Father, We Have Come

When a parish celebrates the dedication of a new church building, or simply gathers for Sunday Mass to give thanks for their place of worship, "Father, We Have Come" by Jude Nnam offers a fitting entrance procession. The song immediately grounds the congregation in the sacredness of the space they are stepping into. It reminds us that the church is not just a building, but a house of prayer and a temple of worship where the faithful are nourished by Word and Sacrament.

The verses are short but deeply theological, painting a picture of what the physical church represents. Singing through the lines, the choir leads the people in acknowledging the sanctuary as a fruitful vineyard, a dwelling place of God on earth, and a city set on a mountain. The melody is steady and reverent, marked Andante, allowing the voices to carry a sense of awe and solemnity as the ministers process to the altar.

For a choir preparing this piece, the SATB harmonies in the refrain are rich and inviting, building a sense of communal warmth. It is an ideal choice for the anniversary of a parish's dedication, a special consecration Mass, or any Sunday where the liturgy focuses on the Church as the household of God.