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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 · October 13, 2013

True Liturgical Abuse … And Rex Harrison

On 17 April 1980, Blessed John Paul II approved and confirmed a document saying, “Females are not permitted to act as altar servers.”

Jeff Ostrowski · October 11, 2013

Addams Family Theme Song … At Mass?

Is it really true that any style of music can be lawfully used at Mass?

Jeff Ostrowski · October 11, 2013

1945 Vernacular Mass Card (German)

I always enjoy seeing “participation aids” from days of old …

Jeff Ostrowski · October 10, 2013

Ron Paul & Pope Francis

A Catholic bishop once said to me: “One of the greatest proofs of the truth of Christianity is the fact that the Church is still here in spite of the incompetence and villainy of her frail priests and all-too-human bishops.”

Jeff Ostrowski · October 8, 2013

“It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.”

I took Latin in school, and one day someone asked me, “Did you know that in the Middle Ages the Mass used to be in Latin?” I thought, “I wish that still happened, somewhere on earth.”

Jeff Ostrowski · October 7, 2013

Bugnini: the word Alleluia is a “meaningless sound”

It is simply incorrect to say that a “black hole” existed from 600AD until 1965 (when the vernacular was introduced) during which Catholics were not truly adoring God at Mass.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 2, 2013

A Word On The Pope’s Interview …

I was disturbed when I read Fr. Godfrey Diekmann’s comments about the Pope.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 1, 2013

Msgr. Schuler Strikes Again!

During the second half of the 20th century, some doctors thought they were smarter than God. They no longer promoted or taught breastfeeding to mothers.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 27, 2013

Which Way Does Your Priest Face For The Prayer After Communion?

The current Missal was put together with haste, and even the Vatican dicastery had to apologize for all the errors and typos contained in those early 1969 and 1970 directives, as Msgr. Schuler has pointed out.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 27, 2013

More On “Mass Facing The People”

The current rubrics tell the priest when to turn around and face the people, which would be superfluous if he were already facing them.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 27, 2013

Subdeacon’s Role In The Ordinary Form Mass

I never realized Subdeacons were allowed to be part of the New Mass, but it makes sense since the minor orders were not suppressed until 15 August 1972.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 25, 2013

The Extraordinary Form Is Centered On Christ

Those who oppose abortion point out that very few of the 50 million abortions since Roe v. Wade had to do with “rape and incest,” but this is the weaker argument.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 23, 2013

The Popes And Bishop René H. Gracida

“I had a special relationship with Pope Paul VI that began with his election to the papacy.” — Bishop René H. Gracida

Jeff Ostrowski · September 23, 2013

Don’t You Hate It?

… when people have to read the reviews to find out if they enjoyed the concert?

Jeff Ostrowski · September 23, 2013

“And I Will Raise You Up” — Voice Of God Songs During Mass

“This is not to say that prayers in strophic form cannot be uttered with a prayerful mentality.” — Professor László Dobszay

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF • “Music List” (4th Sunday of Advent)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 21 December 2025, which is the 4th Sunday of Advent (Year A). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The ENTRANCE CHANT is the famous “Roráte Coeli” and the fauxbourdon setting of the COMMUNION is exquisite. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are available at the feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 Dec.)
    The Responsorial Psalm may be downloaded as a PDF file (organist & vocalist) for 12 December, which is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. When it comes to the formulary for this Mass, it’s astounding how infrequently it’s included in official books. Prior to Vatican II, one had to search through “supplemental material” printed in the back of hand-missals and graduals. But since 1970, the feast is virtually nonexistent. According to the UNIVERSAL KALENDAR, 12 December is the “Feast of Saint Jane Frances De Chantal, Religious” (Die 12 decembris: S. Ioannæ Franciscæ de Chantal, religiosæ). Why should that feast overpower Our Lady of Guadalupe? In the United States, OLG is celebrated—and I’d assume in Mexico, Central America, South America, and Canada—but, as I said, the Propria Missae are virtually impossible to locate. I possess only three books which mention this feast.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Simplified Accompaniment (Advent Hymn)
    Many organists are forced to simultaneously serve as both CANTOR and ACCOMPANIST. In spite of what some claim, this can be difficult. I invite you to download this simplified organ accompaniment (PDF) which in the Father Brébeuf Hymnal is hymn #661: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (for ADVENT). I’m toying with the idea of creating a whole bunch of these, to help amateur organists. The last one I uploaded was downloaded more than 2,900 times in a matter of hours—so there appears to be interest.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    PDF Download • “Santo Santo Santo”
    Those searching for a dignified, brief, simple, bright setting of SANCTUS in Spanish (“Santo Santo Santo”) are invited to download this Setting in honor of Saint John Brébeuf (organist & vocalist). I wonder if there would be any interest in me recording a rehearsal video for this piece.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Pope Leo XIV on Sacred Music
    On 5 December 2025, Pope Leo XIV made this declaration with regard to liturgical music.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Translations Approved for Liturgical Use”
    According to the newsletter for USSCB’s Committee on Divine Worship dated September 1996, there are three (3) translations of the Bible which can be used in the sacred liturgy in the United States. You can read this information with your own eyes. It seems the USCCB and also Rome fully approved the so-called NRSV (“New Revised Standard Version”) on 13 November 1991 and 6 April 1992 but this permission was then withdrawn in 1994.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“Another cathedral functionary, a compañero named (coincidentally!) Francisco Guerrero, departs for the New World sometime before June 8, on which date the benefice held by him comes up for a split among three former choirboys whose voices have changed.”

— Chapter Resolution: 14 February 1562

Recent Posts

  • PDF • “Music List” (4th Sunday of Advent)
  • PDF Download • “Santo Santo Santo”
  • Crucial Tips • “Teaching Children How to Sing”
  • Soloists in Gregorian Chant?
  • PDF • Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 Dec.)

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