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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

Minimal Standards at Weddings and Funerals

Richard J. Clark · February 12, 2016

NEVER THOUGHT I would be advocating for minimal standards. It’s a sad moment. The highest standards should always be our aspiration and goal. God deserves our best. The people deserve better and are being served poorly on many fronts.

I cannot blame a wedding couple or a grieving family for being incredulous that I cannot include a pop song or Broadway melody. Why? Because their experience in the Roman Catholic Church tells them otherwise.

“But I’ve been to many weddings that had this song…” Or, “Father said it was ok…” etc., etc. We all have experience with such unfortunate stories and there is no need to rehash them.

But the appalling story is that the couple or the family has been victimized by horrifically low standards. They have lived a lifetime of exposure to mediocrity, ignorance, and defiance. Worse, they are done a great disservice because it is easier to capitulate than to educate. Catechesis takes great effort because it must be done with charity, love, and with finesse—especially for weddings and funerals which are so deeply personal experiences. Many of us have been on both sides of this experience and must be mindful of perspective.

That sacred music is a minimal standard for all liturgies would be an upgrade for a great many weddings and funerals. This is scandalous. That we find this impossible, that we fear doing so is equally scandalous.

I fear the spirit of another generation will atrophy in the blight of mediocrity. I won’t let that happen on my watch, and I know many of you won’t either. We are called to serve one another and God. We are called to implement the highest of standards with the resources at our disposal. Moreover, we are called to catechize though our actions, catechize by the way we live our lives, and catechize through sacred music.

I WORK IN A PARISH. This is a live recording of the Fauré Requiem with chamber orchestra by the choir of St. Cecilia Parish in Boston, a group of wonderful people that I am privileged to direct every week. They are almost entirely volunteer and mostly young people.

There are far better recordings of the Fauré Requiem by extraordinary conductors, choirs, and soloists. But I share with you here what can be accomplished in a parish (and there’s much more work to do!) Furthermore, this is a recording of people of faith who believe the words they sing. More important than any grandeur of the orchestra and organ is the simple reverence with which they sing. I hope this offering is a prayerful experience.

Soli Deo gloria.

Requiem in D minor, Op. 48 Gabriel Fauré
St. Cecilia Choir & Chamber Orchestra | Richard J. Clark, Director
Allesandra Cionco, soprano
Marc DeMille, baritone
Timothy E. Smith Organ
Tara Novak, violin

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 Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd 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 spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“It will not be Rome to tell you what you should do, no: because you have the charism. …you have the Holy Spirit for this. If Rome were to begin to make the decisions it would be a blow to the Holy Spirit, who works in the particular Churches.”

— Pope Francis (27 March 2023)

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