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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

The Living Parish Hymn Book

Veronica Brandt · August 10, 2013

WHILE AGO someone asked me if I could identify a half-remembered hymn book from his boarding school days in Sydney. It turned out to be the good old Living Parish Hymn Book, a diminutive little red book once widespread across Sydney, now washing up into the bookshelves of those who like the “old hymns”.

It was compiled by Rev. Anthony Newman in the early 1960s. The first edition was printed in 1961 so included Latin prayers for Benediction. Later editions include the New English Mass Text, with a glimpse into the changing translations in the early years. Most editions have little to no Latin, except for the title of some hymns in English translation.

The book has an old fashioned flavour, but avoids sentimental excess. Some hymns still retain “thee” and “thy”. Some more modern compositions use “you” and “your”.

The compiler seems to like Msgr Ronald Knox. Blessed Cardinal Newman also is well represented. There are a few Gelineau psalms.

The hymnbook is notable for the inclusion of the Hymns for the Year of Grace by James McAuley and Richard Connolly. These are some of the best hymns to come out of Australia, but all difficult to find online due to licensing considerations, except Holy Father God of Might from Richard Connolly available through Small Church Music.

The little pew book came first, starting in 1961. The Accompaniment Book was first printed in 1964. All the copies I have seen are labelled “Low Setting”, perhaps to placate those who will forever maintain the organ is playing too high. The Preface gives some guidelines for choosing hymns – no mention of the propers, though they use the terms “Introit” and “Gradual”.

inside living parish hymn book Living Parish Hymn Book inside living parish accompaniment living-parish-accompaniment
Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Hymnbooks Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Veronica Brandt

Veronica Brandt holds a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering. She lives near Sydney, Australia, with her husband and six children.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). 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
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    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
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“Leave the Mass alone. Our churches are full—the Protestants, in spite of their vernacular, far otherwise.”

— Cardinal Godfrey (one of the Vatican II fathers)

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