To What Shall We Aspire?
Set the bar high and hold precious our sacred treasury of music.
“Is it not true that prohibiting or suspecting the extraordinary form can only be inspired by the demon who desires our suffocation and spiritual death?” —The Vatican’s chief liturgist from 2014-2021; interview with Edw. Pentin (23-Sep-2019)
Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. He is also Chapel Organist (Saint Mary’s Chapel) at Boston College. His compositions have been performed worldwide.—Read full biography (with photographs).
If you are not familiar with the works of composer Frank La Rocca, you should be. His works move contemporary sacred music towards the realization of Vatican II.
Will Cardinal Sarah’s recent letter make it into the mainstream conversation?
Entertainment distracts from the Real Presence. We must lead. We must offer substance. Our spiritual lives depend upon it, as do those whom we serve.
Personal tensions can rise to the highest boiling point during Mass and no other place.
Why is this? As it turns out, there’s a pretty interesting reason.
The removal of carpeting is the most effective way to improve many aspects of the liturgy. Externally, what benefits most is congregational singing.
As musicians, what sustains us? Certainly, good music is a requirement. Not just good music, but beauty itself.
A dilemma for parents that has resurfaced many times is how to manage raising children in the faith while working for the Church, and I have no idea how to solve it.
Like the Creed, the Preface is a unique place in the Mass where dogma of the Church is expressed. Furthermore, it expresses thanksgiving for the work of salvation.
Weddings, with all of their challenges offer an important chance to evangelize. God calls us to be fishers of women and men. That’s the most important catch of all.
Perhaps the recent commercial success of sacred music is indicative of humanity’s natural hunger for transcendent union with the Divine.
“I encourage you to make music at the highest levels possible in your parishes. Our people deserve it and our God is worthy of the highest forms of praise.” — John Romeri
Anyone who knew him expected no less. But it was extraordinary to witness.
Two free resources for the Pentecost Sequence, “Veni Sancte Spiritus”
Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.