When the Angel Gabriel brought news of an “unexpected pregnancy” to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the young woman responded with a humble “yes” to bringing a new life into the world.
In “Welcome the Child,” a newly released Christmas CD that features the music of area parishes, the decision of modern-day women to choose life is celebrated in song.
The album includes classics like “Away in a Manger,” “O Come Emmanuel,” and “Silent Night,” along with original contemporary pieces like “Love Makes Room” and “Carpenter from Nazareth” from Nancy Krebs, a professional musician and parishioner of the Church of the Ascension, Halethorpe.
Proceeds from the sale of the album will benefit the Gabriel Network, an organization made up of more than 70 Maryland churches that provides support to women facing crisis pregnancies.
“We are really happy with the way it turned out,” said Paul Mulligan, executive director of the Gabriel Network and a parishioner of Our Lady of the Fields, Millersville.
“We’ve attracted some excellent talent,” he said. “It’s very professionally done.”
Chris Trivane of Terra Productions and Recording Studios in Edgewater was a driving force behind the project, according to Mr. Mulligan. More than 5,000 CDs were produced, 1,000 of which have already sold, he said.
The album includes songs from the SPY Band from St. Peter the Apostle in Libertytown; Amy Ross of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater; the Lademan Sisters of St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park; Sandy Soffe, director of the church choir at St. Joseph in Emmitsburg; and Father Patrick Lynch, C.Ss.R., former associate pastor of St. Mary, Annapolis.
There are also pieces from other Maryland churches and professional musicians.
Kathleen Lademan, a 17-year-old parishioner of St. Mary, Annapolis, said she was honored to work on the project. Her family is very active in the prolife movement.
“One of our songs is about the Angel Gabriel speaking to Mary and Mary’s response,” she said. “The other (song) is from Mary’s perspective and it’s her reflecting on the Christ child and who she is carrying in her womb.”
“Welcome the Child” may be purchased for a recommended donation of $15 by visiting www.gabrielnetwork.org or calling 301-262-5389.