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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

Children’s Choir in a Typical Suburban Parish? Endless Possibilities!

Richard J. Clark · April 29, 2016

N AN ORDINARY suburban parish without exceptional resources, what can be accomplished in teaching children traditional sacred music? “The possibilities are endless,” according to Ryan Lynch, Director of Music and Organist at St. Raphael’s Parish in Medford, Massachusetts.

Lynch, who is also a regular organist and cantor for Catholic TV, revived a dying parish music program, making children’s voices a centerpiece of the liturgical life along with the adult choir. Starting a children’s choir from scratch, Lynch took a simple, but wise approach: form young voices (hearts and minds) through simple traditional hymnody and chant, making their well-formed, singable melodies and rich theology a staple. You can learn more about the music program at St. Raphael’s here.

(He was also a consultant on this hymn project for the Archdiocese of Boston: Music for First Communion and Confirmation—A Catechetical Guide for Liturgical Celebrations)

Teaching Kindergarten through fifth grade in the parish school, he must also shape the musical sound of the children with a sprit of full inclusiveness—another typical aspect of parish life. This isn’t easy, but Ryan Lynch makes it appear that way. He allows especially beautiful voices to shine while creating a unified voice.

Lynch acknowledges that this is a work in progress, one to build upon. Mindful that the children who sing today will be the foundation of our Church in the future. Therefore, enthusiasm and optimism reigns: “The Possibilities are endless.” You can listen to samples and his budding choir here and here.


YAN WAS RECENTLY interviewed on “Sounds from the Spires” on on SIRIUS XM 129 Radio, The Catholic Channel. The show is hosted by Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. This interview discusses life in a parish, churches of Rome, and Cardinal DiNardo’s restaurant recommendations in Houston! (for those of you attending AGO or NPM this summer).

• PODCAST • “Sounds form the Spires” broadcast on 4.24.2016:

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

“The chants of the Proper of the Mass—that is, the Introit, Gradual, Offertory, Communion—in sung Masses may be chanted in the vernacular to melodies legitimately approved.”

— Statement (20 April 1964) by the Consilium, the group Paul VI put in charge of inventing the New Mass

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