Views from the Choir Loft

Andrew Motyka • Article Archive

Andrew Motyka is the Archdiocesan Director of Liturgical Music and Cathedral Music for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.—Read full biography (with photographs).

Andrew R. Motyka · January 15, 2014

Quick Takes: Saying No

Saying “No” is an important skill for the music director.

Andrew R. Motyka · January 1, 2014

What Hill are You Willing to Die on?

Deciding which principles are deal-breakers.

Andrew R. Motyka · December 25, 2013

Once Upon a Mattress

In which Andrew’s wife Julie writes about the joys of being a music director’s wife at Christmas.

Andrew R. Motyka · December 18, 2013

It’s What We Do

Explaining how to handle death at so many funerals.

Andrew R. Motyka · December 11, 2013

Would You Like Some Cheese with that Whine?

Trying to avoid the temptation to complain.

Andrew R. Motyka · December 4, 2013

Text matters

Everyone should be forced to type the words of the pieces they use.

Andrew R. Motyka · November 20, 2013

Royal Stumbling Blocks

For believers, however, the crucifixion is not a moment of despair, but of triumph. We proudly profess our “weak” Savior, for we know that His weakness was the means of our salvation.

Andrew R. Motyka · November 13, 2013

Gratefulness

Being the first to post about Thanksgiving so now everyone else looks like they’re copying me.

Andrew R. Motyka · November 6, 2013

Juggling Holy Days of Obligation

How the peculiarities of the calendar affect Immaculate Conception this year.

Andrew R. Motyka · October 23, 2013

Precious Rehearsal Time

Spending rehearsal time to save more later.

Andrew R. Motyka · October 16, 2013

Noise Unto the Lord

Thanks for noisy babies at Mass.

Andrew R. Motyka · October 9, 2013

Laws of life

A brief post about basic liturgical theology.

Andrew R. Motyka · September 25, 2013

The Prayers of Children

The repercussions of a childlike faith.

Andrew R. Motyka · September 18, 2013

Sacramental Grace and Intentional Discipleship

How disposition affects our receptivity of grace.

Andrew R. Motyka · September 11, 2013

If the Shoe Fits

In which I hopefully make a point without alienating every Traditionalist in the world.

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

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