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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

“Woman of No Distinction” World Premiere

Richard J. Clark · February 22, 2019

HRIS KINSELY wrote a landmark poem in 2006 about the Samaritan woman at the well and her encounter with Jesus. What makes this poem unique is its perspective: written entirely from the point of view of the Samaritan woman. This poem has much to teach us today. (See the poem below.)

Jennifer Lester, Director of The Seraphim Singers, asked me to compose a work When I saw the text, I thought “This is the poem.” It was an honor and privilege to composer on this work and this topic. (Liturgically notable is the role the Samaritan Woman plays in Lent, and in particular the First Scrutiny for Catechumens seeking full reception into the Church.)

In Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions, the Samaritan woman at the well is revered as a saint and considered “equal to the apostles.” Witnessing to the truth of Christ, she was martyred during the persecutions of the Emperor Nero.

I ASKED SOPRANO Anna Ward to be the “voice” of the Samaritan Woman. She adds her superlative artistry and perspective to this work!

* *  YouTube • A conversation with Lester, Ward, and Clark about the work and what it has to say to us today.

IF YOU ARE IN THE BOSTON AREA be sure not to miss this premiere as part the Seraphim Singer’s “Women’s Perspectives.” This concert will present works exploring the voices of women as composers, subjects, storytellers, and poets.. There will be two performances:

Friday, Friday, March 1, 2019, 8:00pm
St. Cecilia Parish, 18 Belvidere St., Boston, MA

Sunday, March 3, 2019, 3:00pm
First Church (Congregational) 11 Garden St., Cambridge, MA

Tickets: $22 General Admission / $18 Students & Seniors online or $25/20 at the door
• Tickets are available at the door or purchase online here
• Download the concert poster here

Hope to see you there!

WOMAN OF NO DISTINCTION
By Chris Kinsley

I am a woman of no distinction
of little importance.
I am a woman of no reputation
Save that which is bad.

You whisper as I pass by and cast judgmental glances,
Though you don’t really take the time to look at me,
Or even get to know me.

For to be known is to be loved,
And to be loved is to be known.
Otherwise what’s the point in doing
either one of them in the first place?

I want to be known
I want someone to look at my face
And not just see two eyes,
a nose, a mouth and two ears;
But to see all that I am, and could be
all my hopes, loves and fears.

But that’s too much to hope for,
to wish for,
or pray for
So I don’t, not anymore.

Now I keep to myself
And by that I mean the pain
That keeps me in my own private jail
The pain that’s brought me
Here at midday to this well.

To ask for a drink is no big request
But to ask it of me?
A woman unclean
Ashamed, used and abused
An outcast, a failure
A disappointment, a sinner.

No drink passing from these hands
To your lips could ever be refreshing
Only condemning
As I’m sure you condemn me now
But you don’t.

You’re a man of no distinction;
Though of the utmost importance.
A man with little reputation, at least so far.

You whisper and tell me to my face
What all those glances have been about
And you take the time to really look at me.
But don’t need to get to know me.

For to be known is to be loved and
To be loved is to be known.

And you know me.
You actually know me;
All of me and everything about me.
Every thought inside and hair on top of my head;
Every hurt stored up, every hope, every dread.
My past and my future, all I am and could be.
You tell me everything,
You tell me about me!

And that which is spoken by another
Would bring hate and condemnation.
Coming from you brings love, grace,
Mercy, hope and salvation.

I’ve heard of one to come
Who could save a wretch like me
And here in my presence,
You say, “I am he.”

To be known is to be loved;
And to be loved is to be known.

And I just met you.
But I love you.
I don’t know you,
But I want to get to.

Let me run back to town
This is way too much for just me.
There are others
Brothers, sisters, lovers, haters.
The good and the bad, sinners and saints
Who should hear what you’ve told me;
Who should see what you’ve shown me;
Who should taste what you gave me;
Who should feel how you forgave me.

For to be known is to be loved;
And to be loved is to be known.
And they all need this, too.
We all do
Need it for our own.

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

    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 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 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    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

Random Quote

If then Dom Pothier has sometimes adapted authentic melodies found elsewhere in the manuscripts to texts of the Mass it is not, as Mr. X. maintains, because he has “composed them from scratch and declared them as traditional.”

— Most Rev’d Henri Laurent Janssens (25 November 1905)

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