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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

Dr. Tappan • Article Archive

Dr. Lucas Tappan is a conductor and organist whose specialty is working with children. He lives in Kansas with his wife and four children.—Read full biography (with photographs).

Dr. Lucas Tappan · July 11, 2025

“How to Conduct 90 Vespers Services Each Year and Live to Tell the Tale.”

“I don’t claim to be an authority on any of the ideas set forth in the following narrative.” —Dr. Lucas Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · March 20, 2025

A Youth Revolution in Sacred Music

“I have a challenge for each of our readers.” —Dr. Lucas Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · January 9, 2025

Livestreams Worth the Reader’s Time

Today I introduce two very different—yet equally sublime—choral foundations.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · December 12, 2024

An Organ-Less Advent

“It results in a heavy burden being placed upon musicians to ensure that whatever they do is well-liked by all—lest the faithful complain (seemingly the great worry of many priests).” —Dr. Lucas Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · July 10, 2024

Five Reflections • “The ‘Church’ of My Youth Was Coming to an End”

When the Lord finally calls me home, I have no plans to trip over “eagle’s wings” on my way to the cemetery.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 31, 2024

Announcement! • New Director for Saint Paul’s Choir School in Harvard Square

“He’ll hold a position of national importance, especially in the eyes of those who work toward Catholic sacred music’s renewal from sea to shining sea.” —Dr. Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 9, 2024

Will I Be Meeting You in Late June?

Re: CMAA “In-Person” Events for 2024—Don’t Miss Out!

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 1, 2024

A Note to Piano Teachers of Beginning Students

“What follows are a few tricks that have greatly aided students with me from a young age…” —Dr. Tappan

Dr. Lucas Tappan · April 23, 2024

The Catholic Academy of Sacred Music (Kansas)

I can affirm that our first concert was a resounding success: everything from Allegri’s 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑒 to the 10-year-old boy playing Bach.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · September 20, 2023

This Sunday! • Q&A “Developing a Youth Choir Program”

I will be privileged to field your questions alongside two well known and widely respected church musicians: Mary Ann Carr Wilson and Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · September 9, 2023

Lack Choir Boys? • A Foolproof Way to Get Them!

What happened to this masculine presence in all things musical in the United States?

Dr. Lucas Tappan · August 4, 2023

Should Every Child Be Accepted Into the Choir?

My assistant and I recently had the privilege while in England to have lunch with Dr. Ronny Krippner…

Dr. Lucas Tappan · July 6, 2023

William Byrd: Quatercentenary of Death

“And yet I may live and die a true and perfect member of his holy Catholic Church without which I believe there is no salvation for me.” —William Byrd

Dr. Lucas Tappan · June 8, 2023

“Reverent Catholic Mass Finder” (Website)

Your Vacation Aid!

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 7, 2023

Bricklayer

Dr. Lucas Tappan • “Open Letter to Discouraged Musicians”

I mentioned to my (much younger) assistant that certain battles I will no longer fight. She told me I was becoming bitter—but I can honestly say that isn’t the case.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF • “Music List” (Xmas Midnight Mass)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for Christmas Midnight Mass (“Ad Missam In Nocte”). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The ENTRANCE CHANT is simple, but quite beautiful. 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 • “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

Quick Thoughts

    What does this mean? “Pre-Urbanite”
    One of the things informed critics have frequently praised vis-à-vis the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal has to do with its careful treatment of the ancient hymns vs. the “Urbanite” hymns. This topic I had believed to be fairly well understood—but I was wrong. The reason I thought people knew about it is simple; in the EDITIO VATICANA 1908 Graduale Romanum (as well as the 1913 Liber Antiphonarius) both versions are provided, right next to each other. You can see what I mean by examining this PDF file from the Roman Gradual of 1908. Most people still don’t understand that the Urbanite versions were never adopted by any priests or monks who sang the Divine Office each day. Switching would have required a massive amount of effort and money, because all the books would need to be changed.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    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

Random Quote

The eminent theologian Suarez (who died in 1617) […] took the position that a pope would be schismatic “if he, as is his duty, would not be in full communion with the body of the Church as, for example, if he were to excommunicate the entire Church, or if he were to change all the liturgical rites of the Church that have been upheld by apostolic tradition.”

— Monsignor Klaus Gamber (1981)

Recent Posts

  • Should Catholics Sing Protestant Christmas Carols?
  • PDF • “Music List” (Xmas Midnight Mass)
  • What does this mean? “Pre-Urbanite”
  • “He never had a single day of conflict with anyone.”
  • PDF • “Standard Gregorian Chants for Schools, Churches, Seminaries, & Convents” (1946) —123 pages

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