“Adeste Fideles” • Too Many Translations!
Broadly speaking, only one has attained general use throughout the English-speaking world…
Articles
Card. Heenan on Ronald Knox: “Perhaps the Church’s greatest figure of the 20th century.”
“Although renowned as a preacher and scholar, the real greatness of Knox lay in his holiness of life.” —Cardinal Heenan (Archbishop of Westminster)
“Kaitrin Drost Strikes Again!” • Plus a Few Random Thoughts and Tirades by Jeff Ostrowski
Imagine walking up into a choir loft and sounding like these young ladies without rehearsal.
Bing Crosby, Christmas, and Catholicism
He served as an unwitting catechist, introducing a young listener to the language and music of Catholicism.
💰 Are Church Musicians Paid Too Little?
I came very close to paying an unspeakably severe price.
“O Antiphons” Elevated?
From what I can tell, the 1970 rubrics moved each “O Antiphon” to the Gospel Acclamation at Mass (in late December).
Should Catholics Sing Protestant Christmas Carols?
Including the “music list” I have prepared for Christmas Midnight Mass.
“He never had a single day of conflict with anyone.”
Upon the death of of the Very Reverend Canon Edgard De Laet.
PDF • “Standard Gregorian Chants for Schools, Churches, Seminaries, & Convents” (1946) —123 pages
Until a few days ago, I knew nothing of this (extremely rare) book. Now it’s been scanned and uploaded—free to all.
The “Word of the Father” Chord: Theology and Harmony Meet at Christmas
It is fitting that the most exquisite chord in Adeste Fideles coincides with the most profound line of theology.
Crucial Tips • “Teaching Children How to Sing”
When it comes to the children, I help them memorize each word…
Soloists in Gregorian Chant?
An “ensemble of soloists” will never sound the same as a true choir.
“Alma Redemptóris Mater” • Everything There Is To Know About This Marian Antiphon
Including a new harmonization for the pipe organ.
(5 Dec. 2025) • Pope Leo XIV Speaks on Liturgical Music
“In the liturgy, in particular, singing is never a ‘soundtrack’, a simple backdrop, but is intended to lift the soul…” —Pope Leo XIV
PDF Downloads • 5 Simple Palestrina Pieces
A collection of Palestrina works that are not only stunningly beautiful but also surprisingly accessible.