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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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Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

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Never before have men had so many time-saving devices. Yet, never before have they had so little free time. When the world unnecessarily accelerates, the Church must slow down.

— Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

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