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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

Cardinal Cupich’s Diocese • “What Mass Looks Like”

Jeff Ostrowski · February 24, 2022

LASE CARDINAL CUPICH has spent an inordinate amount of time trying to combat the Missale Vetustum in his diocese, in spite what Pope Saint Paul II said about “legitimate aspirations,” and in spite of the special decree issued by Pope Francis on 11 February 2022. And yet, numerous videos have come to light documenting horrifying “Ordinary Form” liturgical abuses in his archdiocese. Why does Cardinal Cupich exert so much energy attacking something highly praised by Pope Saint John XXIII, yet virtually no energy disciplining the priests who—on his watch—flagrantly mock our Redeemer? I’m not going to post all the videos showing liturgical abuses in Cardinal Cupich’s archdiocese, but here is one recent example:

Serious Temptation: Moral Theologians teach that the “primary cross” for young men is avoidance of sins against the holy virtue of purity. The vast majority of television shows, internet ads, and billboards—to say nothing of the provocative ways American women dress—provide serious temptations to Christian men attempting virtuous lives. Once a Christian enters the holy Sacrament of Matrimony, temptations against purity become less severe (Quod si non se continent, nubant. Melius est enim nubere, quam uri.) but they are not eliminated completely. Indeed, the basic temptations experienced by young men will never vanish … even on one’s death bed!

[The situation is different for most women.]

Another Temptation: When it comes to certain internet voices—who self-identify as “ultra-traditionalist”—we observe a different type of temptation, which might be called scandal pornography. I’m talking about certain Catholics who consider themselves smarter and holier than everyone else. Whenever they become aware of a scandalous liturgical video, they immediately post about it—but instead of being sad, they say “tee hee hee” and post sarcastic remarks. This is sinful behavior. When we observe liturgical abuses, we should feel sad. Moreover (according to Saint John Mary Vianney) we should do penance for those involved … but how many of us are willing to do that?

It is important for us
to be aware of scandals
in our Church;
but we should not
rejoice over them.

Tags: “Priest Blesses Congregation With Guitar”

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Archbishop Blase J Cupich, Priest Blesses With Guitar, Traditionis Custodes Motu Proprio Last Updated: July 22, 2022

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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

    Job Opening • $65,000 per year +
    A parish 15 minutes away from me is looking for a choir director and organist. The parish is filled with young families. When I began my career, I would have jumped at such an opportunity! Saint Patrick’s in Grand Haven has a job opening for a music director paying $65,000 per year including benefits (plus weddings & funerals). Notice the job description says: “our vision for sacred music is to move from singing at Mass to truly singing the Mass wherein … especially the propers, ordinaries, and dialogues are given their proper place.” I lived in Kansas for 15 years, Texas for 10 years, and Los Angeles for 10 years. Michigan is the closest place I know to heaven!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of November (2025)
    On a daily basis, I speak to people who don’t realize we publish a free newsletter (although they’ve followed our blog for years). We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and refuse to run annoying ads. As a result, our mailing list is crucial to our survival. Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Offertory” at Catholic Funerals
    I have argued that the OFFERTORY—at least in its ancient form—is more of a responsory than an antiphon. The 1962 Missal specifically calls it “Antiphona ad Offertorium.” From now on, I plan to use this beautiful setting (PDF) at funerals, since it cleverly inserts themes from the absolution of the body. Tons more research needs to be done on the OFFERTORY, which often is a ‘patchwork’ stitching together various beginnings and endings of biblical verses. For instance, if you examine the ancient verses for Dómine, vivífica me (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time) you’ll discover this being done in a most perplexing way. Rebecca Maloy published a very expensive book on the OFFERTORY, but it was a disappointment. Indeed, I can’t think of a single valuable insight contained in her book. What a missed opportunity!
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Gospel Options for 2 November (“All Souls”)
    We’ve been told some bishops are suppressing the TLM because of “unity.” But is unity truly found in the MISSALE RECENS? For instance, on All Souls (2 November), any of these Gospel readings may be chosen, for any reason (or for no reason at all). The same is true of the Propria Missæ and other readings—there are countless options in the ORDINARY FORM. In other words, no matter which OF parish you attend on 2 November, you’ll almost certainly hear different propers and readings, to say nothing of different ‘styles’ of music. Where is the “unity” in all this? Indeed, the Second Vatican Council solemnly declared: “Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Our Father” • Musical Setting?
    Looking through a Roman Catholic Hymnal published in 1859 by Father Guido Maria Dreves (d. 1909), I stumbled upon this very beautiful tune (PDF file). I feel it would be absolutely perfect to set the “Our Father” in German to music. Thoughts?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 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 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

The claim that the bishop or the priest originally celebrated “versus populum” is a legend, which Otto Nussbaum (d. 1999) originally did a great deal to spread.

— Dr. Helmut Hoping (University of Freiburg)

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