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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 · November 5, 2013

What’s So Great About The Mass Propers?

“If the world is progressing intellectually, should not the existence of God have been defined in the 1st century and the nature of the Trinity in the 19th?” — Fulton J. Sheen

Jeff Ostrowski · November 5, 2013

Black Vestments & Wisdom From Wives

Following the Second Vatican Council, black vestments aren’t usually worn because they’re considered too “spooky and scary.”

Jeff Ostrowski · November 2, 2013

Pope Francis Celebrates Mass “Ad Orientem”

Pope Francis celebrating in this manner was a bit of a surprise, since members of his generation aren’t usually accustomed to “turning their backs on the people.”

Jeff Ostrowski · October 30, 2013

Definition Of Liturgical “Piccoluomini” ?

Human beings are “geared” toward annual events. Our minds, emotions, and memories simply aren’t programmed to work in 3-year cycles.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 28, 2013

At Mass This Sunday …

The priest intoned the Gloria … a truly magnificent effect!

Jeff Ostrowski · October 28, 2013

What Do We Think Of Cell Phones At Mass?

I have noticed a certain tendency at EF Masses which causes me concern. Please allow me to “think out loud” and let me know your thoughts, as well.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 28, 2013

A Culture Obsessed With Sensationalism

It’s bizarre that both conductor and pianist were too lazy to discuss things like tempi beforehand.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 25, 2013

How Bad Was It?

Someday, my children might ask: “Do you remember the first ICEL translation of the Roman Missal?”

Jeff Ostrowski · October 24, 2013

Details About Sung Masses In “The Old Days”

“During a High Mass, the Choir will begin the Graduale etc. while the Priest recites the Epistle.” — St. Gregory Hymnal (1941)

Jeff Ostrowski · October 23, 2013

The Secret “Mora Vocis” of the Vatican Edition

Here are seven (7) videos explaining how to sing according to the rhythm of the Editio Vaticana (Vatican Edition) created by Abbot Pothier at the request of Pope Pius X.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 23, 2013

Concerning Proofreading And Capitalization

Some editors believe in their hearts there is only one “correct” way

Jeff Ostrowski · October 22, 2013

Does The Vatican II Lectionary Distort Scripture?

“I have noticed that when the present Lectionary occasionally proposes a ‘Shorter Form’ for one of the Gospel readings, the lines edited are something Our Lord said that comfortable people would rather He had not said.” — Fr. George W. Rutler

Jeff Ostrowski · October 21, 2013

Alfons Cardinal Stickler, Peritus during Vatican II

When a certain bishop stood up at Vatican II and expressed concern that “the entire Mass might be held in the language of the people,” the entire hall burst into uproarious laughter.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 21, 2013

Bishop Carroll and Vernacular in the Liturgy c. 1787

“In this country either for want of books or inability to read, the great part of our congregations must be utterly ignorant of the meaning and sense of the publick offices of the Church.” — Archbishop of Baltimore (1787)

Jeff Ostrowski · October 21, 2013

Jimmy Stewart … and Church Music Regulations?

“Whenever school children must be placed in the choir loft at High Mass, the Boys may sing but the Girls must keep silent, unless the whole congregation takes part in the singing.” — Diocese of Pittsburgh Regulations (1931)

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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

“In my capacity as the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, I continue to remind all that the celebration toward the East (versus orientem) is authorized by the rubrics of the missal, which specify the moments when the celebrant must turn toward the people. A particular authorization is, therefore, not needed to celebrate Mass facing the Lord.”

— ‘Robert Cardinal Sarah, 23 May 2016’

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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