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Corpus Christi Watershed

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

Jeff Ostrowski • Article Archive

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).

Jeff Ostrowski · January 26, 2014

“Cannot” vs. “Will Not” in Sacred Music

Maybe I should have used the annoying little saying I learned as a kid: “I would if I could, but I can’t, so I won’t.”

Jeff Ostrowski · January 25, 2014

Now Online! Fr. Josef Jungmann’s Study of the Roman Rite “Missarum Sollemnia”

Freely PDF download of Fr. Jungmann’s masterpiece, “The Mass of the Roman Rite: its origins and development.”

Jeff Ostrowski · January 24, 2014

Ratzinger: “How much filth there is in the church!”

“Have mercy on your church,” Cardinal Ratzinger prayed in 2005. “When we fall, we drag you down to earth, and Satan laughs, for he hopes that you will not be able to rise from that fall; he hopes that being dragged down in the fall of your church, you will remain prostrate and overpowered.”

Jeff Ostrowski · January 23, 2014

Dom Joseph Gajard (1885-1972)

The greatest choirmaster of Solesmes and chef d’atelier of the Paléographic Musicale.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 20, 2014

Positive Liturgical Fruits Of Vatican II: First Part

In some respects, the Second Vatican Council did not go as far as Pius XII went in 1958 regarding active participation of the faithful.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 14, 2014

Msgr. Francis P. Schmitt Reviews the NOH (1958)

“We know of Vatican accompaniments, not so expert as these, that have been junked because they were Vatican. Apparently no one has junked these and no one is likely to.” — Msgr. Schmitt

Jeff Ostrowski · January 14, 2014

Does This Cartoon Sound Rude?

The intention is to get people thinking about why we substitute our own choices for the texts assigned by the Church at Entrance, Offertory, & Communion.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 13, 2014

Top Ten “Oops” Quotes On Sacred Music

“… we would be faced with the necessity of providing different sets of missals for different strata of intelligence.” — Msgr. Francis P. Schmitt (1963)

Jeff Ostrowski · January 9, 2014

Common side effects of Crestor (AstraZeneca)

I was given Crestor to lower cholesterol. I took a pill each night for 2.5 weeks.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 7, 2014

Which Translations Do You Prefer? Literal Or Poetic?

I never thought I’d say this … but I agree with Paul Inwood.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 6, 2014

How Artwork Should Be Integrated In Liturgical Books For The Laity

Practically speaking, how might a Catholic be edified by artwork?

Jeff Ostrowski · January 5, 2014

Initial Response To Pope Francis’ Recent Actions Regarding Monsignori

What? You never heard of the “horse barn” mentality?

Jeff Ostrowski · January 2, 2014

When Is The Sequence Sung? Before The Alleluia?

In 2000, there was an effort made at restoring the Sequence to its proper place.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 31, 2013

Aren’t Altar Missals Required To Print The Latin Alongside The English?

Are we “the most highly educated laity in the history of the church” capable of making our moral decisions without substantive Church guidance … or are we idiots who can’t figure out what “dew” is?

Jeff Ostrowski · December 29, 2013

Bugnini Wanted To Eliminate Ash Wednesday!

They failed to realize that one cannot simply “sit down over tea and crumpets” and VOTE INTO BEING the Church calendar. It’s supposed to develop organically.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
    From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    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
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

Jeffrey Tucker: “What are your thoughts on what passes for sacred music in most Catholic parishes today?” Richard Morris: “There’s nothing sacred about it. The tunes, rhythms, and messages are drawn mainly from secular culture. When it isn’t aesthetically repugnant and downright offensive to the Faith, it is utterly forgettable.”

— James Richard Morris (concert organist)

Recent Posts

  • Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
  • Exec. Director of ICEL weighs in on our series • “PDF comparison chart” included
  • “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
  • Brave Schola Director Posts ‘Live’ Recording
  • “Cracker Barrel & Catholicism” • Logos and Lessons

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