Views from the Choir Loft

Father Friel • Article Archive

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Anselm Church in Northeast Philly before earning a doctorate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America. He presently serves as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.—(Read full biography).

Fr. David Friel · November 18, 2020

On the Dedication of Churches

Celebrating the dedication of St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Paul Outside the Walls

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Fr. David Friel · November 15, 2020

Wilbur Wright and the McCarrick Report

The importance of telling the truth.

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Fr. David Friel · October 12, 2020

Sacred Music Boot Camp 2020

Three days of practical chant instruction and immersion in the treasury of Catholic sacred music

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Fr. David Friel · October 4, 2020

Here’s How the Mass Will Change

A 1964 article reflects on what the liturgy envisioned by “Inter oecumenici” may have looked like.

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Fr. David Friel · September 27, 2020

CDW: “Let us return to the Eucharist with joy!”

A letter from Cardinal Sarah to episcopal conferences worldwide

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Fr. David Friel · September 24, 2020

Lecture: What Happens to Us in Liturgy?

The first in a series of virtual lectures being offered by the Society for Catholic Liturgy

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Fr. David Friel · September 16, 2020

Solesmes Publishes “Antiphonale Romanum I” for Lauds

This 2020 chant edition makes possible the chanting of Lauds according to the Liturgy of the Hours.

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Fr. David Friel · August 30, 2020

Bishop Sheen on Sanctifying the Moment

Wise words from Sheen’s book, “Lift Up Your Heart”

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Fr. David Friel · August 17, 2020

Certificate in Sacred Music

Offered by the Saint Gregory Institute of Sacred Music in Pittsburgh, PA

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Fr. David Friel · August 9, 2020

Missale Meum: Get EF Mass Texts on Your Devices

A new resource for accessing Mass texts on your phone, tablet, or computer

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Fr. David Friel · July 19, 2020

The Gifts of Abel the Just

Offering an Acceptable Sacrifice

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Fr. David Friel · July 8, 2020

Solemn Novena for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

This year’s preacher will be Fr. Joseph Lee, F.S.S.P.

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Fr. David Friel · June 17, 2020

Devotional Catholicism and the Domestic Church

Part 3 of a webinar series hosted by the Society for Catholic Liturgy

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Fr. David Friel · June 14, 2020

Liturgical Handwashing

Some recommendations from the CDC fit quite naturally with Catholic liturgical sensibilities.

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Fr. David Friel · June 11, 2020

Virtual Sacred Music Colloquium 2020

The CMAA will offer a virtual version of its annual, week-long workshop.

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Fr. David Friel · June 9, 2020

Why We Sing the Liturgy

Part 2 of a webinar series hosted by the Society for Catholic Liturgy

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Fr. David Friel · June 7, 2020

A Verse for Trinity Sunday

Herbert’s poem praises the Trinity both by its text and through its form.

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Fr. David Friel · June 2, 2020

Liturgical Challenges Presented by COVID-19 • A Triptych via Zoom

A webinar series exploring the liturgical, theological, and pastoral implications of this pandemic.

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Fr. David Friel · May 26, 2020

Returning to the Sacraments • Stories from Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati

Prevented from receiving Holy Communion for a time, Frassati became “consumed with Eucharistic Fire.”

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Fr. David Friel · May 17, 2020

Returning to the Sacraments • “Breathe Easter Now” (Hopkins)

Words of Hope from Gerard Manley Hopkins

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Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski