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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

Those Pesky Letters of Complaint

Richard J. Clark · July 8, 2016

E ALL GET them. Every single one of us. No one is immune. Really.

We might receive ten notes of praise for every one letter of complaint, but the latter is what we obsess about. We brood. It’s human nature, and perhaps even vanity to do so.

For the most part, it is best to never get too low from complaints, not even too high from praise. Neither may be fully representative of the general likes or dislikes of a congregation. But that’s not what matters. Here’s what does:

1 • Spiritually • Is the music at the service of worship?
2 • Pragmatically • What is the opinion of the pastor, finance council, choir, most parishioners, etc.?

NE MAY TAKE COMFORT in the following: no matter who you are, or what the reputation of your music program is, you will be criticized, most likely with some regularity. As surely as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, someone will be unhappy. Your name may be James Levine and you will be the target of vehement anger. Displeasure does not discriminate.

Here’s the good news: someone’s unhappiness is rarely, if ever, a reflection on you or your hard work. Nor is the personal pleasure of the faithful your responsibility within the liturgy. (To try is impossible and foolishness.)

But neither does an individual’s displeasure render them a bad or unwise person. They might be right. They may raise a fair point or two.

SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING: Separate the criticism from the way it was delivered. If the communication was charitable, there may be an opening for dialogue and both can learn from the encounter. This is a wonderful development that may broaden one’s personal connection to a member of the congregation. It may be an opportunity for catechesis.

If it was not delivered in a charitable fashion, do not respond in any way except kindly. After that, separate the criticism from how it was delivered and evaluate it. Can I learn something from it—even if delivered in a hurtful fashion? Sometimes the answer is yes—even if only in part. Make one’s own decision considering the betterment of your service to God and the faithful. Furthermore, it may even be wise to keep an open channel with the pastor about the criticism and your response. Responding kindly to uncharitable criticism reveals character and professionalism.

Openness to criticism takes an act of humility. Such openness is not a display of weakness. Self-evaluation and self-correction require great strength.

ACRED MUSIC IS AT THE SERVICE of worship, and not a slave to individual preferences including our own.

Instead, our responsibility is clearly outlined by the Second Vatican Council: the purpose of sacred music is to glorify God and sanctify the faithful. (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, §112) In short, we are responsible for helping others pray the words of the Mass.

Do this and we will find ultimate happiness and freedom with God.

Soli Deo Gloria

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 cemeteries are full of people who thought they were indispensable.”

— Fr. Alan Heet, OFM

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