Last Rites
The Songlist...

The Artists and Technicians...

The Thanks...
How can I express in only a few words the many people who have changed my life? I know it's trite, but I must start off by thanking our Lord Jesus Christ, without whom I would certainly be lost forever. Also thanks to the Father for the gift of music which inspires and edifies, and the Holy Spirit for the graces to be used as an instrument. Finally, thanks to Mother Mary for her maternal protection. And on this side of eternity, I have to thank my family for supporting me in so many ways during this venture: Dad and mom for their talents and support, Cathy for her photography, Steven, Elizabeth, and Patrick for your encouragement. Thanks to Doug Jackson, who worked thanklessly on helping me to record this album. Without your patience, I would have never learned how to play bass! Thanks to all of the other instrumentalists: Ryan, Charlie, Mr. Hoppes, and Darren. Your talents have inspired me to become my best. Thanks to those who bought my first CD and encouraged me to make another one; thanks especially to all those homeschooling families who have been praying for me during this long adventure! Finally thanks to those who have inspired a song on this album: Todd, Danny, Michael, Patrick, William, Ben, St. John Vianney, and all those others who have shown me the love of God through their lives and their actions. Peace be with you all!

The Story...
This album was created in one heck of a hurry. In May 2004 I had the desire to produce another album for Birthright, an organization that helps poor women to raise their children, to which all of the profits will be donated. I contacted Doug Jackson and he was willing to help me record. The problem was, I was going to be hundreds of miles away from home for the next two months, spending the summer in Lincoln, Nebraska! I got back in the beginning of August, and in the next four weeks we recorded like mad before it was time for me to return to Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, two hundred and fifty miles from my home in Maryland. Through a lot of frantic phone calls, long Saturdays behind the microphone, and late night mixing sessions, the dream became a reality, and "The Sacred Romance" was born.

The dedication...
This album is dedicated to two people. First, this album is dedicated to Sister Maria Joseph Cabanas-Brown OP, one of my best friends who entered the cloistered convent of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in 2002. During the making of this album she took her first vows, wedding herself eternally to Christ. I pray that this album may be an expression of the sacred romance between herself and her Bride.
Also, this album is dedicated to Todd Calloway. Todd was a young man in the Steubenville youth group that I help run. He was an exemplary fellow, who loved to be a Christian and who loved Christ with his whole life. In February 2004 he passed away from leukemia, having been baptized only three days prior. I'd imagine a soul that pure would be forever enjoying the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Todd, pray for us!

The Links...