Joseph Lee Hooker - "Our Priests"

Joseph Lee Hooker sings the headline single from his 2009 "Our Priests" album, which has garnered accolades from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Pope Benedict XVI himself. Hooker, a devout Catholic and shockingly, a documented abuse victim of the priest scandal first revealed in the late 90's in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, felt a compulsion to show solidarity and support for the priesthood and its countless members who strive to eradicate the current stigma of abuse and scandal. "I've known so many priests in my life who have helped and supported me in my struggles and my faith," Hooker said. "Those priests, the true shepherds, help to heal and erase the damage done by others." The artist's response was to create this inspirational work that calls priests to a higher standard and has received an apostolic blessing from the pope. "Our Priests" features an orchestral introduction that leading A & R company Taxi lauds as "dynamic" and "beautiful". "[Priests] have a difficult job that carries much responsibility," Taxi notes further. "The arrangement and production are outstanding." "Our Priests" is Joseph Lee Hooker's eighth studio album in more than thirty-five years in the music industry. Prior works include a completely sung, musical Rosary entitled "Singing the Rosary". His latest album, "Heaven's On Its Way," was released in early 2011. "Our Priests" from the album "Our Priests". Available on itunes and amazon.com Lyrics: In this world of darkness, still there shines a light Standing with God's people to show them what is right They carry on the wisdom that God has handed down They are truly diamonds in our Savior's crown Our priests, they are treasures Their hands, our saving grace Instruments of God, they must never be disgraced Our priests The world calls and taunts them, yet they firmly stand Bringing light to darkness at the Lord's command Serving Bread of Angels to the hungry lambs Their voice of truth will lead us to the Promised Land Eyes upon the Saviour, guided by their vow Strongly must they shepherd, yet humbly must they bow Shining light from heaven, teaching truth sublime Reaching for perfection, touching the divine Our priests, our saving grace, our priests Never be disgraced, our priests, our saving grace Copyright 2009, 2010 Joseph Lee Hooker Published by: Come Alive Communications, Inc., ASCAP All world rights reserved. Come Alive Music - "The Melody of Inspiration"