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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

Sacred Music and The New Evangelization

Richard J. Clark · September 11, 2013

R. WILLIAM MAHRT REMINDS US that the Second Vatican Council “gave music, of all the arts, the most central position in the liturgical action.” (The Musical Shape of the Liturgy. Pg. 61) In other words, Vatican II reaffirmed the unique function of music within the sacred liturgy:

“Therefore sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action…” (Sacrosanctum Concillium § 112)

While liturgical action is the guiding dynamic of sacred music’s implementation, the Word shapes the creation of this music. These are wholly countercultural realities: the Word and the liturgical action as the driving forces of music. As such, truly sacred liturgical music possesses a function—a responsibility—that is quite different from music of secular society and also of some religious denominations. Sadly, it also differs substantially from common liturgical practice in the Roman Catholic Church today. This is worth examining in light of music’s role in evangelization.

We are all familiar with the secularization of sacred music, not simply in style, but most importantly in its primary function and purpose: to make us feel good, to infuse energy or emotion, to express ourselves and our own feelings. These are not bad things in and of themselves. In fact, they are quite good and may even inspire deep devotion and inspiration. However, there must be an understanding of time (or timelessness) and place. The liturgical purpose of true sacred music is what sets it apart from the rest of the world, and hence, why divine worship is wholly transformative when music is wedded both to the Word and to the liturgical action. This is what makes music sacred—set apart from the world and “set aside” for the liturgy.

The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy. (Ibid)

F THE CURCH WERE TO RECLAIM the proper role and function of its very own music, it would go a long to way to repossessing the deeply influential significance of the liturgy in our everyday lives. In turn, this would most compellingly and powerfully foster evangelization. Acquiescence to secular culture or even to American religious culture in order to fill the pews is shortsighted. For those of us lost and craving a true presence of God in our lives, the mass, our greatest prayer, is the rock and foundation. It is the way to evangelization.

The New Evangelization describes the work of the Church as “…to bring all people into relationship with God, and also to transform and sanctify the society in which we live.” (U.S. Catholic bishops, Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization).

HE MASS IS WHERE WE FOSTER OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD and as a result, with each other. As such, it is not overstated in the least that the mass is the most important work of the Church. It strengthens us to go out into the world to do the work of the Gospel. Therefore, it is no trivial matter to love the liturgy, to love the Word and to love the music to which it is wedded. If our work in sacred music is for the Glory of God alone, we are called to not only “preserve and foster sacred music with great care” as urged by Vatican II, but we are also called to evangelize through sacred music. Why? Because music, in no small, part nurtures our prayer and therefore our relationship with God and with each other.

THE WORD, MUSIC, AND HOW WE LIVE OUT OUR LIVES are all connected. For those of us charged with shaping lives through music, let us not forget this responsibility. Furthermore, let us also pray for our pastors—the shepherds of the faithful who support musicians of sacred music. Their jobs are not easy, as they are responsible for more than most any person would dare to take on. Pray that they have the wisdom, courage, and foresight to support true scared music—music that is wedded to the Word, wedded to the liturgical action, and therefore wedded to our prayer.

We pray for all of this so that we may go forth and evangelize.

John 15: 16: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.”

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

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

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • 3 September
    According to the MISSALE RECENS, the Feast of Saint Gregory the Great occurs on 3 September (the date Gregory became pope). Formerly, his feast was celebrated during Lent, on 12 March (the day Gregory died). In Latin, the feast is: Die 3 Septembris: S. Gregorii Magni, papæ et Ecclesiæ doctoris. you can download the Latin Introit, the Latin Offertory, as well as the Communion with gorgeous fauxbordon in English. Abbat Joseph Pothier—along with Dom André Mocquereau, Bishop Laurent Janssens, Father De Santi, and other Gregorian superstars—sang with a choir of 1,210 voices (from 36 different Roman colleges) under the direction of Monsignor Antonio Rella. That Mass included the “Alma cohors,” a special SEQUENCE for Saint Gregory…much to the dismay of those who believe in strict adherence to rubrics. The Mass on 11 April 1904 was celebrated by Pope Saint Pius X, at the great GREGORIAN CONGRESS held in Rome “to mark the 13th Centenary of the death of Saint Gregory the Great.” Someday, there’s much I’d love to say about this congress. We even have recordings (!) from it (made in 1904 by the Gramophone Company) with choirs conducted by Dom Pothier, Dom Mocquereau, Dom Janssens, Monsignor Rella, Baron Kanzler, and others.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “7 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 is called: “Professor Bouyer’s Regret.”
    —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

“Although the Mass contains much instruction for the faithful, it has nevertheless not seemed expedient to the fathers that it be celebrated everywhere in the vernacular. The holy synod commands pastors and everyone who has the care of souls to explain frequently during the celebration of the Masses, either themselves or through others, some of the things that are read in the Mass, and among other things to expound some mystery of this most Holy Sacrifice, especially on Sundays and feastdays.”

— ‘Council of Trent, XII:8 (1562)’

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