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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

“Something Quite Odd” • Today’s Responsorial Psalm

Jeff Ostrowski · August 4, 2024

OWADAYS I speak very little about the labyrinthine and frustrating morass that is the “approval process” for liturgical music in the Catholic Church. The major reason I avoid this topic is that some (not all) musicians and priests have already reached their conclusions—which they’ll hold onto forever, no matter how much contrary evidence they’re given. In other words, some will never change their minds, even if friends explain their errors until they’re blue in the face.1

Age-Old Pursuit • Much could be said about the various shenanigans that took place after the Second Vatican Council. At the root of much deception was an insatiable (and ruthless) pursuit of profit. You don’t have to be a nuclear physicist to realize that cornering the market on religious texts which thousands of churches are obligated (!) to purchase is a real “cash cow.”

Forthcoming Lectionary? • In the United States of America, a new translation of the Lectionary is supposed to appear at some point. According to top officials, the new Lectionary could be released as early as 2029. This project has been talked about for more than a decade. (Don’t “hold your breath” for it to appear.) I’m told they haven’t even begun work on the Old Testament. A few years ago, certain companies began refusing to print hard-bound books, pretending the new Lectionary was “about to appear.” (That was false.) When a friend of mine became aware of such maneuvers, he became convinced those companies were only pretending the new Lectionary was “imminent” to increase their own profits. His belief seems to have been vindicated.

(1 of 2) Psalter Troubles • Once upon a time, church authorities said the NAB responsorial psalms were going to be replaced by the “REVISED-REVISED GRAIL” translation. Certain publishers—including the WORSHIP IV HYMNAL by GIA Publications—tried to corner of the market by printing that version in their pew books. As a matter of fact, the project was eventually abandoned. That means books like the WORSHIP IV HYMNAL (for more than a decade) printed an incorrect text, which never appeared in any actual Lectionary and never will.

(2 of 2) Psalter Troubles • Currently, some believe the NAB psalter will be replaced by the “Abbey Psalms and Canticles” translation. A few years ago, Michael Breal released the complete text in PDF format. But be careful. According to the powers that be, the “Abbey Psalms and Canticles” may (or may not) be adopted. Specifically, they reserve the right to make “adjustments” to the text if they feel so inclined. Those familiar with the USCCB’s modus operandi realize they can make changes whenever they wish—to any text! They do this by pretending (after the fact) the previous version had been “provisional.” To be honest, it’s an iniquitous procedure.

Much Ado About Nothing • What’s all this about, anyway? The whole thing seems rather insane. I can understand why the original ICEL translation needed to be fixed. Monsignor Richard J. Schuler made that crystal clear three decades ago. But what is so magnificent about the “Abbey Psalms and Canticles” translation? Consider today’s Responsorial Psalm:

*  PDF Download • COMPARISON CHART
—The NAB translation vs. the “Abbey Psalms and Canticles” translation.

The NAB translation says: “He commanded the skies above.” The Abbey Psalms and Canticles translation says: “He commanded the clouds above.” The NAB translation says: “and opened the doors of heaven.” The Abbey Psalms and Canticles translation says: “and opened the gates of heaven.” And so forth.

Am I missing something here?

1 I’ll never forget a telephone conversation I had with a diocesan chancellor about a decade ago regarding the 20-Nov-2012 ruling by the USCCB’s liturgical division. For close to fifty minutes, I explained basic realities about “approved” liturgical texts to this priest, meticulously citing explicit (and undisputed) documentation. But he just didn’t want to hear it. I was wasting my breath.

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

Filed Under: Articles, PDF Download Tagged With: Abbey Psalms and Canticles, NAB Responsorial Psalm Translation, New American Bible Translation, New Lectionary Edition USA, Richard J Schuler Last Updated: December 20, 2024

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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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President’s Corner

    Liturgical Round (“Canon”) in C-Major
    Those who direct children’s choirs are always on the lookout for repertoire that’s dignified, inspired, and pleasing—yet still within reach of young choristers. Such directors will want to investigate this haunting liturgical round (PDF download) which has been married to the KYRIE from Mass VI (EDITIO VATICANA). I have provided an accompaniment, but it’s only for use during rehearsal; i.e. when teaching this round to your choristers. I also provided an organ accompaniment for the KYRIE—which some know by its trope (Kyrie Rex Genitor)—so that your congregation can take part when this round is used as a choral extension during Mass.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Latin Liturgy Association
    We note with pleasure that Mrs. Regina Morris, president of the Latin Liturgy Association, has featured—on page 4 of Volume CXXIX of their official newsletter—the three (3) terrific versions of the Stations of the Cross found in the Brébeuf Hymnal. One of the main authors for the blog of the Church Music Association of America said (6/10/2019) about this pew book: “It is such a fantastic hymnal that it deserves to be in the pews of every Catholic church.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Music List” • 28th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 12 October 2025, which is the 28th 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 dazzling feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    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
    “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

Random Quote

Agnes De Mille: “When I see my work, I take for granted what other people value in it. I see only its ineptitude, inorganic flaws, and crudities. I am not pleased or satisfied.” — Martha Graham: “No artist is pleased.” ADM: “But then there is no satisfaction?” — MG: “No satisfaction whatever at any time,” she cried out passionately. “There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”

— “Martha Graham on the Life-Force of Creativity”

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  • PDF Download • Liturgical Round (“Canon”) for your Children’s Choir
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