Chris Skinner has released a new CD single: “Give thanks to the Lord” a song celebrating the Year for Priests.
Chris wrote the song in response to Pope Benedict’s announcement regarding “Year for Priests” and he recorded it on the feast of St John Vianney.
Chris commented that, “While recording I was conscious of priests I’ve known down the years – Fr Frank Skinner, Dad’s brother, Fr Bob Lee SM, Mum’s brother – and the priest who assisted Dad when he was dying, my own Marist priest confreres past and present, our strengths and weaknesses and our humanity.”
The CD single comes with the original song sung by Chris, a backing track, and a piano / guitar / lyrics sheet. “I think the song would be great and moving as background to data show of a priest’s life, jubilee and funeral. Combined voices singing the song at an ordination would be brilliant too.” Chris said.
A sampler of “Give thanks to the Lord” is available here as both a 128k and 320k files
To get your copy of the CD Single please send $11.50 ($10 + $1.50 postage) to:
Chris Skinner Music
PO Box 24239
Manners Street
Wellington 6142
New Zealand
Lyrics
Come priests of the world and God’s holy people
Celebrate the gift of the priest
Faithfulness to Christ and his people
Give thanks to the Lord
With love in our hearts for those who have laboured
And hope for the ones just starting out
From young to the old and those who have gone now
Give thanks to the Lord
For Christ gave us the priesthood,
the night before he died
He shared his life and his mission
Promised to be at their side.
Holy St John Vianney we honour
As patron of the priests of the world
Cure of Ars, bestow your blessing
Give thanks to the Lord
You dedicated your life to your people
Through service and prayer
Transformed their lives
You won their hearts for Christ the Good Shepherd
Give thanks to the Lord
For Christ gave us …….
We are aware that life has its moments
Times of sorrow and times to rejoice.
The priest offers words and signs of Christ’s presence
Give thanks to the Lord
Come priests of the world and God’s holy people
Give thanks for the priests who’ve served us well
And for the ones who today hear God calling
Give thanks to the Lord
For Christ gave us …….
Giver of life, friend of the broken
Spirit of love, breath of rebirth
Breathe in us, the light of the Gospel
Renew the face of the earth
Renew the face of the earth