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Views from the Choir Loft

Regina Chesterton Academy

Fr. David Friel · May 1, 2016

IBERAL ARTS education is an interest of mine. I would describe my own philosophical studies in the college seminary as essentially a liberal arts education—a gift for which I am most grateful. The virtues of this type of education are not always appreciated, but they are real, as I have considered here and here.

There is a new and rather exciting initiative in my area. Beginning in Fall 2016, the Regina Chesterton Academy will operate as a classical education track within Cardinal O’Hara High School (one among a large network of archdiocesan Catholic high schools in Philadelphia).

For a number of years already, the Regina Academies have been serving elementary students at four locations in the greater Philadelphia area (Ardmore, Abington, Downingtown, and Ottsville). Originally founded in 2003 by a group of lay Catholics, the Academies have experienced significant growth. The motto of the Regina Academies is Domine, ut videam (“Lord, that I may see”).

Contemporary America prizes diversity in certain areas, but not always in the realm of education. According to Cardinal O’Hara President, Mr. Tom Fertal, a desire for authentic educational diversity helped to inspire this undertaking. He explains:

Education, of course, is not a one-size-fits all proposition. We do our best to approach it from the perspective of what is most instructive for each and every student and his or her gifts. This will be the kind of unique program that a number of our parents have been asking for. As it will be deeply rooted in our authentic Catholic tradition, it is a program that also fits the mission of the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: to “prepare saints for life in this world and in the next.”

This new program of the Regina Academies will utilize a curriculum first developed by the Chesterton Academy in Edina, Minnesota. Teachers will lead Socratic-style classroom discussions about primary works by authors in such fields as logic, rhetoric, math, science, philosophy, art, music, drama, Latin, and Greek.

For more information, see the website of the Regina Academies.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Passing on Tradition Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Anselm Church in Northeast Philly before earning a doctorate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America. He presently serves as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and teaches liturgy at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

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    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.
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    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.”
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“The Chasuble, or upper garment, represents the purple garment which the soldiers put upon Jesus Christ, and the heavy cross that He carried on His blessed shoulders to Mount Calvary.”

— Guide for the Laity (1875)

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