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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

    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’ with regard to 1960s switch to vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of October (2025)
    Those who don’t sign up for our free EMAIL NEWSLETTER miss important notifications. Last week, for example, I sent a message about this job opening for a music director paying $65,000 per year plus 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.” Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Music List” • 27th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 5 October 2025, which is the 27th 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. Readers will want to check out the ENTRANCE CHANT posted there, which has a haunting melody (in the DEUTERUS MODE) and extremely powerful text.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
    The American Catholic Hymnal, with IMPRIMATUR granted (25 April 1991) by the Archdiocese of Chicago, is like a compendium of every horrible idea from the 1980s. Imagine being forced to stand all through Communion (even afterwards) when those self-same ‘enlightened’ liturgists moved the SEQUENCE before the Alleluia to make sure congregations wouldn’t have to stand during it. (Even worse, everything about the SEQUENCE—including its name—means it should follow the Alleluia.) And imagine endlessly repeating “Alleluia” during Holy Communion at every single Mass. It was all part of an effort to convince people that Holy Communion was historically a procession (which it wasn’t).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Canonic” • Ralph Vaughan Williams
    Fifty years ago, Dr. Theodore Marier made available this clever arrangement (PDF) of “Come down, O love divine” by P. R. Dietterich. The melody was composed in 1906 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (d. 1958) and named in honor of of his birthplace: DOWN AMPNEY. The arrangement isn’t a strict canon, but it does remind one of a canon since the pipe organ employs “points of imitation.” The melody and text are #709 in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Did they simplify these hymn harmonies?
    Choirs love to sing the famous & splendid tune called “INNSBRUCK.” Looking through a (Roman Catholic) German hymnal printed in 1952, I discovered what appears to be a simplified version of that hymn. In other words, their harmonization is much less complex than the version found in the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal (which is suitable for singing by SATB choir). Please download their 1952 harmonization (PDF) and let me know your thoughts. I really like the groovy Germanic INTRODUCTION they added.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

It’s good that you are in the USA, otherwise who is going to—in the best sense—make music?

— Ignaz Friedman writing to Josef Hofmann (4 January 1940)

Recent Posts

  • New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
  • “Reminder” — Month of October (2025)
  • “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
  • Involving Women in the Communion?
  • “Toward a More Sacred Style With Pastoral Charity” • Guest Article by Dr. Myrna Keough

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