A priest who sings both energizes the liturgy and fosters interior prayer.
Once the mass began, the children began singing the Gregorian Introit, and fifteen thousand young people immediately stilled to complete silence.
Reverent and welcoming parishes are not mutually exclusive.
Yes, the house is on fire. Yes, liturgy is important. Seriously? Yes.
The Greatest in the Kingdom
Children grant us enormous perspective on life. They remind us not only what, but WHO is most important— namely, God and family.
It’s impossible to please everyone so do what is right and just.
Liturgical advice from Tony Soprano???
Misereris omnium | Ash Wednesday Introit
Few parishes are willing to sing Gregorian Introits for the Entrance Procession, but it is SIGNIFICANT that the very first Introit of Lent sings of God’s infinite MERCY.
RCIA and the Importance of Holy Week Choir Rehearsals
He described a sense awe that overwhelmed him during the liturgy. His conclusion at the time was that he should no longer continue with RCIA. Was this a failure of the RCIA program? No, this was success!
When in Crisis: Ideology and Diplomacy
In cases of constant crisis, diplomacy yields far more fruit than ideology. Demanding the ideal will usually get you nothing but a pink slip.
Disparagement Is Not Helping the Cause of Liturgical Reform
Disparagement is not catechesis. It is destructive. If we are to catechize and evangelize, we must put God first, not our own preferences. Meanwhile, we must catechize and strive for the ideal.
Changing the Culture: Progress, Not Perfection
Musicians and liturgists are something of a perfectionist lot. We often berate ourselves for lack of perfection and are highly critical when liturgy falls short of rubrics or expectations.
The Economics of Jobs in Sacred Music
Demand within the Church for beautiful sacred music is low leaving a surplus of highly qualified musicians quite capable of offering such beauty. How many Catholic musicians do you know work for other denominations because that is where their skills are valued?
Gregorian Propers at a Nuptial Mass in “Southie”?
“Southie” is a section of Boston better known from the films “Good Will Hunting” and “The Departed.” It is also infamous for the convicted murderer and gangster, James “Whitey” Bulger. But, yes, glorious Gregorian Propers, polyphony, and hymnody at a Nuptial Mass in “Southie.”
Improvising – and Praying – on the Propers
A close friend, a priest once told me years ago something I’ve never forgotten. “The people don’t need to know what it is to understand it.” They will understand the prayer interiorly if not in words. Since hearing that, I have always thought it important to play and pray music related to a relevant text.
Living with Uncertainty
But blessings come and go. Crosses are plentiful. Uncertainty makes life scary. But, no matter who you are, rich or poor, lowly sinner or saint, these words are prayed (hopefully sung) in the funeral mass: “In Paradisum…”
Why We Do What We Do
“The priest would listen to this heavenly music over and over, crying while listening to it. He was brought great comfort through the ministry of this music. He passed away earlier this fall.”
Light Upon the World
Have a blessed Christmas, and know the Light of Christ shines upon you and dwells within you!