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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

Archives for December 2022

Jeff Ostrowski · December 31, 2022

“Requiescat In Pace” • Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Josef Ratzinger, who did so much good for the church.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 26, 2022

“… Ripped From A Live-Feed …”

Saint John Vianney, while in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, could scarcely speak or breathe (so moved was he).

Jeff Ostrowski · December 24, 2022

PDF • “Silent Night” Harmonization

Here’s a handy organ accompaniment (PDF) in three different key signatures: MIDDLE, HIGH, and LOW. The Latin lyrics (“Silens Nox”) are courtesy of Father Valentine Young, OFM (d. 2020). The organ harmonies are very simple, yet beautiful. Those who desire such a thing may also download a Singer’s Version. For obvious reasons, the choir will […]

Jeff Ostrowski · December 24, 2022

PDF Download • “What Child Is This?” • Jeff’s Arrangement of This Carol … in Latin!

This morning I sat down and arranged what—in my view—is one of the beautiful Christmas carols.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 23, 2022

23 December 2022 • FEEDBACK

A very skilled conductor from another country—who recently posted a recording any conductor would be proud of, displaying a light, pleasant, and professional choral sound—wrote to us on 23 December 2022: “CCWatershed and the Sacred Music Symposia have made a great mark in my musical career and the sound you hear you can proudly say […]

Richard J. Clark · December 23, 2022

John G. Dunn • 1943-2022 • Requiescat In Pace

We mourn the passing of John G. Dunn (1943-2022) Director of Music and Headmaster Emeritus of the Boston Archdiocesan Choir School (currently known as Saint Paul’s Choir School in Harvard Square) The Choir School would not exist today without John Dunn’s vision, dedication, and talent.

Keven Smith · December 22, 2022

Five Tips for Saving Your Body During Christmas Liturgies

These easy techniques will help you eliminate tension so you can be at your best.

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Daniel Tucker · December 21, 2022

The Christmas Sequence: Laetabundus

“He that is the Word of the Most High God deigns to take a body unto himself; he assumes our flesh.”

Jeff Ostrowski · December 20, 2022

Choirmasters • “How To Avoid Getting Fired”

Anyone who’s ever stood in front of a choir knows the choirmaster’s vocation is not an easy one.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 20, 2022

19 Dec. 2022 • “Include The Congregation?”

People often ask: “Can Gregorian Chant include the congregation?” The answer is: Yes! Listen to this Live Recording from last Sunday (which was the 4th Sunday of Advent). That is one model—not the only model—demonstrating how a congregation could be included. It’s KYRIE XVII, traditionally sung during Advent.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 20, 2022

“Can You Help?” • (Not asking for $ $ $ )

You can help us by adding yourself to our mailing list. It takes less than 5 seconds: (1) Scroll to the bottom of ANY blog article; (2) Enter your email address. It’s that simple. We’re a tiny 501(c)3 public charity. We exist solely by the generosity of small donors. We have no endowment; we have no […]

Jeff Ostrowski · December 20, 2022

19 Dec. 2022 • “This One Has It All”

In case you missed it, this December 10th article about Dr. Peter Wagner, who founded the GREGORIAN ACADEMY at Fribourg (Switzerland), has it all: (1) A rare download [138 pages] of Dr. Wagner’s Kyriale Accompaniment Book; (2) Biographical information about Dr. Wagner; (3) A special surprise you’ll love; (4) Courtesy of Professor Weaver, a translation […]

Patrick Williams · December 19, 2022

Gregorian Rhythm Wars • “Patrick’s Third Response to Jeff” (19 Dec 2022)

“The original chant handed down from the Fathers of the Church has strict rhythmic proportions and a steady beat.” —Patrick Williams

Jeff Ostrowski · December 19, 2022

J.S. Bach “Alleluia” • Director Posts Live Recording!

Our singers really love this one…

Veronica Moreno · December 18, 2022

Young Boys Who “Play” Mass

A mother describes her son’s love for the Mass. He memorizes and recruits friends to “play Mass.” We are a people of hope.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “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
    “In Paradisum” • Gregorian Chant
    As a RECESSIONAL on All Souls’ Day (November 2nd), we will sing In Paradísum Dedúcant Te Ángeli (PDF). When it comes to Gregorian Chant, this is one of the most popular “songs.” Frankly, all the prayers and chants from the traditional REQUIEM MASS (Missa exsequialis or Missa pro defunctis) are incredibly powerful and never should’ve been scuttled. Click here to hear “In Paradisum” in a recording I made this afternoon. Professor Louis Bouyer spoke of the way Bugnini “scuttled the office of the dead” in this fascinating excerpt from his memoirs. In his book, La riforma litugica (1983), Bugnini bragged—in quite a shameful way—about eliminating the ancient funeral texts, and even admitted those venerable texts were “beloved” (his word) by Catholics.
    —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 following few hints on the selection of voices may be useful: (1) Reject all boys who speak roughly, or sing coarsely; (2) Choose bright, intelligent-looking boys, provided they have a good ear; they will much more readily respond to the choirmaster’s efforts than boys who possess a voice and nothing more; therefore, (3) Reject dull, sulky, or scatter-brained boys, since it is hard to say which of the three has the most demoralizing effect on his more willing companions.”

— Sir Richard Runciman Terry (1912)

Recent Posts

  • “Reminder” — Month of November (2025)
  • “Reader Feedback” • 5 November 2025
  • Never Work For A Priest Or Bishop Who Believes Sacred Music Should Be “Entertainment”
  • When Pilgrims Sing, the World Disappears
  • “Offertory” at Catholic Funerals

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