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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

From Inspiration to Implementation • “Lenten Choral Extensions” (And a Free Gift!)

William J. Fritz · February 28, 2025

Before you dive in, scroll to the
bottom for a special Lenten gift!

ELLOW CCWatershed readers, Lent is nearly upon us, a time to deeply contemplate the central mystery of our salvation. Each year, during major liturgical season, I strive to introduce or refine something in our ministry—a decade of small changes adds up! As many of our bloggers have discussed, adapting, catechizing, and shaping liturgical music requires a patient, long-term approach. There are numerous “Choral Extensions” uploaded here on the website, like this one on Creed III; and this one on the Holy, Holy, Holy; and this one on Saint Noël Chabanel. (There are others! A search “Choral Extensions” will get you there!)

Adopting His Idea • Jeff’s work sparked an idea: how could I adapt this concept for my own parish? During Lent, we use the “Jubilate Deo” Mass setting from Pope St. Paul VI’s eponymous document. This document aimed to promote the essential Gregorian chants every Catholic should know. If you haven’t read it, it’s worth exploring, as it “contains a minimum selection of sacred chants…that all the faithful should know at least some Latin Gregorian chants…” (from the introductory Letter of Jubilate Deo). Having already incorporated choral harmonizations for this setting, I decided to try something different for Lent: straightforward choral extensions.

*  PDF Download • SAMPLE SCORE (Kyrie Extension)

I’ve just uploaded practice tracks for my choir on YouTube:

Kyrie All Parts Demo

Sanctus All Parts Demo

Memorial Acclamation All Parts Demo

Agnus Dei All Parts Demo

Full Playlist for Each Part

Now, for your Lenten gift: I’m offering a 100% discount code, exclusively for CCWatershed readers. Use IJUSTCHANT on my KoFi store (be sure to click “apply discount” when checking out), where you’ll find some of my choral and liturgical organ works: https://ko-fi.com/s/a9c7c802ec

Yes, this might seem like a bit of self-promotion, but I’ve been encouraged to share my work more. This code is valid until March 9th, 2025, so don’t miss out!

I plan to publish more content on KoFi in the future, so consider following me if you’re interested. I will pray your Lenten journey be filled with peace and grace. For Lent, I am going to post once each week: the other bloggers on this website will hold me accountable, I’m sure of it! Duc in altum!

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

Filed Under: Articles, PDF Download Tagged With: Authentic Liturgical Renewal Reform, Choral Extensions, Jubilate Deo, Simple Steps To Improve Parish Music Last Updated: March 3, 2025

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About William J. Fritz

William J. Fritz currently serves as music director at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Costa Mesa, CA where he resides with his wife and three boys.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “14 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 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —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

“The unity of language in the liturgy is so great a treasure for the Church that no advantage could compensate for its demise.”

— Dom Anselmo Albareda (2 January 1953), Father Nicola Giampietro, page 249

Recent Posts

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  • “The Injustice of Traditionis Custodes” • (Private Meetings at the Vatican)
  • New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
  • PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)

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