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MADISON, Wis -- Brothers Chris and Tomas Reitz have been singing together since they can remember. From rock to classical, Gregorian chant to African-American spirituals, they are, if nothing else, a multi-faceted duo.
In 2004, the Reitzes formed the Catholic rock group Oremus, which focuses on reclaiming the image of modern music as a beautiful creative art form, rather than a medium for rebellion and the spreading of the Culture of Death. "It's a challenge," says Chris, age 22, "because we are essentially trying to go against a several decades old stereotype of what is now easily identifiable as 'rock' culture."
"If you listen, you'll notice that the lyrics to our songs are prayers" says Tom, age 19. "The first song we composed, entitled 'Your Face', is a great example. 'I put my trust in You, Lord / not everything I see / I'm waiting for Your coming / Coming to rescue me'"
Oremus offers most of their music free for download on their website, www.oremusmusic.net. Tom, who is the site's webmaster commented that "Jesus said 'As I have given to you, you also should give.' Except for a couple songs that we need to pay royalties on, we offer all of our music free. After all, it's not like we had to pay anyone to get the ideas for the songs!"
Oremus' site has been given the CatholiCity Best Catholic Links award and is also on Catholic Jukebox radio. "We've unofficially dedicated the band to JP the Great's New Evangelization, so we want to make sure our music is something JPII would like to hear." Chris jokingly adds that he can just imagine John Paul the Great rocking out to Oremus' music in heaven, "because I am sure he's up there."
Oremus' self-titled first CD is due for release July 24. They have dedicated it to the New Evangelization. "John Paul said that if the Church holds back from culture, the Gospel itself will fall silent, and we don't want that happening," say the Reitz brothers.
"One word of warning," says Chris. "We love Catholic rock. That's why we do it. But I don't think the Holy Father would be too thrilled with our stuff being played during Mass. There's a time and a place for good clean rock, but the Mass isn't it." When he is asked to suggest a substitute music form for Mass, he grins and says "Gregorian."