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Views from the Choir Loft

Update * Atonement Parish — San Antonio, Texas

Jeff Ostrowski · September 14, 2014

873 Atonement ODAY we attended Mass at Our Lady of the Atonement in San Antonio, TX. If you’ve not done so, please check out the series (Part 1 and Part 2), which takes you “inside the classrooms” at their wonderful parish school.

It’s difficult to hold my young child during Mass, but in spite of this, I was able to take a few iPhone recordings—totally random snippets when my son wasn’t crying—to show you the QUALITY OF SINGING they always have at Sunday Masses:

      * *  Mp3 Audio: Recorded “Live” by iPhone

Don’t forget: the choir had no idea we’d be attending today. Atonement is blessed with unbelievably superb music at their various Masses. 1

(I apologize the recording quality of my device was poor, but I wanted to give you a sample.)

EVERY PEW WAS FILLED and overflowing, and this is totally normal for them. I believe Atonement has been successful for two reasons:

(A) They’re a consistently serious parish whose Pastor never deviates from Catholic doctrine.

(B) They sacrifice to make sure their music programs succeed.

Many priests today are serious about the liturgy—which is great—but few are willing to make the sacrifices (for years and years) a good Church music program requires. This is a shame, because dignified music adds so much to the liturgical ceremonies; even more than fine architecture & beautiful vestments.

Atonement has recently undertaken a massive building project, which will basically double their (already impressive) campus. The response to their capital campaign was astounding, especially when you consider today’s climate. I’m sure their new buildings will be splendid, because every corner of their current school & church exudes magnificence … even their little pond:

872 Pond


Are you an organist? I’m told there’s a position available at Atonement. Apply soon!



NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   I could easily have taken samples of the organ playing, too, which is always fantastic.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Our Lady Of The Atonement Academy 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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Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

It is unworthy that the stone holds Him, Who encloses everything in His hand, Locked in by the forbidding rock. (“Indígnum est cujus claudúntur cuncta pugíllo | Ut tegat inclúsum rupe vetánte lapis.”)

— SALVE FESTA DIES (Eastertide)

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