Who Should Proclaim the Passion?
The “Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts”
Singing the Mass
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.
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.
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.”
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…”
Tallis Scholars Live
In Praise of A Polyphonic Credo
A Challenge for the “Big Three” — Is there a Market for the Propers?
I have a challenge to the “Big Three” publishers. The propers are the new frontier of liturgical composition. I propose that they get ahead of the curve now.
Saint Cecilia and Why the Word is Preeminent
I confront a challenge most musicians of sacred music face: the battle between the Word and musical “feel.” From the Word, emanates a life: all that is love, all that is beauty, all that is sacrifice and service to God.
Decisions, Decisions…Progressive Solemnity, and Who Gets to Decide?
The Mass is a sung prayer and our greatest prayer. As such, it is not our goal to “make” something happen in liturgy. Only God can do that. Any role we have is God’s gift of grace to us. The sooner we understand that, the better we will fulfill our ministry and mission.
Surprise! Musical Hierarchy in “Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship”
The priorities of what we should sing at mass are full of surprises for some. I hope in the end that the greater “surprise” will be in how our prayer is formed by what we sing. I hope this will be the most pleasant surprise of all.
Free Communion Propers for the Easter Season, Year C
Free download of Communion Propers for the Easter Season, Year C