Launch of Messy Parenting Podcast

Parenting is not a clean-cut, simple process for those who like to follow the rules. Parenting is messy and unpredictable, but it is the greatest adventure you will ever have. We are Mike and Alicia Hernon, parents of 10 children ranging from 2 to 20 and we would like to invite you into some of the conversations we have had with each other about parenting and Catholic family life. Our hope is that our conversation sparks a dialogue between you and your spouse that leads to greater unity and intentional Christian parenting in your home. Listen in to our weekly podcast and start the conversation as we seek to lead our families to heaven.

www.MessyParenting.org 

Catholic Moments Podcast

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of being interviewed by Lisa Hendy of Catholicmom.com. The podcast is available here: http://catholicmoments.libsyn.org/index.php?post_id=519468

It was great to be on her show and to meet Lisa (at least over the phone!)and I think that anyone would enjoy her show and the interview. Thanks Lisa!

Concert in Steubenville, OH!

Next Monday, June 29th I will be in concert in Steubenville, OH with my brother Martin. We will be at Holy Family, my home parish at 7:00. The concert is free, but we will be asking for a free will offering. The donations will go to Christmusic, Martin's ministry.

Martin was the driving force behind my CD, Beloved. He has encouraged me for years to do a CD, but I just wasn't ready. Finally, I agreed and the foundational vocal tracks were recorded at his studio in York, PA. I am absolutely so grateful to him for the opportunities that he's given me to preform and sing with him. Martin works for the Diocese of Harrisburg as their Director of Worship and does concerts and retreats on the side. He has 4 CDs of his own out and they can be purchased at www.martindoman.com

Hope to see you at the concert next week!

"Maria"

This seems to be one of people's favorite songs that I have written. One reason may be that there are so very few songs to Our Lady. College was the first time that I really became more interested and curious about Mary- who was she? How did she fit into my relationship with Jesus? How could she help me? In exploring these questions, I spent alot of time praying and thinking which eventually turned into songwriting.

I remember perfectly the moment that the idea for this song came to me. I was at the annual March for Life in January of 1992 with other students from Franciscan University and we were visiting the National Shrine in Washington DC. I was walking around the catherdal praying and looking at all the beutiful architecture that drew one's mind to spiritual realities. I noticed around the top of one of the arches there were written the titles of Mary. "Star of the Sea", "Tower of Ivory", "Vessel of Divinity".... and I just started thinking and singing to myself right there in the church. That is when the idea for the refrain came to me. Later, I thought of using common prayers to Mary as the verses.

One thing that has struck me about this song is the number of priests who have told me that they use this song as a meditation, as a prayer and that it comforts and encourages them. When I was on the road singing as a full time music minister, I remember one priest saying to me that priests need a relationship with Mary in order to fully embrace their single state in life. That she would help them in a way that no other devotion could. It humbles me to think that God could use this simple song to help these men to do what God is calling them to do.

Listen to Song Clips

Listen to song clips from Beloved (click song title)


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