Views from the Choir Loft

Interesting Catholic Websites

Corpus Christi Watershed · October 17, 2013

O YOU KNOW any interesting Catholic websites? Please feel free to use the “Contact Us” link at the top of the page, sending us an email so we can share your link below. Make sure to include a short explanatory paragraph.

Please Note: Corpus Christi Watershed does not necessarily endorse the content of the following websites. We apologize, but we’re not able to link to every website sent to us.

Orbis Catholicus Secundus • A beautiful website maintained by John Sonnen, a former parishioner of St. Agnes, where Msgr. Richard J. Schuler used to be pastor +

Catholic Education Resource Center • This website reprints (with permission) some of the very best Catholic articles. Like Watershed, they seek “truth, goodness, and beauty.” Their advisors include James Hitchcock, Karl Keating, Peter Kreeft, Janet Smith, Wesley J. Smith, Alice von Hildebrand, and more +

Truth and Charity • A new website, started in 2012. Authors include Fr. Scott Hastings, Andrew Sciba, Tim Shaughnessy, Mary Walker, and more +

Antiphon Journal • Sponsored by the Society for Catholic Liturgy, their board includes Carmina Magnusen Chapp, Jane Errera, Jennifer Donelson, Denis McNamara, and more. The current editor is Fr. Uwe Michael Lang. +

Newman Connection • This non-profit organization helps Catholic college students keep their faith. Their board includes Mr. William Zerrusen, Msgr. Gregory Ketcham, Fr. Anthony Stephens, and more +

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

“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

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