Views from the Choir Loft

Fr. Robert E. Barron To Be Made A Bishop!

Jeff Ostrowski · July 21, 2015

R. ROBERT BARRON was named by Pope Francis as AUXILIARY BISHOP of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles earlier this morning, along with Msgr. Joseph V. Brennan and Msgr. David G. O’Connell. For the moment, those priests are called “bishop-elect.”

When I was in Texas, the parish we attended used a series of videos—created with great skill by the (secular) Public Broadcasting System—which featured talks on the Catholic Faith by Fr. Robert Barron. I was not able to attend them, ¹ but many of my friends & fellow parishioners told me Fr. Barron did a remarkable job.

I thought it was commendable that Fr. Robert Barron was following the advice of Pope Benedict XVI (pope during that period) by using modern technology to evangelize. Moreover, it is my understanding that Francis Cardinal George was a “friend and mentor” to Fr. Robert Barron. Cardinal George was one of the best bishops in the USA, so it seems Los Angeles is in for a treat!

I’ve not yet had an opportunity to meet MSGR. DAVID O’CONNELL. However, our FSSP chaplain here in Los Angeles has spoken numerous times of his admiration for MSGR. JOSEPH BRENNAN. Here’s an excerpt sent out this morning:

I am really excited that Msgr. Joseph Brennan has also been appointed. He is one of the finest priests I know, and he has been so helpful to me, trying to get the FSSP parish established.

What is an auxiliary bishop? The way it was explained to me, a bishop cannot have jurisdiction “nowhere.” So, the pope often names auxiliary bishops to a large diocese, while naming them TITULAR BISHOP of some Catholic diocese that no longer really exists. Therefore, a bishop cannot truly be named “auxiliary” for a diocese.

NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1 Our first child had just been born.

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

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).

“In Paradisum” • Gregorian Chant

As a RECESSIONAL on All Souls’ Day (November 2nd), we will sing In Paradísum Dedúcant Te Ángeli (PDF). When it comes to Gregorian Chant, this is one of the most popular “songs.” Frankly, all the prayers and chants from the traditional REQUIEM MASS (Missa exsequialis or Missa pro defunctis) are incredibly powerful and never should’ve been scuttled. Click here to hear “In Paradisum” in a recording I made this afternoon.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Music List” • All Souls (2 November)

Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 2 November 2025, which is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (“All Souls”). 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 top-notch feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin. In my humble opinion, it’s weird to have the feast of All Saints on a Sunday. No wonder the close associate of Pope Saint Paul VI said the revised KALENDAR was “the handiwork of a trio of maniacs.” However, I can’t deny that sometimes the sacred liturgy consists of elements that are seemingly contradictory: e.g. the Mode 7 “De Profúndis” ALLELUIA, or the Mode 8 “Dulce lignum” ALLELUIA on the various ancient feasts of the Holy Cross (3 May, 14 September, and so on).

—Jeff Ostrowski

2-Voice Arr. • “Creator of the Starry Height”

Do you direct a choir consisting of women or children only? (Some call this a “treble” choir.) Download a two-voice arrangement of Creator of the Starry Height set to the tune of IOANNES by clicking here and then scrolling to the bottom. In our times, this hymn is normally used during ADVENT, and the Latin title is: Cónditor alme síderum. It’s important to say “cónditor”—placing the accent on the antepenult—because ‘condítor’ in Latin means “one who embalms the dead.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Gospel Options for 2 November (“All Souls”)

We’ve been told some bishops are suppressing the TLM because of “unity.” But is unity truly found in the MISSALE RECENS? For instance, on All Souls (2 November), any of these Gospel readings may be chosen, for any reason (or for no reason at all). The same is true of the Propria Missæ and other readings—there are countless options in the ORDINARY FORM. In other words, no matter which OF parish you attend on 2 November, you’ll almost certainly hear different propers and readings, to say nothing of different ‘styles’ of music. Where is the “unity” in all this? Indeed, the Second Vatican Council solemnly declared: “Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.”

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Our Father” • Musical Setting?

Looking through a Roman Catholic Hymnal published in 1859 by Father Guido Maria Dreves (d. 1909), I stumbled upon this very beautiful tune (PDF file). I feel it would be absolutely perfect to set the “Our Father” in German to music. Thoughts?

—Jeff Ostrowski

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