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Corpus Christi Watershed

“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

CCWatershed Is In Financial Trouble!

Jeff Ostrowski · May 25, 2022

E HAVE ALWAYS acted under the assumption that Church musicians have absolutely nothing. They’re not wealthy; they’re usually underpaid. For this reason, I’ve been profoundly reluctant to seek financial assistance (although I support everything our organization does 100% and I’m proud to be part of it). In truth, I’ve done a decidedly poor job soliciting money from readers.

Unsustainable: Because I seldom ask for money, we’ve been forced to make other arrangements. Not long ago, I obtained a $5,000 donation for CCW from a generous family member—to keep us in the black. Yesterday, because our organization was short on funds, I had to write a check from my personal bank account for $1,323. You can see that cheque with your own eyes if you download this 1-page letter:

*  PDF Download • “CCWatershed Is In Financial Trouble”
—2022 financial appeal by the president of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Clearly, we need your help!

We Can Do This! Our website gets enormous traffic. Last year, we garnered 1,450,000 page views. When we post PDF files, the response is tremendous. Recently, I posted a PDF that was not exceptionally important … and it was downloaded 449 times! Before that, a list of hymns was posted … and it was downloaded 955 times! If everyone donates a tiny amount, we can meet our goals. Please consider becoming a $5.00 monthly donor.

*  Click Here To Donate!
—Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.

The donation process is simple and secure.

Not Ashamed: By the way, I’m not ashamed to beg for money. I believe so strongly in what our organization stands for, I’m happy to be considered a “fool for Christ’s sake” (I Corinthians 4:10). What we’ve been able to accomplish has been done according to the Divine Providence of Jesus Christ. He is the Lord and the Master; we are merely “unprofitable servants” (Luke 17:10). In spite of a chillingly dark and depressing culture, we place our trust in God and look forward to serving Him as long as He allows. We hope that you derive joy and hope from our imperfect efforts.

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: June 6, 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 Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“To me nothing is so consoling, so piercing, so thrilling, so overcoming, as the Mass, said as it is among us. I could attend Masses for ever, and not be tired.”

— John Henry Cardinal Newman (1848)

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