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Views from the Choir Loft

God will not be outdone in generosity.

Richard J. Clark · April 9, 2020

Y DEAREST musicians, colleagues, and friends: And so it begins. The sacred Triduum begins amidst enormous uncertainty and suffering. Previously, I voiced some concerns for all of you. Many concerns are turning into painful reality.

Many grieve and mourn the loss of making music each week with people they love and cherish. I am certain we all know someone who has been laid off, on furlough, or received a pay cut. No one is immune, myself included. Ironically, this comes in the midst of the holiest—and busiest—time of year. I’ve been greatly pained in recent days by such inevitable events and timing.

Some of us are fortunate to live-stream Mass on a regular basis continuing to serve in prayer and song. This fulfills a sacred mission for each community. Every community is suffering and hungers for connection.

Some are actively serving during Holy Week despite diminished income. I know quite well, that preparing only one liturgy under such circumstances is potentially more difficult and time-consuming than several at normal times—especially for a vastly revised Holy Week!

And so also begins some extraordinary pastoral leadership, done so with love and charity, and out of a heightened sense of mission.

Here’s what I’ve seen:

Music ministers seeking out and implementing new ways to stay connected with the faithful they serve. Directors are finding ways to rehearse or keep musicians engaged, trained, and developed. I’ve witnessed every effort made by colleagues to keep their children’s choirs singing—if at home and if apart. This heightened sense of creative service even comes from those with reduced incomes.

If that were not enough, some who have been laid off or have had pay cuts have expressed kind words of charity, hope, and support. This is not expected in such circumstances.

For everyone working and striving under such trying situations, you have my deepest admiration, and gratitude!

People are hungrier than ever for the Gospel. This is a great blessing, and a turning point in our lives and ministries.

I’ve learned much from all of you. Recently I‘ve discovered I am not accustomed to trusting God as much as I should. Doing so makes me exceedingly uncomfortable. Many of you, through your generous and creative service, are teaching me how to trust God more. Thank you for this.

Likewise, a choir member reminds me:
“God will not be outdone in generosity.”

You have modeled God’s generosity in serving and persevering through this difficult trial.

Cardinal O’Malley reminds us that Easter is so important that we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection every Sunday! We are both Good Friday people and Easter Sunday people. Our current Good Friday of uncertain duration will assuredly transform into the boundless joy of Easter Sunday. God’s generosity in granting joy will not be outdone!

Know that I am praying the rosary for each of you every day and for your intentions.

Oremus pro invicem
Let us pray for each other.

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: April 9, 2020

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Richard J. Clark

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

Quick Thoughts

19 January 2021 • Confusion over feasts

For several months, we have discussed the complicated history of the various Christmas feasts: the Baptism of the Lord, the feast of the Holy Family, the Epiphany, and so forth. During a discussion, someone questioned my assertion that in some places Christmas had been part of the Epiphany. As time went on, of course, the Epiphany came to represent only three “manifestations” (Magi, Cana, Baptism), but this is not something rigid. For example, if you look at this “Capital E” from the feast of the Epiphany circa 1350AD, you can see it portrays not three mysteries but four—including PHAGIPHANIA when Our Lord fed the 5,000. In any event, anyone who wants proof the Epiphany used to include Christmas can read this passage from Dom Prosper Guéranger.

—Jeff Ostrowski
6 January 2021 • Anglicans on Plainsong

A book published by Anglicans in 1965 has this to say about Abbat Pothier’s Editio Vaticana, the musical edition reproduced by books such as the LIBER USUALIS (Solesmes Abbey): “No performing edition of the music of the Eucharistic Psalmody can afford to ignore the evidence of the current official edition of the Latin Graduale, which is no mere reproduction of a local or partial tradition, but a CENTO resulting from an extended study and comparison of a host of manuscripts gathered from many places. Thus the musical text of the Graduale possesses a measure of authority which cannot lightly be disregarded.” They are absolutely correct.

—Jeff Ostrowski
2 January 2021 • Temptation

When I see idiotic statements made on the internet, I go nuts. When I see heretics promoted by people who should know better, I get angry. Learning to ignore such items is difficult—very difficult. I try to remember the words of Fr. Valentine Young: “Do what God places in front of you each day.” When I am honest, I don’t believe God wants me to dwell on errors and idiocy; there’s nothing I can do about that. During 2021, I will strive to do a better job following the advice of Fr. Valentine.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Been to Catholic church and heard Mass. Execrable music! Organ played by a young girl who made impossible harmonies. Sermon very long. The preacher screamed loud enough to tire his lungs. The congregation was affected.”

— Louis Moreau Gottschalk (8 May 1864)

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