Holy Cross Music Notes by Chuck

Prepare to be upbeat while singing our gathering song, Days of Elijah, written in 1994 by Northern Irish worship leader Robin Mark and inspired by the biblical prophets and a desire to encourage believers during times of uncertainty. Its message proclaims hope and renewal, celebrating God’s faithfulness and calling worshippers to stand firm as witnesses to God’s coming kingdom.

Our processional is a Cursillo favorite, They”ll Know We are Christians by Our Love. It was written in 1966 by Catholic priest Peter Scholtes for a youth choir in Chicago, drawing on Jesus’ words in John 13 about love being the defining mark of his followers.

Introducing the Gospel reading we will sing, I Love You Lord, written in 1978 by American worship leader Laurie Klein during a quiet moment of personal prayer, later becoming a simple yet enduring chorus sung worldwide. It centers on offering heartfelt devotion to God, expressing gratitude, surrender, and a desire for one’s life to be a pleasing offering of worship.

Our offertory song, Highly Exalted, was written by Robin Mark in 1994 as part of a collection of worship songs rooted in Scripture, especially Philippians 2, which proclaims Christ’s humility and exaltation.

A beautiful song to sing during communion is Here at this Table. It was

written by Janèt Sullivan Whitaker in 1996 for Catholic liturgy, shaped by themes of welcome, healing, and Eucharistic hospitality. It invites all people—broken, searching, or weary—to find belonging and grace at God’s table, where Christ gathers and restores his community.

As we close our worship service, we will rejoice singing, He is Exalted, written by Twila Paris in 1985 as a contemporary praise chorus celebrating the sovereignty and eternal reign of God. Its message is a joyful declaration that God alone is worthy of honor and worship, inviting believers to lift their voices in confident praise. Have a blast with it y’all!