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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 · August 5, 2013

Medieval Latin Catholics Sometimes Sang In Greek?

“The scribes seldom knew Greek, and so these renderings of Greek texts in Latin characters teem with mistakes of every kind.” — Dr. Peter Wagner (1903)

Jeff Ostrowski · August 5, 2013

The Little Rock Nine

How would you like to have the United States army escort you to school each day?

Jeff Ostrowski · July 30, 2013

Pope Pius XII speaks about the Liturgy (1956)

“Where it can be done away with without too much difficulty on the part of the faithful, it should be abrogated.” — Pope Pius XI on “orchestral Masses” (private letter)

Jeff Ostrowski · July 29, 2013

How Does One Use The Ordo Cantus Missæ?

The second half of an article about the most important book you’ve never seen.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 29, 2013

Ordo Cantus Missae — English Translations

Who should start the “Glory to God” at Mass? Who should intone the Gloria? Ordinary Form.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 26, 2013

Photograph of Msgr. Francis P. Schmitt

Photograph of “Father Schmitt” of Boys Town taken during the 1950s.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 26, 2013

“Missale Romanum Cum Lectionibus Ad Usum Fidelium”

Gone forever? “A portable Latin missal which contains everything said or read at Mass.”

Jeff Ostrowski · July 23, 2013

“I Love Ewe”

“The altar versus populum is not a new idea brought in by the reforms of Paul VI. The Mass could always be celebrated with the priest facing the people, as indeed it was in Rome and in many other places for centuries. True, it was not the usual way, but it did exist.” — Monsignor Richard J. Schuler

Jeff Ostrowski · July 23, 2013

Were You An Altar Boy In The 1960s?

Do you recall trying to memorize the “Confiteor” and the dreaded “Suscipiat” to serve at Mass?

Jeff Ostrowski · July 19, 2013

Never Do This. Just Say “No.”

Ruth Slenczynska wasn’t right about everything … but she was right about this.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 19, 2013

Should The Priest Face The People At Mass?

“In the encyclical Mediator Dei, Pius XII regarded as ‘archeologists those who presumed to speak of the altar as a simple table.” — Newsletter of the Vatican Congregation of Divine Worship.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 17, 2013

The Organ Book of Adrian Fortescue

Charles Cole has saved me a trip!

Jeff Ostrowski · July 17, 2013

The Founding Of Corpus Christi Watershed

Imagine my astonishment to see the date assigned to us by the State of Texas back in 2006!

Jeff Ostrowski · July 16, 2013

Pavane for a Dead Princess — Maurice Ravel

One thing I’ve wanted to do for years is write about the Jesuit Martyrs of North America and share their stories with the world. I have failed.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 16, 2013

Something We Humans Detest: Hypocrisy!

“Members of this American liturgical/musical establishment continually boast about their flexibility and sensitivity, but they are in fact the most rigid and insensitive of the Church’s members, especially if one has the temerity to challenge them, their policies, their processes, or their programs.” — Paul Le Voir (1993)

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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. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.
    —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

Friedman met Egon Wellesz in Altaussee on one of the walks, and Egon started to speak about atonal music—and Ignaz replied: “No, no, no. Melody for me.”

— From the Life of Ignazy Friedman

Recent Posts

  • “Dynamic Equivalence” • Serious Problems with the Forthcoming Lectionary Translation
  • 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

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