About Us

Illuminare Publications (pronounced Il-lu-min-AH-ray) is a publisher of liturgical and sacred music resources that was founded in 2011 in order to help parishes worship beautifully and authentically. Our aim is to assist in the "new era of liturgical renewal" (Liturgiam Authenticam § 7) that is well underway in the life of the Church. We are committed to fostering and publishing sacred music resources that are born of the mind of the Church and faithful to her liturgical norms and authentic teaching.

We are rooted in the liturgical theology of the 20th century Liturgical Movement, in the authentic teachings of the Second Vatican Council, and in the liturgical writings of Pope Benedict XVI. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy called for the liturgical rites to "shine forth with noble simplicity" ("nobili simplicitate fulgeant..." Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium § 34) and this is exactly what Illuminare (literally meaning "to illuminate") seeks to foster in the liturgical life of the parishes of the United States and throughout the English-speaking world.

Illuminare Publications in no small way seeks to rediscover the inspiration of the ancient illuminated manuscript tradition. And like the ancient monks who painstakingly crafted these timeless works of art which emanated liturgical text and music from their pages, we are committed to the standards of excellence that the sacred liturgy demands. In a world that is consumed with passing fads and disposable novelties, Illuminare Publications is committed to crafting liturgical resources that will endure, both in form and content, and that are deeply rooted in beauty, truth and goodness.

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Adam Bartlett is the President and Editor of Illuminare Publications and is editor of the Lumen Christi Series. He has served as a parish and cathedral music director for over 10 years, and has previously served as Assistant Director of the Liturgical Institute, Mundelein, and as professor of Liturgical Chant at Mundelein Seminary. He studied music at Arizona State University, liturgy at The Liturgical Institute, Mundelein, and Gregorian chant at St. Meinrad Archabbey under the direction of Fr. Columba Kelly, OSB. Adam works actively as a composer and conductor of sacred music and Gregorian chant, and teaches, speaks, and writes extensively on the topics of liturgy and liturgical music. He resides in Denver, CO, with his wife and two daughters.