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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

Authentic Sacred Music Programs & King Of The Hill

Jeff Ostrowski · November 17, 2014

677 Hill HEN WE STOP and consider Catholic churches with excellent music programs—and there are a good number in the United States—it is clear that what they’re engaged in is radically different from the “average” Catholic parish. Recently, my family attended Mass at a Church with a great priest. The pews were packed with good people and the homily was excellent, but the music can only be described as a “Country Music Fest.” I’m sure many Catholics approach the Pastor in a parish with authentic Sacred music asking: “How come you don’t use pleasant, easy listening music like the parish where I grew up?”

Not too long ago, something dawned on me. In all the years I lived in Texas, the Catholic Church did practically nothing to help our marriage. We had to figure out everything by ourselves and did a lot of reading. The priest who prepared us for marriage gave us a 50-minute video to watch—and that was it!  What’s truly shocking is to consider how little support my parents were given for their marriage, yet they persevered and followed all the teachings of the Church.

When priests who sacrifice greatly to have an authentic Sacred music program are asked why they don’t just “give in” and allow secular styles of music (like the vast majority of USA parishes) they would probably give an answer identical to the one my parents might give: “How could we do anything else?”

I DON’T KNOW WHETHER our readers know the cartoon King of the Hill, but it chronicles the life of Hank Hill and his three friends. Hank is the only one who has a “normal” marriage. Dale Gribble’s wife is unfaithful to him. Bill Dauterive’s wife left him long ago and he misses her tremendously. Boomhauer has no wife, but commits fornication practically every night.

When we’re honest, we have to admit that King of the Hill portrays an accurate picture of society. A good marriage is rare, because we human beings—all of us—are fallen and sinful.

Therefore, it really doesn’t matter what “everyone else” is doing. We’re called to discover Christ and conform our lives to His teachings. What “everyone else” is doing is irrelevant. Fulton Sheen once said that God allows the Catholic Church to have sinful and imperfect people inside it because otherwise we—who are great sinners—would be too embarrassed and ashamed to seek membership!

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 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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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President’s Corner

    Liturgical Round (“Canon”) in C-Major
    Those who direct children’s choirs are always on the lookout for repertoire that’s dignified, inspired, and pleasing—yet still within reach of young choristers. Such directors will want to investigate this haunting liturgical round (PDF download) which has been married to the KYRIE from Mass VI (EDITIO VATICANA). I have provided an accompaniment, but it’s only for use during rehearsal; i.e. when teaching this round to your choristers. I also provided an organ accompaniment for the KYRIE—which some know by its trope (Kyrie Rex Genitor)—so that your congregation can take part when this round is used as a choral extension during Mass.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Latin Liturgy Association
    We note with pleasure that Mrs. Regina Morris, president of the Latin Liturgy Association, has featured—on page 4 of Volume CXXIX of their official newsletter—the three (3) terrific versions of the Stations of the Cross found in the Brébeuf Hymnal. One of the main authors for the blog of the Church Music Association of America said (6/10/2019) about this pew book: “It is such a fantastic hymnal that it deserves to be in the pews of every Catholic church.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Music List” • 28th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 12 October 2025, which is the 28th 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 dazzling feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
    The American Catholic Hymnal, with IMPRIMATUR granted (25 April 1991) by the Archdiocese of Chicago, is like a compendium of every horrible idea from the 1980s. Imagine being forced to stand all through Communion (even afterwards) when those self-same ‘enlightened’ liturgists moved the SEQUENCE before the Alleluia to make sure congregations wouldn’t have to stand during it. (Even worse, everything about the SEQUENCE—including its name—means it should follow the Alleluia.) And imagine endlessly repeating “Alleluia” during Holy Communion at every single Mass. It was all part of an effort to convince people that Holy Communion was historically a procession (which it wasn’t).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Canonic” • Ralph Vaughan Williams
    Fifty years ago, Dr. Theodore Marier made available this clever arrangement (PDF) of “Come down, O love divine” by P. R. Dietterich. The melody was composed in 1906 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (d. 1958) and named in honor of of his birthplace: DOWN AMPNEY. The arrangement isn’t a strict canon, but it does remind one of a canon since the pipe organ employs “points of imitation.” The melody and text are #709 in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

If the homily goes on too long, it will affect two characteristic elements of the liturgical celebration: its balance and its rhythm. The words of the preacher must be measured, so that the Lord, more than his minister, will be the center of attention.

— Pope Francis (11/24/2013)

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