Holy Father God of Might

This is a hymn about God's kingship and Christ the Light.

It was written by Australian Roman Catholic composer Richard Connolly (1927-2022).

With meter 7.7.7.7, Connolly set the text to the tune CATHERINE, which he also wrote (possibly for the text - possibly the other way around. This has a Cut-common time signature, and in the key of Eb, the first few notes are E EE B, E BB.

Hymn-books which it has been published in include:

Together in Song, 1999
Australian Hymn Book 1977
Year of Grace Music Book.

It was not included in Hymns for the Year of Grace, published in 1960 (ref) which included hymns by James McAuley set to tunes by Connolly. But it was included in the Year of Grace Music released by Willow Music (year TBA), which features the original collection augmented by Connolly's own writings.

Sheet music for CATHERINE is available available from As one Voice.

It was included on the CD 50 Best Loved Hymns recorded by Trinity College from the University of Melbourne, Australia, published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and distributed by Universal Music Group in 2012 (ref).

Small human beings against sunset on a beach

Downloads

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Examples

Cathedral choir in procession, with organ (live recording, words indistinct)

Cantor and congregation with organ:

Choir with organ, professional recording:

Instrumental - keyboard:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Holy Father, God of might, ....

Hear the songs your people raise ...

Christ, be with us as we go ...

So will all exalt your name (*)
.... Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

(*) originally "so, all men will bless your name"