A Midlife Crisis and My Funeral
At my funeral, please pray for my soul. Please don’t “celebrate my life” (do that after…) or “celebrate my resurrection.” Pray.
American Influence on the Liturgy
The liturgy suffers under the weight of the culture of mediocrity and instant gratification. Most distressing is a false sense of liberty that promotes a sense of entitlement, placing the preferences and opinions of the individual above all else.
“Liturgy Wars” and Four Universal Principles
An important approach when utilizing multiple styles in one liturgy is to filter all music through the most important musical and liturgical principals.
The People Deserve Better
Two documents that speak directly to the issue of liturgical experimentation and abuse.
Text and Emotion • Our Pastoral Responsibility
Treat the Word of God carelessly, and we will lose our orientation towards the Divine. It is therefore, a pastoral responsibility to ensure the God’s Word reaches the faithful.
The Seraphim Singers • World Première of work by Adam Wood and Richard J. Clark
World Premiere of my collaboration with poet, Adam Wood
Believe. Connect. Disappear.
The older I get, I prepare more not to receive accolades, but to become invisible.
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.
Six Things Of Which We’ve Lost Sight
No. 3: Christ is the center of our music—not us.
Frank La Rocca • Contemporary Music for the Sacred Treasury
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.
Entering the Mainstream Conversation
Will Cardinal Sarah’s recent letter make it into the mainstream conversation?
That’s Entertainment, Folks!
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 Issues Manifested in the Mass
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.
Carpeting Is the Enemy of Congregational Singing
The removal of carpeting is the most effective way to improve many aspects of the liturgy. Externally, what benefits most is congregational singing.
As church musicians, what sustains us?
As musicians, what sustains us? Certainly, good music is a requirement. Not just good music, but beauty itself.