David Haas

Haas studied vocal music performance and conducting at Central Michigan University, and has a degree in theology and music from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

In addition to serving in parish liturgical ministry in Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota over the years, he also served as composer-in-residence at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul, Minnesota; and was also campus minister and artist-in-residence at Benilde-St. Margaret's in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where he taught in the music and theology departments. In 1999, Haas began the program MUSIC MINISTRY ALIVE!, a five-day liturgical program for youth and adult leaders that takes place on the campus of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota.[1]

He has produced over forty-five original collections and recordings of liturgical music. He is also the author of over 20 books on the topics of liturgy, music ministry, spirituality, religious education, and youth ministry. His music is sung throughout the world and appears in hymnals of various Christian denominations, including Methodist, and has been translated into Spanish and French. Years ago, Haas was a leading voice in the liturgical and musical aspects of the implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), active as a team member for the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, and as a composer creating ritual music for the RCIA rites.

Haas is also known for his early collaborations with Michael Joncas and Marty Haugen, and for many years the three of them were an important influence on liturgical music in the English-speaking world. They traveled together throughout the United States and beyond for many years, presenting concerts and workshops.[2] Haas presently continues traveling as a speaker, workshop leader, and concert performer alone, and often with his friend and colleague, Lori True. He formerly wrote a monthly column for Ministry and Liturgy magazine entitled, "Sung Prayer".

As of 2017, he worked at the preparatory school Benilde-St. Margaret's in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where he was campus minister and artist-in-residence, and taught at its departments of music and theology.[2] From 2011 to 2018, Haas also worked at Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he provided liturgical music for Mass, and occasionally used the school campus to host Taize prayer events.[3]

Haas lives in Eagan, Minnesota, where he is the director of the Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer and Ministry, and is active as a cantor at St. Cecilia's Parish in St. Paul.[2]

Haas married fellow composer Jeanne Cotter in October 1988, after the relationship started when Cotter was 16 and Haas 23. Haas and Cotter divorced in March 1995. Haas later remarried.

On May 29, 2020, advocacy group Into Account sent a letter to Catholic organizations, accusing Haas of sexual misconduct with "nearly a dozen" victims.[4] This was subsequently reported by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and Catholic News Agency.[5][6] The letter also denied any knowledge of any criminal charges against Haas. Following these allegations, GIA Publications, Oregon Catholic Press, and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis announced that they had suspended their relationships with Haas.[6][7][4] Following publication of the letter, Into Account said that an additional 14 women approached them with allegations of sexual misconduct by Haas. Haas denied the allegations and denounced them as "false, reckless and offensive".[4]

• 2004 Pastoral Musician of the Year from the National Association of Pastoral Musicians National Association of Pastoral Musicians awards page
• Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1995 from the University of St. Thomas (together with Michael Joncas and Marty Haugen) U. St Thomas Distinguished Alumnus Awards page
• The 2004 Outstanding Service in Ministry Award from the Crosier Fathers
• 2011, the "Servant Among Us" award from the Servants of Jesus in the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan
• In 2015, David Haas was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree from the University of Portland for his contributions to the world of liturgical music and contemporary Catholic thought University of Portland Honorary Degrees

Haas composes contemporary Catholic liturgical music. Following the movement that began with Ray Repp in the 1960s with Repp's composition in 1965 "The Mass for Young Americans", "The St. Louis Jesuits in the 1970s and 1980s, Haas, like Marty Haugen, Michael Joncas and Dan Schutte became one of the most prolific composers of the genre during the period of rapid change following Vatican II.

• David Haas at AllMusic
• GIA Publications: David Haas
• Oregon Catholic Press: David Haas
• eMusic: David Haas