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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

Connection, empowerment and raffle tickets

Veronica Brandt · May 24, 2014

Dinner party ELPING CAN BE FUN. There are so many potential adventures out there. So many people who need a hand but may be a little shy to ask. Maybe they feel unworthy, or unwilling to put anyone to trouble. Maybe they don’t know who to ask.

Recently I have been helping out by selling raffle tickets. I don’t think this is anyone’s favourite job, but you do get to talk to people, and people are always full of surprises.

I am curious as to whether past generations had an easier time selling raffle tickets than today. It seems the majority of people are happier to buy tickets themselves rather than try selling them on. The prizes are there to appeal to an audience outside those who would support the cause regardless, but to reach that audience requires face to face contact, a personal approach, and that seems to be the obstacle.

Some say in this digital age we are disconnected from real people. Although there is so much information washing around us daily, there is less engagement, less attention being paid. It also doesn’t help that there are professional raffle ticket campaigns by charities who cold-call homes on a fairly regular basis. And there is also the deluge of marketing campaigns proclaiming the ubiquitous CHANCE TO WIN!

Underneath all the spin, the main aim is simply to raise money, in this case for training seminarians for the priesthood through the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter. I guess this would come under the precept of contributing to the support of the Church, one of the duties of every Catholic. Almsgiving is more giving to the poor, which is a little different, though mendicant friars would beg alms.

Would it be more difficult to simply ask for help, rather than go to the trouble of arranging kickbacks for the donors? Would God bless the work more if we stopped playing the games and gave disinterestedly? Or are the games part of the work, involving more people in the work of charity?

Please visit fssp.net and consider a donation towards training Australian seminarians. Or share this on social media and you donate more chances of someone else in the network donating.

And Corpus Christi Watershed could always use donations too.

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 Veronica Brandt

Veronica Brandt holds a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering. She lives near Sydney, Australia, with her husband and six children.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “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

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

When a friend speaks of his accomplishments and triumphs, he stands at a distance from our heart. When he shares his weaknesses and failings, he’s very near.

— Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

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Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.