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Corpus Christi Watershed

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

($54,000 per year) • FSSP San Diego Seeks Choirmaster

Jeff Ostrowski · September 13, 2019

81657-st-anne-fssp E DO NOT USUALLY advertise jobs, but today I make an exception. That’s because a dear friend of mine asked me to help FSSP San Diego locate a choirmaster—I replied, “Father, I’ll do what I can to help spread the word.”

Before I continue, the worst thing you can do would be to contact me about this position. Potential candidates must send an email to Fr. John Lyons, FSSP. 1 Don’t email me.

I recommend going to the parish website and exploring the photo galleries:

    * *  St. Anne Parish Website (San Diego)

JOB DESCRIPTION :

• The position is salaried. It would begin at the present minimum level for an exempt worker in California—about $50,000. By next year that goes up another $4,000.

• The position qualifies for diocesan benefits.

• There’s one sung Mass on Sunday.

• There would be several other days throughout the year when the choir would be expected to sing: holy days, First Communion, Holy Week, and so forth. There are also weddings and funerals (for which the director would be paid extra).

• There would be one rehearsal during the week for the adult choir (and again just before Mass).

• There would be training of the choristers once a week, and an introductory music class for younger children.

• Since the last message was sent we have lost our organist. If one can both direct and play the organ that would be a plus, but not absolutely necessary to fill the position.

• There are maybe 12 members in the choir at present. There is presently no chorister program. We lost several of the younger voices when they went away to college. The rest of the members are more middle aged. The program needs rebuilding.

Fr. Lyons made this position available a few weeks ago. I was curious whether the position had been filled, since I direct at the FSSP parish in Los Angeles. It seems Father Lyons offered the position to one of the candidates, but that person later decided not to accept. So they are still looking…although people who applied a few weeks ago are still being considered. (At least that’s my understanding.)

81659-Saint-Anne-San-Diego




NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   Full disclosure: I have never met the Pastor (Fr. Lyons, FSSP), but he’s a highly respected member of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter. Indeed, his reputation is stellar.

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 Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Michigan. —(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

“Victoria not only made his professional debut as church organist: he also continued active on the organ bench until the very eve of his death. Indeed, during his last seven years at Madrid (1604-1611) he occupied no other musical post but that of convent organist.”

— Dr. Robert Stevenson (1961)

Recent Posts

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  • “The Injustice of Traditionis Custodes” • (Private Meetings at the Vatican)
  • New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
  • PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)
  • Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”

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