Showdown in Arkansas over “Ad Orientem”
The Bishop of Little Rock has sent a letter (14 July 2016) forbidding his priests to celebrate Mass “ad orientem.”
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).

The Bishop of Little Rock has sent a letter (14 July 2016) forbidding his priests to celebrate Mass “ad orientem.”

“…and that Thou mayest grant their desires to them, make them ask only for things that please Thee…”

Without question, the most popular piece I ever “wrote.”

If Cardinal Nichols had simply sent a letter saying why he prefers “versus populum,” I believe that would have been a better choice.

Perhaps a better phrase would be Bishop Gracida’s version: “Renewal of the Renewal.”

Pope St. Pius X wanted this decree to be read each year from the pulpit by all Catholic priests.

We’ll be singing this piece a lot because our priest has a special devotion to St. Joseph.

Six reasons in favor of the “Second Confiteor” and my thoughts.

If you think we weren’t nervous to sing before so many … think again!

We’ll be joined by Bishop Athanasius Schneider, our FSSP District Superior, and several FSSP seminarians for a Solemn Pontifical Mass in Hollywood.

St. John Vianney was once overheard speaking directly to the Lord.

Eight reasons why every choirmaster needs this new resource.

“The current rubrics of the missal … specify the moments when the celebrant must turn toward the people.” —Cardinal Sarah, 23 May 2016
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