Helen Beha wrote this song in the 80s and she was from Tasmania. Since there are handclaps in the music, I assume it was for schools. She wrote settings for Psalms called ‘Promises.” Amazingly in the internet age, she has left no other traces on the net.
The song is a lost gem, emphasing the importance of the laity. Unsurprisingly it did not make the Bishops’ Yes list.
I’ve rocked this up a bit.
Verse 1
Let’s lift our hearts and voices in praise of our God.
The family of Christ united as one.
New people, new life: a symbol of God’s love,
The church assembled to proclaim the work of Christ begun.
Refrain
You are people of God,
You are a Holy Nation, a Royal Priesthood, a Chosen Race. (Rpt)
Verse 2
A sacramental people, gifted by his grace,
He calls us to be holy, a witness to his way.
New people, new life, be Christ to each other.
The gift of Eucharist is our strength: the hope for each new day.
Refrain
Verse 3
We are the Church: a ministry of love,
The Father’s chosen image of Jesus, the Son.
New people, new life, rejoice in your God.
Celebrate your priesthood through the risen One.
Refrain
© Helen Beha 1988.
This song was the central theme of the International Liturgy Conference held in Hobart in the mid 80’s. It was sung with great gusto on a no of occasions during the 4 day Conference. Cardinal Basil Hume from London was the key speaker. Fr.Michael Joncas was the music animator (he is from America and has many a tape/cd).
How wonderful to have been there and Joncas would have been good value I’m sure. Do you know if it is still being sung anywhere?
Thanks so much for your comment. I’d love to know the background of a lot of these songs that, at least locally here, have left little trace.
The backing was by a band by the name of Red Alert (Christian Rock). From memory Roger Imms (Palangi) pretty much did the arrangements. I know I programmed the drum machine (Roland something or other 🙂 complete with handclaps! Recorded at the now defunct Spectangle Studios in Hobart.
We sing this at Mass and have used it the past two weeks.
One thing to point out: The middle line of the chorus in the lyrics is incorrect and should be removed.
Also, the AOV sheet music has two options for singing the chorus: using the words ‘you’ or ‘we’, and at my church we choose to sing ‘we’: “*We are* people of God, *We are* a Holy Nation, a Royal Priesthood, a Chosen race”.
Many thanks, Sam. I have corrected the error you found.
Geoff
We played it as the Recessional at Mass this morning!
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicParishLaunceston/videos/1281494825514866/
How wonderful!
I loved the thump in the chorus.
We are waiting to get back to Tasmania and participate in the music at George Town again but must wait on the virus. We have missed a whole Tassie winter.
cheers
Geoff
We sing this regularly as a recessional at my parish in Brisbane. We also have gone with the alternative text that AOV provides for the chorus: *We are* people of God, *we are* a holy nation etc.