salve ReginaWho better than Whoopi in the “Sister Act” to bring this one to life? 16) You Satisfy the Hungry Heart – Gift of Finest WheatSimple and pleasant: You satisfy the hungry heart 15) Joy to the World – ChristmasChristmas mass isn’t over until this one gets played. 14) Sing of MaryYet another great Catholic church song featuring Mary. 13) Spirit of God in the Clear Running WaterAnother one of the great Catholic hymns by the Medical Mission Sisters was written by Miriam Therese. My English teachers would love this one: Spirit of God in the clear running water 12) To Jesus God Our Sovereign King11) O God Almighty Father10) We Are One in the Spirit – They’ll Know We Are ChristiansThis one kind of had a haunting melody that was difficult to shake. Something about that “They’ll know we are Christians” line. Check out 11 Best Sea Chanties of All Time 9) Whatsoever You DoFolksy and memorable. 8) Now Thank We All Our GodTraditional and powerful. 7) Take Our BreadAnother memorable, folksy song. 6) Crown Him With Many Crowns5) Be Not AfraidWritten by Jesuit priest Bob Dufford. You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst. 4) Sons of GodAn old German beer hall song melody… Top Three3) On Eagles Wings (one of the great Catholic songs)This hymn is the Catholic’s go-to song for funerals; this hymn generates a Pavlov response for many to ask for a tissue. But, it’s played in ordinary times at regular masses as well. 2) Immaculate Mary, Thy Praises We SingMaria and song lyrics work well together: Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing; In heaven, the blessed your glory proclaim; 1) Lord of the DanceWith a tune borrowed from the American Shaker song “Simple Gifts,” Sydney Carter wrote this song in 1963. Per Wikipedia, “It follows the idea of a traditional English carol, “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day,” which tells the gospel story in the first-person voice of Jesus of Nazareth with the device of portraying Jesus’ life and mission as a dance.” Uplifting song; here’s the chorus: Dance, then, wherever you may be, Catholic Funeral SongsThere are certain Catholic funeral songs that, when played, you’ll be able to remember the funeral you attended where they played it.
Wedding SongsThese Catholic wedding songs capture the celebration of the big event and the unification of the two people being married.
Christmas SongsI never realized how many Catholic Christmas songs began with the word “O.” There are four in our top ten. Read on.
There you have it – some of the great Catholic hymns of all time. Agree? Disagree? Suggestions? Let us know. By Mike O’Halloran Mike is an author, former altar boy, and co-founder of ListCaboodle. EtceteraYou’re on The Best Catholic Songs of All Time page. You may also enjoy: 31 song lyrics that changed the way we talk The Four Tops Top Songs and Fun Facts 27 Best Books For Popular Pastimes. What is the most famous hymn of all time?1. 'Amazing Grace'. Published in 1779, this is one of the best-known hymns in the English language, with words by John Newton.
What songs are sung in a Catholic Mass?Entrance Hymn. Amazing Grace.. Be Not Afraid.. Come Holy Ghost.. Here I Am Lord.. Hosea.. I Have Loved You.. Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King.. Wherever You Go.. What is the oldest Catholic hymn?The Oxyrhynchus hymn (or P. Oxy. XV 1786) is the earliest known manuscript of a Christian hymn to contain both lyrics and musical notation. The papyrus on which the hymn was written dates from around the end of the 3rd century AD.
What is the most played hymn at a funeral?Here are seven of the most popular hymns for funerals:. Jerusalem. And did those feet in ancient time. ... . The Lord's My Shepherd (Psalm 23) The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want; ... . Abide With Me. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; ... . Amazing Grace. Amazing grace! ... . How Great Thou Art. ... . The Old Rugged Cross. ... . Lord of All Hopefulness.. |