“They work so hard. We are blessed to have such wonderful young adults, products of the faith that have been bred in them from their families, present here tonight,” said Kathleen Estrella, mother of Chris Estrella.
The album is a product of years of writing and performing for youth ministries and diocesan events. Estrella thanked the Diocesan Ministry with Youth Office for supporting his music and challenging him. Over the years he wrote several songs for the Office based on the themes of their events.
“Sometimes the world lies to us. ‘Re-Think’ is a way to say that we need to rediscover ourselves and rediscover God, himself,” said Estrella, who also works in the diocesan Office of Worship. “There is a theme to each song. Some songs are about praise, some are about finding healing, understanding others and about missing God.”
Suzanne Stephens and Rosemary Hall, parishioners at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, San Bernardino came to the concert to show their support.
“We have watched him grow in his music and as a parishioner,” Stephens said. “We feel so honored to be able to sing with him at OLA.”
“I like ‘Fire Within,’” Hall said. “It’s a powerful song. The album has something for everyone.”
Estrella says he has been influenced by artists Matt Maher and Jesse Manibusan. Elements of their music styles are apparent in the rock and liturgical songs.
“The musicality was influenced by my mom, the things that she taught me,” Estrella said.
Currently the album is being considered for inclusion in the Oregon Catholic Press (OCP) library. In addition to the album as a whole, OCP is reviewing the songs “No hands but Yours” and “Healed” for possible inclusion in its hymnals.
“Every song is inspirational and is able to touch everyone’s heart,” said Karina Urive, a parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption.
“Re-Think” was officially released in March, and was available for sale at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim. Soon after, the album became available for download on iTunes and Amazon.
At the concert, Estrella unveiled a new song, “Rise Up.” If “Re-Think” proves to be a success, a second album might be in store, he says. Right now he is focusing on completing “Mass for the Broken”, a Mass setting he has been working on for a while.
“If it is God’s will there will be a second album,” Estrella said. “You never know.”