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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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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    Introit • Candlemas (2 February)
    “Candlemas” • Our choir sang on February 2nd, and here's a live recording of the beautiful INTROIT: Suscépimus Deus. We had very little time to rehearse, but I think it has some very nice moments. I promise that by the 8th Sunday after Pentecost it will be perfect! (That Introit is repeated on the 8th Sunday after Pentecost.) We still need to improve, but we're definitely on the right track!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Simplified Antiphons • “Candlemas”
    Anyone who desires simplified antiphons (“psalm tone versions”) for 2 February, the Feast of the Purification—which is also known as “Candlemas” or the Feast of the Presentation—may freely download them. The texts of the antiphons are quite beautiful. From “Lumen Ad Revelatiónem Géntium” you can hear a live excerpt (Mp3). I'm not a fan of chant in octaves, but we had such limited time to rehearse, it seemed the best choice. After all, everyone should have an opportunity to learn “Lumen Ad Revelatiónem Géntium,” which summarizes Candlemas.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Tempo?? • 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘞𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦
    Once, after Mass, my pastor said he really loved the hymn we did. I said: “Father, that's Holy God, We Praise Thy Name—you never heard it before?” He replied: “But the way you did it was terrific. For once, it didn't sound like a funeral dirge!” Last Sunday, our volunteer choir sang that hymn. I think the tempo was just about right … but what do you think?
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

It should be borne in mind that there is no preference expressed in the liturgical legislation for either “versus populum” or “ad orientem.” Since both positions enjoy the favor of law, the legislation may not be invoked to say that one position or the other accords more closely with the mind of the Church.

— ‘Congregation for Divine Worship (Vatican City), 10 April 2000’

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