Martin Doman began to realize God was using his music in a special way while singing and playing for Mass as a freshman at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He recorded his first album, “Praying Twice,” just before he graduated.

Since then, Doman has not only composed and recorded other CDs, but he also travels the country leading praise and worship services, giving concerts and speaking. He lives in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa., with his wife Charlene and their six children aged 6 months to 11 years old.

Recently, he released a 10-year retrospective CD, “God’s Goodness So Far.” He spoke about these and his expanded ministry with Register staff writer Joseph Pronechen.

Tell me about the choices of the songs on this greatest hits-type album.

I tried to pick the songs that have touched people. The collection has a few songs from each of my CDs and some new ones. The best thing about having a “Best Of” collection is that I was able to include some great songs from my lesser-known CDs that people may have missed over the years.

Is there a song on this CD that reflects some major influence on you during the last 10 years?

The centerpiece on the album is the song “Open Wide the Doors to Christ,” a familiar theme of our late Holy Father. I dedicated this entire album to John Paul II. I really see his desire for renewal as the inspiration for a lot of people to rise up and do ministry in the Church. So I see myself as one of his children and my ministry as a reflection of his calling to bring about the New Evangelization.

In a sense, you started that with your first album. How did that come about?

When I was a student at Franciscan, a lot of people encouraged me to record. But I had no money and no studio that I knew of, so I asked God to help me. Within a month I had the funding and a friend who could do the recording. I called that first CD “Praying Twice,” based on the quote, popularly attributed to St. Augustine, that “He who sings prays twice.” Really, “God’s Goodness So Far” and all my CDs are just an extension of that first project. I feel called to help people pray with music.

Where else has the Lord been leading you with your music ministry?

I have an apostolate, Christ Music, that I founded in 2002. Our mission statement is “Renewing the heart of the Church through Eucharistic praise and worship.”

In all of my experiences leading people in song, none were more powerful than those that happened during Eucharistic adoration. Around the year 2000, I had a vision of what God wanted me to do. I saw a large crowd gathered around the monstrance, with rich colors and radiant light surrounding it, with thousands worshipping with full voice.

I imagined a skillful music group ministering and drawing the people into worship using contemporary and traditional songs, even chant. This vision has guided me to form Christ Music, a ministry dedicated to using the gift of music in praise and worship to draw people’s hearts to Christ in the Eucharist.

We want to expose Catholics to an experience of worship that focuses on their relationship to Christ. Music has a way of unlocking those places in our heart that need Christ, those places of hurt and desperation and loneliness. If we can bring Catholics into the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and use music to help them open wide the doors of their hearts to Christ, then we can bring renewal. And Jesus does all the hard work.

Can you tell us a little about the Caelorum Services?

The ministry of Christ Music is expressed through a special service we call Caelorum. “Caelorum” (chay-’lor-um) is roughly translated: “of Heaven.” The service is a combination of a prayer meeting and a Holy Hour. We try to imitate the worship of heaven, where the saints and angels continually sing praise to God. Basically, the service opens with praise and worship, then continues with exposition, adoration and benediction — all done with music.

When I shared my vision for Christ Music with my friend, Bishop Kevin Rhoades, he was excited and asked me to bring it to his diocese. So now, I work full-time for the Diocese of Harrisburg, where I perform at concerts and retreats, as well as minister with Caelorum. I have continued to travel nationally, as well, and I try to involve the Caelorum in every event I am invited to.

What song of yours reflects Christ Music’s vision and purpose?

“Lover of My Soul,” which is a song I wrote after reflecting on St. John of the Cross’ writings and JPII’s theology of the body, expresses my desire for intimacy with God. The refrain says: “My heart and flesh cry out for you.” We know that God calls all of us to divine union with him. The problem with humanity is that we get confused about our true desire.

Your little nephew Joshua Schmiedicke, your sister Regina’s son, died in a terrible accident. Did that tragedy affect your music?

My experience with my nephew Joshua’s death profoundly affected me. It gave me a deeper understanding of the mystery of human suffering and how it makes us cling to God even more. I’m hoping someday to release a CD of my reflections on that.

How have you grown as a Christian songwriter/singer in these 10 years?

When you do this kind of ministry for 10 years, performing and leading crowds in song, you get better at reading people where they are at, and then directing the music in a way that best suits their needs.

Do you see a particular direction for the future with your music?

My hope for the future is that I can help other musicians to do the same type of ministry, helping people to pray with music, so that this ministry is not just about Martin Doman, but about Christ and his music.

Staff writer Joseph Pronechen

is based in Trumbull, Connecticut.

FOR MORE INFO
MartinDoman.com
ChristMusic.org