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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Taste Like Salt

Andrew R. Motyka · July 24, 2013

esterday, I was sitting at the dance studio, waiting for my daughters to be done with their ballet lessons, when I overheard two women in the common area speaking about work. The two of them presumably worked together, and did something like social work or early intervention home visits. All I know is that they were badmouthing their clients and complaining about all of the people and children (!) with whom they spend time. I was quite annoyed, as I found it very unprofessional, and a horrible example. I thought, “What if people overheard me talking like that about the people with whom I work?” Actually, that’s not a bad thing to consider.

My wife, Julie, frequently says that being married to me is like being a celebrity, without any of the perks of being a celebrity. What she means is that she gets recognized everywhere she goes (or at least, she used to when we lived in a small town), and she doesn’t necessarily recognize the person with whom she is speaking. I’ve noticed this, too. People pretty often say to me, “Hey, you’re the music guy, right?”

I’ve also noticed that people have assumptions about my behavior that may or may not be based on my reputation. For example, I once cursed during a choir rehearsal (not at the choir, mind you; for all my flaws, I have never in my life even yelled at a choir). I’m sure it was part of a joke or something, but the members’ eyes got very wide. I could see, “Swearing? Andy swears? I thought he was a professional Choir Boy!”

Actually, I curse far more than I should. It’s been a terrible habit for a long time. But the choir doesn’t realize that. They, and most of the other parishioners, only see me in one context: at Mass, trying to worship and help others to worship as reverently and beautifully as possible. There’s the rub: like it or not, I am an example. No, no one’s individual faith is going to be destroyed because I swore that one time (goodness, I hope not, else I’d be single-handedly responsible for countless damnations). However, there is such a thing as giving scandal, and he behavior of those who are associated with the Church stands out.

Now, this is something that we should all be concerned with as Christians: we are the Light of the World, Salt of the Earth, City of God. One of many lessons we’ve learned from the Abuse Crisis is that the Church should (rightfully) be held to a higher standard. But, like it or not, when you work for the Church, people see you differently than if you hold a strictly secular profession. Tough luck. That’s life.

On that note, please pray for your priests. If I, doing what little I do to build up the Church, feel a bit of pressure in watching my behavior, how much more so do the priests who are on the front lines of the spiritual battle? My burden is extremely light compared to theirs.

Yesterday’s encounter at the dance studio reminded me that people are always watching and always listening. Sometimes our state in life means that more people are watching and listening more than we are comfortable with. Not that we need another motivation to live holy lives, but this is one more reason to think before you speak or act.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Andrew R. Motyka

Andrew Motyka is the Archdiocesan Director of Liturgical Music and Cathedral Music for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
    Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Music List” • 14 September (Holy Cross)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I prepared for 14 September 2025, which is the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“Some of our younger parish clergy read their sermons. This should not be done except for some very special reason. The priest who is not capable of preparing and delivering a brief, clear instruction on Catholic teaching to his people is not fit to be in parish work. The people as a rule do not want to listen to a sermon reader.”

— Archbishop of Baltimore (9 July 1929)

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  • PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
  • “Music List” • 14 September (Holy Cross)
  • Do You Recognize This Hymn? Do You Like It?
  • Charlie Kirk’s Fascination with Traditional Catholic Liturgy

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