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Corpus Christi Watershed

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

“Cannot” vs. “Will Not” in Sacred Music

Jeff Ostrowski · January 26, 2014

ONALD REAGAN was known as “The Great Communicator.” I will probably be remembered as “The Lousy Communicator.” For a long time, I’ve tried to explain that we’re unable to respond to all the emails we receive. If I were to adequately reply to each message, I’d have to stop everything else I’m doing and devote hours to email correspondence. Watershed would then cease to exist, because; (1) the monthly internet fees would not get paid; (2) folks would eventually stop donating because the president is not fulfilling his duties. Therefore, the choice is rather simple, as far as I’m concerned.

Sadly, certain people still believe that our failure to reply to every email is a “choice” we make. I just received a long email (including some very “crude” language) accusing me of all kinds of nasty things for not replying to an email. This person, like several others I’ve encountered, believes that I didn’t reply “because I didn’t want to.” I’ve obviously been unsuccessful in describing the difference 1 between “will not” and “cannot.” For the record, that person also called me “a hypocrite” and “morally bankrupt.”

THIS TOPIC IS ACTUALLY RELATED to Sacred music on a local level. I truly believe that many Catholics, especially priests, desire to have prayerful, dignified, excellent music during their liturgies. This is something they truly want. They’re even willing to pay for it. The problem is, they can’t seem to locate a really good director of music. In other words, it’s impossible for them in spite of their ardent desire.

This probably seems like a fairly “harsh” reality. Well, so be it. In many ways, music is difficult. It requires talent, years of careful listening, and (more often than not) expensive training. From time to time, I’ll notice one of my friends giving a workshop on liturgical music, and I secretly cringe when the advertising implies that a few days’ study will allow the participants to go home and successfully implement a musical program.

However, I have some good news. We’ve been working hard on something special … for about three (3) years! We’re getting very close to releasing information about this project. I’m not a patient person, and resisting the temptation to “let the cat out of the bag” has been extremely difficult. Please join our mailing list so you’ll be the first to hear about this project.

I believe this project will make a tremendous and immediate difference. Granted, this release will only mark the first stage of a large project we have planned. Still, I feel it will make a huge difference and we’re extremely excited!



NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   Our parents did a good job teaching us what “can” means. When we were children, we’d say, “Mommy, can we go out and play?” She’d invariably reply, “Oh, I’m sure you’re capable of doing that.” Then we’d have to say, “Mommy, may we go out and play?”

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Resources for training in Church music Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    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
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “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

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

Thus the priest-celebrant, putting on the person of Christ, alone offers sacrifice, and not the people, nor clerics, nor even priests who reverently assist. All, however, can and should take an active part in the Sacrifice. “The Christian people, though participating in the Eucharistic Sacrifice, do not thereby possess a priestly power,” We stated in the Encyclical Mediator Dei (AAS, vol 39, 1947, p. 553).

— Pope Pius XII (2 November 1954)

Recent Posts

  • “Novus Ordo Parish … With Polyphony?” • Is that possible? How specifically does that work?
  • “The Injustice of Traditionis Custodes” • (Private Meetings at the Vatican)
  • New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
  • PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)
  • Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”

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