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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

More unites us than divides us!

Jeff Ostrowski · April 22, 2014

559 UNITE IRST, I’ll give the problem, then I’ll suggest a solution. A few years ago, I attended Mass at one of the rich parishes here in town. This was while Benedict was still pope. My family dressed up, and I wore a suit. The music was really troubling to me. They had guitars and drums, and while the music was performed well, it was totally inappropriate for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I couldn’t help tapping my feet.

I felt absolutely ridiculous for dressing up in coat and tie: the music made me feel like I was at a beach party. They used a projector to show the lyrics, on a big screen at the front of church, but this seemed like a waste of time, since almost nobody sang. Besides, one song was “It’s all about Jesus” repeated over and over again, so there was no need to project it on the screen.

In my heart, I believe there is a “silent majority” out there who agree that such music is not called for by our church documents. The problem is, we’re afraid to speak up and challenge anyone. More importantly, we don’t unite with one another, because musicians tend to be very “picky” people who don’t get along with one another, especially if somebody says something bad about Chopin or Beethoven or whoever our favorite composer is.

So, what can we do? I’m not sure, but I feel we should begin the process of uniting. More unites us than divides us.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Reform of the Reform 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 Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

28 May 2022 • “Pristine” Vatican Rhythm

My choirs have been singing from the “pure” Editio Vaticana rhythm, which is (technically) the official rhythm of the Catholic Church. I haven’t quite decided how I want the scores to look yet, but this one I’ve produced for tomorrow, Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the Ascension”).

—Jeff Ostrowski
27 May 2022 • FEEDBACK

A reader from Wisconsin: “I will pray for you and CC Watershed. This site has been one of the most valuable resources I have in helping me run a choir for an ICKSP apostolate.” A reader from New York: “May God bless you for your wonderful work! This site has been invaluable to me.” A reader from Minnesota: “I started going to a Latin Mass parish about 10 years ago, and this website has been indispensable to me. I could not have learned to sing the Mass without the resources you provide. Thank you!” From Britain: “Thanks for all you are doing! …from a french Gregorian choirmaster living in the UK!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
25 May 2022 • FEEDBACK

From a reader: “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the time and resources poured into CCWatershed. It’s transformed how I approach music in the parish, and has especially helped me deepen appreciation for the ability of volunteer musicians.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Pope Francis breaks Catholic traditions whenever he wants because he is free from disordered attachments. Our Church has indeed entered a new phase: with the advent of this first Jesuit pope, it is openly ruled by an individual rather than by the authority of Scripture alone or even its own dictates of tradition plus Scripture.”

— Fr. Thomas Rosica (31 July 2018)

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