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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

The New Lectionary & “Voice of God” Hymns

Jeff Ostrowski · February 10, 2025

OR ALMOST TWO decades, we’ve been assured a new LECTIONARY for the United States is “forthcoming.” According to highly placed officials at the USCCB, it could be here as early as 2029. On the other hand, those in charge of liturgical matters do whatever they please at any given moment—and they answer to no one. Even a basic question like which feasts in the United States are holy days of obligation has been ensnared in an absurd quarrel between several Vatican dicasteries. When it comes to what Monsignor Skeris called “the USCCB Liturgy Club,” it’s crucial to remember that promises—even legal threats—made in the past mean absolutely nothing (as I recently attempted to explain). As an American politician once said: “That was then; this is now.” It’s a scandalous situation … but what can any of us do? Perhaps it’s best to simply accept it.

Specificity! Specificity! • When Hitler was gaining power in Germany, he promised something “new.” He promised “a departure from the past.” Hitler did deliver something new—but was it better? Foolish people assume “new” is synonymous with “better.” As I’ve explained with examples provided, in many instances the so-called ABBEY PSALMS AND CANTICLES is virtually identical to previous versions, including the NAB. I ask again: Why specifically are they revising the LECTIONARY? What are some specific items they plan to fix?

Sad + Scandalous • Certain passages in our current LECTIONARY without question need to be revised. Look at the GOSPEL for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) and you’ll see it was bowdlerized in a shameful and scandalous way by people who don’t believe human beings have a “soul.” Are these same folks the ones who will be “fixing” the LECTIONARY? Why haven’t we seen a list with specific examples that need to be fixed? I have my doubts…

“Voice Of God” Hymns • As I recently explained, it makes sense to try to “even out” translations so they can be sung. Yet seven decades after Vatican II this still hasn’t been done in the United States—so forgive my skepticism. A good example comes from yesterday, where the ALLELUIA VERSE “broke the tone” because it was jagged:

Come after me
and I will make you fishers of men.

That could easily be fixed (as it was in the Spanish LECTIONARY):

Come after me, says the Lord,
and I will make you fishers of men.

Indeed, the traditional Gregorian Chant often has “dicit Dóminus.” This helps to eliminate something many hate: viz. “Voice of God Hymns.”

Inconsistencies • Speaking of yesterday’s Mass, the Responsorial Psalm says “In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.” Then (just a few seconds later) we hear: “In the presence of the angels I will sing your praise.” Part of the problem is that various companies own different sections of the LECTIONARY.1 Another problem is the constant and unending search for the most ‘authentic’ psalm manuscript, which becomes obsessed with each new trend.

On the other hand, such inconsistencies have always been part of the sacred liturgy (even in the Traditional Latin Mass). Just one example: “Cum Clamarem” vs. “Dum Clamarem” for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost. As Father Adrian Fortescue wrote in 1912:

The text of the Introit, as of all the chants of the Mass, is taken not from the Vulgate but from the old Itala. It will be remembered that the fact that people were accustomed to sing the Itala text at Mass was the great hindrance to the spread of the Vulgate.

At this point, the USCCB has approved so many “variant” versions of the Responsorial Psalm—which will remain as valid options so long as they are sung—only a fool would believe that this toothpaste can be placed back in the tube.

1 By the way, the sale of (mandatory) indulgenced prayers is immoral. Someday they will have to make restitution for this—which will amount to billions and billions of dollars.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Abbey Psalms and Canticles, New Lectionary Edition USA, Novus Ordo Lectionary, Novus Ordo Lectionary Reform, Online Latin Lectionary, Rev Fr Adrian Fortescue Liturgy, Voice of God Hymns Last Updated: February 10, 2025

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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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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Why A “Fugue” Here?
    I believe I know why this plainsong harmonizer created a tiny fugue as the INTRODUCTION to his accompaniment. Take a look (PDF) and tell me your thoughts about what he did on the feast of the Flight of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Egypt (17 February). And now I must go because “tempus fugit” as they say!
    —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
    “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

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

“As liturgical art, church music is obliged to conform to ecclesiastical law. But to construct artificial polarities here, between legalistic order and a dynamic church music, demanded by the alleged needs of the day, would be to forsake the foundation of a music rooted in liturgical experience. What is in fact the pastoral value of the shoddy, the profane, the third-rate?”

— Dr. Robert Skeris (1996)

Recent Posts

  • Why A “Fugue” Here?
  • “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)

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