Minimal Standards at Weddings and Funerals
It is easier to capitulate than to educate.
The Three Pillars of a Successful Parish
There are three pillars that must be in place for a parish to sow the seeds of growth and vibrancy. If any one of them falls, the others suffer.
EWTN Broadcast • Mass of Ordination • First Bishop of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter
The elevation of bishop by Pope Francis of Bishop-Elect Steven J. Lopes is highly significant as the First Bishop of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.
The Vulnerability of Choral Singing
The human voice voice is unique as it is the only musical instrument housed within our God given body. And those who sing before others utterly exposed and vulnerable.
Lent is near.
Looming over church musicians is a quick transition of liturgical seasons. Here are just a few liturgical works for Lent and Easter.
The American Boychoir Redefines the Choral Experience
Please pray for all who educate our children through music!
Communion Antiphons for Lent • RCIA and Scripture
Propers for Lent and their relationship with RCIA and the scriptures
Unprecedented • Orthodox Rabbinic Statement on Christianity
I urge you to read this astonishing statement more than once to absorb its magnitude.
Christmas and the Universal Role of Music
The birth of Christ recalls a specific time and place as does the music of Christmas. It is sacred music that has poured out into an increasingly secular world.
Podcast • Advent Communion Propers on “Sounds from the Spires”
There is such richness in the scriptures we sing in Advent. This is the kind of thing I find exciting! I am grateful to have discussed the propers with Dr. Pascual, Director of Music at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Orient toward prayer. Orient toward gratitude.
We may not convince anyone that certain music is more worthy than another. But we can all understand that sacred music must orient itself towards reverence and prayer.
A Midlife Crisis and My Funeral
At my funeral, please pray for my soul. Please don’t “celebrate my life” (do that after…) or “celebrate my resurrection.” Pray.
American Influence on the Liturgy
The liturgy suffers under the weight of the culture of mediocrity and instant gratification. Most distressing is a false sense of liberty that promotes a sense of entitlement, placing the preferences and opinions of the individual above all else.
“Liturgy Wars” and Four Universal Principles
An important approach when utilizing multiple styles in one liturgy is to filter all music through the most important musical and liturgical principals.
The People Deserve Better
Two documents that speak directly to the issue of liturgical experimentation and abuse.