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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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President’s Corner

    Typo in the “Missale Romanum” (1962)
    The 1962 MISSALE ROMANUM was a transitional missal. It was on its way to becoming the 1970 version, but wasn’t there yet. It eliminated certain duplications, downplayed the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar, expanded the role of laymen, minimized the Last Gospel, made many items optional, and so forth. Father Valentine Young spotted many typos in the 1962 MISSALE ROMANUM, especially incorrect accents. The Offertory Antiphon for this coming Sunday (OF kalendar) contains an error, citing the wrong verse from Psalm 118. It should be 118:107b, not 118:154. If you read verse 154, you’ll understand how that error crept in. [In this particular case, the error pre-dates the 1962 Missal, since the 1940s hand-missal by Father Lasance also gets it wrong.]
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Music List” • 30th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 26 October 2025, which is the 30th 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 top-notch feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Little Encouragement?
    In the Gospel, our Savior tells about 10 lepers who were healed. Only one went back to give thanks. Precious few express gratitude, yet many have endless energy to complain. For that reason, I deeply appreciate receiving messages like the following, which arrived a few days ago (about the parish where I direct in Michigan): “Last Sunday, a couple I knew from Grand Rapids was at Mass at 10:00 a.m. I got a chance to talk to them after Mass. I wanted to let you know what they said about the choir. They were absolutely floored by our sound!!!!! They both said they could continuously listen to our choir and the beauty of it. They asked me: “Do you always sound like that?” And they were also very surprised at how packed the church was. They said it was nice for them to be in such a full church. I just thought you would be interested to know their thoughts about our choir.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “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
    “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

Random Quote

At the Catholic gathering (Katholikentag) held at Breslau in August, the Papal Nuncio celebrated Mass for 80,000 participants, facing the people (the “Missa versus populum”).

— “Orate Fratres” Magazine (23 Jan. 1927)

Recent Posts

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  • Typo in the “Missale Romanum” (1962)
  • “Music List” • 30th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
  • “Our Father” • Musical Setting?

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