A supposed need for variety imposes more and more hymns on congregants, but the cost of novelty can be the full, active participation of those in the pews, writes John Zupez, S.J.

Last year, 'America' published “An (unconventional) Advent Playlist.” This is my (much more conventional) Advent playlist.

On Christmas Eve 1818, in the church of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf near Salzburg, “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”) was sung for the first time. Today, the carol has been translated into some 300 languages.

With his "Mass," Leonard Bernstein uses liturgy to give voice to political unease.

Bob Dufford, S.J., started writing “Be Not Afraid” when he was, well, afraid.

David Haas gathers 132 songs from among his most widely known pieces, like “Blest Are They,” “We Are Called,” “Now We Remain” and “You Are Mine,” and others not as familiar.