ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- Those who have a love and devotion for the Virgin Mary have an opportunity to hear “A Musical Celebration of Mary” presented by singer/songwriter Randy Albright when he appears at St. Thomas-by-the-Sea Catholic Church at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Sponsored by the Advisory Board of Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Baldwin County, the program will benefit emergency aid needs for needy individuals and families supported by the organization based in Robertsdale. Tickets are $15 each and must be purchased in advance by calling Judie Flanigan, 251-968-7818.  Refreshments will be served in the parish hall after the performance.

A raffle will be held to add to the coffers of CSS. Prizes include a Lunch Box filled with gift certificates from area restaurants, a scenic coastal cruise for eight followed by dinner at the Original Oyster House and a round of golf for four with carts at Craft Farms. Tickets are $10 for a book of five or $2 each.

Committee members include Bob and Terry Barnett, Judy and Sissy Flanigan, Jeanne Franz, Suzanne Laurier, Sally McKinney, CSS Director Michele Prockup, Joe and Mary Lou Roszkowski and Linda Cate Whiten.

CSS provides a variety of support services including housing for disabled homeless, help with legal immigration, disaster response and recovery, therapeutic counseling, homeless prevention, case management services, and special Christmas and school-related projects.

Known as “The Johnny Cash of Catholic Music”, Albright will perform his own composition of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and other music dedicated to the Mother of Jesus.

Albright’s songs have graced the voices of country music legends like Vince Gill, Alabama, Diamond Rio, Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette and many others. After having more than a hundred songs recorded in his career, he felt divinely inspired to compose a new melodic version of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

Though his faith had always been firmly rooted in the Catholicism that he had grown up in, little did he know that his music was about to make a spiritual conversion all its own.

"The Mother of God continues to bring me ever closer to her Son, Jesus," Randy admits.

After this musical conversion, Randy fulfilled his promise to his Lord in honoring Mary by giving her tribute with his 2008 CD release of "A Musical Celebration of Mary". The music from this album which was entirely self penned and self performed has captured the hearts of listeners around the world and inspired him to write his one hour show, "A Musical Celebration of Mary" that will be performed in Orange Beach.

His show of songs and dialogue reverently delivered and spiritually moving, is leaving audiences of all ages with a deeper understanding and a greater appreciation of Mary and the important role that she plays in the salvation of mankind, bringing people closer to her Son.