Over the summer, I (Shannon) wrote a new song, with some lyrical help from Orin. This song, titled “Better Together,” was written to be this academic year’s school song for St. Peter Catholic School in Fulton, MO, where I serve as the music teacher. The song takes its title from a pastoral slogan of Bishop Shawn McKnight, head of my diocese of Jefferson City, MO. “Better Together” has two main sources of inspiration. The first of these sources was the joy I knew we at St. Peter School would feel when, after months of pandemic-related isolation, the students returned to in-person instruction. As humans, we are simply more ourselves when we are surrounded by those who love and care for us. The second source of inspiration, which is somewhat connected to the first source, is the notion that, as a Church, we are “better” when our doors (both figurative and literal) are open to all those made in God’s image and likeness, regardless of ethnicity, life circumstance, or place on their spiritual journeys.
The newspaper for the Diocese of Jefferson City, The Catholic Missourian, has recently published an article on this new song. I am excited that people outside of our parish and school might have a chance to hear about it and maybe even pray it in their own communities. For those interested in learning and using the song, here are a couple of versions of the score (thanks Orin!), as well as a basic recording.
All who are interested have our permission to use the music and lyrics of this song within the context of school and worship settings. This may have to change if and when this song is ever picked up by a publisher, but for now, you can have it free of charge.
Enjoy!
We have found out since Monday that much of the structure as well as precious pieces of art, relics, the organ, the windows, and so much more survived, after the worst was rightly feared. There is much to clean up of course, and much to rebuild — years and years worth of effort will be needed to restore the magnificent building.
I (Orin) am a privileged and joy-filled composer today. 
(Click me!)