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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 · 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.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 26, 2013

The Liturgical Style of Pope Francis & John 12:5

Pope Francis is no Judas Iscariot!

Jeff Ostrowski · December 23, 2013

From CCW President’s Desk: Merry Christmas!

Any good we are able to accomplish here at Corpus Christi Watershed is only thanks to your kindness and generosity!

Jeff Ostrowski · December 19, 2013

“Ministerial Creativity” by Bishop Donald Trautman

“In the United States we have a very healthy understanding of liturgy. We know something about liturgy, and I think we’re doing it rather well.” — Bishop Trautman (October 2005)

Jeff Ostrowski · December 18, 2013

Nothing Ordinary About It: The Mass Proper as Early Music Jigsaw Puzzle

Doug Shadle has published an article on the Catholic Mass Propers.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 18, 2013

“Beauty” by Most Rev. James D. Conley (Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska)

“Fr. Morganroth would return to his room to play his piano — he played brilliantly. If you had an appointment with him he would leave the door ajar. You were to simply push the door open and take a seat in a chair next to the piano.”

Jeff Ostrowski · December 17, 2013

“The Church has been called to move on.” — GIA’s Worship IV Hymnal

What is the purpose of a Procession? Is this statement true?

Jeff Ostrowski · December 17, 2013

Reason #6634 “Sing To The Lord” Was Not Submitted To Rome For Approval

Why should something invented in 1968 be “preferred” to the immemorial tradition of the Catholic Church?

Jeff Ostrowski · December 16, 2013

Francis Clashes With Former Head Of Liturgical Institute

In my humble opinion, Pope Francis is spot on.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 13, 2013

Backyard Studies In Proportion

These were not Photoshopped !

Jeff Ostrowski · December 13, 2013

“Pius X Hymnal” (1953) by Ted Marier … free online!

Dr. Theodore Marier’s beautiful hymn book, the 1953 PIUS X HYMNAL, is now available online for free!

Jeff Ostrowski · December 12, 2013

30 January Wedding • Call Time = 10:00am

PRGRAM for 26 Dec.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 10, 2013

What Exactly Is “Uninspired” Church Music?

Hearing this, most people would probably say, “She’s got a bad voice.” However, I disagree.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 8, 2013

A recent picture of our son

May Jesus Christ be praised forever.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 6, 2013

“Traditional Liturgy Flourishing in the Bible Belt”

“Father Christopher Smith is a former Baptist who converted to Catholicism as a teenager. He is a graduate of Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia, and he holds both a licentiate and a doctorate in dogmatic theology. He recently spoke with CWR about parish life at Prince of Peace and the parish’s approach to the liturgy.” — Catholic World Report

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President’s Corner

    Pipe Organ “Answers” in Plainsong?
    In 2003, I copied a book by Félix Bélédin (d. 1895), who was titular organist—from 1841 to 1874—at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Lyon (France). In 2008, we scanned and uploaded the book to the Lalande Online Library. Nobody knows for sure when the book was published; some believe it first appeared in the 1840s. In any event, one who examines this excerpt, showing GLORIA IX might wonder why it says the organ answers in plainsong. However, the front of the book explains, telling the organist explicitly when to “respond in plainchant.” This is something called organ alternatim. Believe it or not, the pipe organ would take turns with the choir, playing certain texts instrumentally instead of having them sung. I’m not very well-versed in this—pardon the pun—but if memory serves, ORGAN ALTERNATIM was frowned upon by the time of Pope Saint Pius X. Nevertheless, French organists kept doing it, even after it was explicitly condemned as an abuse.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Music List • (5th Sunday of Lent)
    Readers have expressed interest in seeing the ORDER OF MUSIC I created for this coming Sunday, which is the 5th Sunday of Lent (22 March 2026). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. Traditionally, this Sunday was called ‘Passion’ Sunday. Starting in 1956, certain church leaders attempted rename both ‘Passion’ Sunday and ‘Palm’ Sunday—but it didn’t work. For example, Monsignor Frederick McManus tried to get people to call PALM SUNDAY “Second Passion Sunday”—but the faithful rejected that. I encourage all the readers to visit the feasts website, where the Propria Missae may be downloaded completely free of charge.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Music List • (Holy Thursday, 2026)
    Readers have expressed interest in seeing the ORDER OF MUSIC I created for Holy Thursday, which is 2 April 2026. If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a more piercingly beautiful INTROIT, and I have come to absolutely love the SATB version of ‘Ubi cáritas’ we are singing (joined by our burgeoning children’s choir). I encourage all the readers to visit the feasts website, where the Propria Missae may be downloaded completely free of charge.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026
    How well do you know your Gregorian hymns? Do you recognize the tune inserted into the bass line on this score? For many years, we sang the entire Mass in Gregorian chant—and I mean everything. As a result, it would be difficult to find a Gregorian hymn I don’t recognize instantly. Only decades later did I realize (with sadness) that this skill cannot be ‘monetized’… This particular melody is used for a very famous Gregorian hymn, printed in the LIBER USUALIS. Do you recognize it? Send me an email with the correct words, and I promise to tell everybody I meet about your prowess!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Ubi Caritas” (SATB)
    I remember singing “Ubi Cáritas” by Maurice Duruflé at the conservatory. I was deeply moved by it. However, some feel Duruflé’s version isn’t suitable for small choirs since it’s written for 6 voices and the bass tessitura is quite low. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to discover this “Ubi cáritas” (SATB) for smaller choirs by Énemond Moreau, who studied with OSCAR DEPUYDT (d. 1925), an orphan who became a towering figure of Catholic music. Depuydt’s students include: Flor Peeters (d. 1986); Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel (d. 1953); Arthur Meulemans (d. 1966); Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989); and Gustaaf Nees (d. 1965). Rehearsal videos for each individual voice await you at #19705. When I came across the astonishing English translation for “Ubi Cáritas” by Monsignor Ronald Knox—matching the Latin’s meter—I decided to add those lyrics as an option (for churches which have banned Latin). My wife and I made this recording to give you some idea how it sounds.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Holy, Holy, Holy”
    For vigil Masses on Saturday (a.k.a. “anticipated” Masses) we use this simpler setting of the “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989), a Belgian priest, organist, composer, and music educator who ultimately succeeded another ‘Jules’ (CANON JULES VAN NUFFEL) as director of the Lemmensinstituut in Belgium. Although I could be wrong, my understanding is that the LEMMENSINSTITUUT eventually merged with “Catholic University of Leuven” (originally founded in 1425). That’s the university Fulton J. Sheen attended.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Eucharistic Prayer II, on account of its particular features, is more appropriately used on weekdays or in special circumstances.”

— §365 from the “General Instruction for the Roman Missal”

Recent Posts

  • From Sentiment to Sacrament: Reclaiming Sacred Music for the Wedding Mass
  • Pipe Organ “Answers” in Plainsong?
  • “Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026
  • “Versions of the Psalter” • Jeff Interviews Top Biblical Scholar: Dr. Mark Giszczak
  • PDF Download • “Ubi Caritas” (SATB)

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