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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

35 Children Chanting “Sálve Regína” From Memory

Julie Huebner · December 10, 2024

HE AFTERNOON that Mr. Ostrowski encouraged me to contribute an article for CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED, I thought: “What on earth do I have to contribute that would be of value to those far more experienced than I am?” As I was sitting in my office collecting my thoughts, nestled in a quiet suburban parish of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, my colleague walked into my office asking if I’d read a certain article in the newspaper. The article in question spoke about the Catholic Church in Milwaukee, how some suburban parishes were combining, and pontificated about how “oh, obviously the Church is dying” (I am paraphrasing).

My Confirmation • This made me think back to a letter my brother wrote to me years ago. It was for a retreat I was attending in preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. He wrote: “The Catholic Church has been around for over 2,000 years and is no stranger to adversity. There are those who want to tear it down, belittle it, ostracize it, and so forth.” But he explained that my reception of this Sacrament was part of my preparation to bear the burden against adversity, take up the Cross, and continue the walk to keep the Faith alive.

My Aerial View • Over time, buildings will disappear and congregations will consolidate. However, from my aerial view in the choir loft, I feel an overwhelming sense of vibrancy and growth. My school choir had sung for their school Mass earlier that same day. Listen to them as they chant the Sálve Regína during the Post-Communion:

Here’s the direct URL link.

A Stronghold • Thirty-five children chanting Sálve Regína from memory shows a promising outlook—at least for me—about the current pulse and future life of the Church. Through the songs of their praise, God is establishing a stronghold in my parish to silence any enemies (Psalm 8). I am blessed to work with children every day that help shoulder the burden and make my cross feel lighter as we all walk together.

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: December 10, 2024

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About Julie Huebner

Julie earned degrees at Luther College and Southern Illinois University. With her husband and three children, she resides in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.—(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’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of 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

“Come now,” they said, “Thou who wouldst destroy the temple and build it up in three days, rescue Thyself; come down from that cross, if Thou art the Son of God.”

— Gospel of St. Matthew 27:42

Recent Posts

  • “Three Reasons To Shun Bad Hymns” • Daniel B. Marshall
  • “Puzzling Comment” • By A Respected FSSP Priest
  • New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
  • “Reminder” — Month of October (2025)
  • “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)

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