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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

“Prelim. Details” • Sacred Music Symposium 2025

Corpus Christi Watershed · January 8, 2025

HAT IS IT that distinguishes our Sacred Music Symposium from other conferences? One thing would be the heartfelt and powerful testimonies—hundreds of them—written by those who have attended. We encourage everyone to read those testimonies, posted at this website. Many participants traveled more than 6,000 miles to attend. Another thing that distinguishes our event is its purpose. Our conference is laser-focused on providing “hands-on” instruction for Catholic musicians.

This Year’s Theme • Indeed, the theme selected for 2025 is: “HOW TO AVOID COMMON PITFALLS FOR PARISH CHOIRS.” Too many parish choirs don’t sound as nice as they could (partially due to paltry and unjust salaries paid to choirmasters). We’re here to help! This year we provide practical tips to survive & thrive in an extremely challenging vocation. We know of no other church music conference attempting anything like what we have planned this year. You’re going to love it!

Four (4) Items To Remember:

(1) Confirmed Dates • Our conference will take place 23 June 2025 through 29 June 2025. Most participants will probably arrive on Sunday evening (22 June) or Monday morning (23 June). All the Monday events—which take place in the evening—aren’t required. That’s because we understand unforeseen delays sometimes occur when it comes to travel.

(2) Masses We Will Sing • As always, our conference is designed for both forms. We will sing for Mass in the EXTRAORDINARY FORM on Saturday (28 June 2025) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We will sing for Mass in the ORDINARY FORM on Sunday (29 June 2025) in Muskegon, Michigan.

(3) Location • The training sessions will take place in Muskegon, Michigan. It is less than a 3 hours’ drive from Detroit. It is a 4 hours’ drive from Indianapolis. It is less than a 3 hours’ drive from Chicago. The church hosting us has world-class acoustics.

(4) Further Details • Further details are forthcoming. Very soon, you will be able to sign up! We released the dates on 2 December 2024, but today we are reminding you—in case you haven’t marked them on your calendar.

If you have special requests—in terms
of courses you’d like us to offer—
now is your last chance! Send your
ideas to: dom.mocquereau@gmail.com

This film explains our conference:

Direct URL to the promo video.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Sacred Music Symposium, Sacred Music Symposium 2025 Last Updated: January 8, 2025

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President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “21 September 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 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
    It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
    Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“Another cathedral functionary, a compañero named (coincidentally!) Francisco Guerrero, departs for the New World sometime before June 8, on which date the benefice held by him comes up for a split among three former choirboys whose voices have changed.”

— Chapter Resolution: 14 February 1562

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