PDF Download • Congregational “Dies Irae”
…including two reasons I believe a liturgical reform was desired in the 1960s.
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.”
A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He completed studies in Education and Musicology at the graduate level. Having worked as a church musician in Los Angeles for ten years, in 2024 he accepted a position as choirmaster for Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Michigan, where he resides with his wife and children. —Read full biography (with photographs).

…including two reasons I believe a liturgical reform was desired in the 1960s.

It’s hard for us to remember that the famous composers were not hired as such—they were hired as singers.

“Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a King. For this was I born, and for I this came I into the world…”

Lyrics from GIA Worship IV Hymnal: “Who is this who eats with sinners, calling luckless losers winners?”

The Church Music Association of America is pleased to announce the third Winter Sacred Music Workshop for Chant and Polyphony.

Every single piece has free rehearsal videos for your choir members!

“…be ye filled with the holy Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord…”

“Fr. Ryan told me he’s amazed at how the liturgy has been transformed, and that never in seminary did he believe this kind of liturgy would be possible at a Montana parish.”

“Let Thy healing power, O Lord, in mercy deliver us from our waywardness and cause us ever to cleave to Thy commandments…”

“Let the operation of Thy mercy, we beseech Thee O Lord, direct our hearts, for without Thee we cannot please Thee.”
Never let anyone tell you there is no longer interest in Gregorian chant.

To use melodies in this way may seem an easy task, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Can you hear the imaginary high note?
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