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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

Tools for the Day

Andrew R. Motyka · January 22, 2014

AVE YOU EVER NOTICED that the Communion Antiphon, more than any other proper, tends to directly reflect back to the Gospel? It is most certainly true of the antiphon this weekend, which goes directly to Jesus’ call to Andrew and Peter.

On a side note, this weekend’s Gospel is why my namesake is included in the Roman Canon as a mandatory name, even though most of the other apostles are optional. Andrew holds a special place as the first apostle to be called. So there.

If you anything like I was several years ago, you are tired of the same half-dozen or so Communion hymns that show up in every hymnal. Since most parishes are not yet ready to move to the Gregorian Proper, why not give these a try? They are simple antiphons which do not require a worship aid to remember, follow the text of the proper, and are related by modality to the Gregorian chant of the Communio. The verses are set to the St. Meinrad Psalm Tones, which is another tool that every pastoral musician should be familiar with.

We should be always expanding our toolboxes with new ideas for implementing propers and furthering the solemnity of the liturgy. Increased solemnity in the liturgy should always be our goal, and the propers help with this much better than the newest song about gathering around the dinner table.

This past Christmas, I received one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. I was told that the music did a beautiful job fostering a spirit of prayer and keeping us there. That is the goal: to bring people to Jesus.

Come to think of it, every time Andrew appears in the Gospel, he is bringing someone to Jesus. We should do the same.

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

    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
    Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
    From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “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

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

“Those who are trying to improve the quality of congregational singing cannot refuse to Gregorian chant the place which is due to it.”

— Sacred Congregation of Divine Worship (14 April 1974)

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