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Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Archives for September 2015

Jeff Ostrowski · September 22, 2015

Transposed Mode • This Sunday’s Communion

One could also use a Mode VII psalm tone to “solve” the problem … but that just sounds wrong.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 22, 2015

A Serious Problem That Needs To Be Addressed

The accusation by this lady really hurt me; but I’m not sure why…

Christopher Mueller · September 21, 2015

A Striking Approach To Performing Gregorian Chant

A commenter had posted, “Their metrical chant is a revelation!” That piqued my curiosity.

Fr. David Friel · September 20, 2015

A Missal for the Ordinariate

Concrete gestures that enter hearts and stir consciences are essential, inspiring in everyone that inner conversion that is the prerequisite for all ecumenical progress. — Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Jeff Ostrowski · September 19, 2015

“Agnus Dei” For Three Voices • Guillaume Dufay

…including a digression on why choirs hate Solfège.

Veronica Brandt · September 19, 2015

How many tunes should we use?

Including a brief survey of tunes for Benediction hymns from a few of the hymnbooks on my bookshelf.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 19, 2015

Musical Resources • 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form)

“Very humbly, O Lord, we implore of thy majesty, that the holy mysteries we are celebrating … save us from transgressing in the time to come …”

Richard J. Clark · September 18, 2015

Communion Antiphons for Advent • World Library Publications

World Library Publications has published settings of Communion propers for Advent. Listen here to beautiful recordings directed by Paul French.

Andrew Leung · September 17, 2015

Sir David Willcocks (1919-2015)

Sir David Willcocks passed away at home today aged 95.

Andrew Leung · September 17, 2015

Pontifical Solemn High Mass in Steubenville

Students and Alumni of the Sacred Music Program of Franciscan University of Steubenville sang the Pontifical Solemn High Mass celebrated by Cardinal Burke.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 16, 2015

“The songs and hymns presently in use need to be reconsidered.”

“…it is important to avoid musical forms which, because of their profane use, are not conducive to prayer.”

Jeff Ostrowski · September 16, 2015

“Live” Recording Of Polyphonic Kyrie VIII

Last Sunday we sang a beautiful composition by Richard Rice.

Cynthia Ostrowski · September 16, 2015

Catholic Bulletin Art • Installment #69

Today’s installment is a picture of Saint Alphonsus Ligouri.

Andrew Leung · September 15, 2015

10 Ideas for Practicing Choral Music

“Practicing Choral Music: Ten ideas the singer who doesn’t think they can practice on their own” by Doreen Fryling, a lifelong practice avoider.

Cynthia Ostrowski · September 15, 2015

To God Who Giveth Joy To My Youth

“Old age steals on with its rich harvest and its peculiar trials, yet the same lips pronounce the same exultant words…”

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President’s Corner

    “Reminder” — Month of November (2025)
    On a daily basis, I speak to people who don’t realize we publish a free newsletter (although they’ve followed our blog for years). We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and refuse to run annoying ads. As a result, our mailing list is crucial to our survival. Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Offertory” at Catholic Funerals
    I have argued that the OFFERTORY—at least in its ancient form—is more of a responsory than an antiphon. The 1962 Missal specifically calls it “Antiphona ad Offertorium.” From now on, I plan to use this beautiful setting (PDF) at funerals, since it cleverly inserts themes from the absolution of the body. Tons more research needs to be done on the OFFERTORY, which often is a ‘patchwork’ stitching together various beginnings and endings of biblical verses. For instance, if you examine the ancient verses for Dómine, vivífica me (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time) you’ll discover this being done in a most perplexing way. Rebecca Maloy published a very expensive book on the OFFERTORY, but it was a disappointment. Indeed, I can’t think of a single valuable insight contained in her book. What a missed opportunity!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “In Paradisum” • Gregorian Chant
    As a RECESSIONAL on All Souls’ Day (November 2nd), we will sing In Paradísum Dedúcant Te Ángeli (PDF). When it comes to Gregorian Chant, this is one of the most popular “songs.” Frankly, all the prayers and chants from the traditional REQUIEM MASS (Missa exsequialis or Missa pro defunctis) are incredibly powerful and never should’ve been scuttled. Click here to hear “In Paradisum” in a recording I made this afternoon. Professor Louis Bouyer spoke of the way Bugnini “scuttled the office of the dead” in this fascinating excerpt from his memoirs. In his book, La riforma litugica (1983), Bugnini bragged—in quite a shameful way—about eliminating the ancient funeral texts, and even admitted those venerable texts were “beloved” (his word) by Catholics.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Gospel Options for 2 November (“All Souls”)
    We’ve been told some bishops are suppressing the TLM because of “unity.” But is unity truly found in the MISSALE RECENS? For instance, on All Souls (2 November), any of these Gospel readings may be chosen, for any reason (or for no reason at all). The same is true of the Propria Missæ and other readings—there are countless options in the ORDINARY FORM. In other words, no matter which OF parish you attend on 2 November, you’ll almost certainly hear different propers and readings, to say nothing of different ‘styles’ of music. Where is the “unity” in all this? Indeed, the Second Vatican Council solemnly declared: “Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Our Father” • Musical Setting?
    Looking through a Roman Catholic Hymnal published in 1859 by Father Guido Maria Dreves (d. 1909), I stumbled upon this very beautiful tune (PDF file). I feel it would be absolutely perfect to set the “Our Father” in German to music. Thoughts?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Gerard Manley Hopkins once argued that most people drank more liquids than they really needed and bet that he could go without drinking for a week. He persisted until his tongue was black and he collapsed at drill.”

— A biography of Fr. Gerard M. Hopkins (d. 1889)

Recent Posts

  • “Reminder” — Month of November (2025)
  • “Reader Feedback” • 5 November 2025
  • Never Work For A Priest Or Bishop Who Believes Sacred Music Should Be “Entertainment”
  • When Pilgrims Sing, the World Disappears
  • “Offertory” at Catholic Funerals

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