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.”

Views from the Choir Loft

Richard J. Clark • Article Archive

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. He is also Chapel Organist (Saint Mary’s Chapel) at Boston College. His compositions have been performed worldwide.—Read full biography (with photographs).

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Inviolable Refuge

At one time or another, all artists are tested in the same way that faith is tested. In this test—the infliction we will endure at one time or another—our faith is made stronger.

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It’s No Fluke

One day after mass, a woman told me how wonderful it is to sing the scriptures while receiving communion. I doubt she knows at all what the propers of the mass are. She demonstrated that it is far easier to connect the music of the propers to the mass itself than potentially a hymn or song.

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Sacred Music and The New Evangelization

If the Church were to reclaim the proper role and function of its very own music, it would go a long to way to repossessing the deeply influential significance of the liturgy in our everyday lives. In turn, this would powerfully foster evangelization.

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Thank You, But Hold the Applause

Mass cannot, nor should not compete on a level of entertainment. “Such attractiveness fades quickly.” It is in our very human nature, the need to worship God. Our brains are wired for contemplation. It is within our very soul to connect with the divine.

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Startlingly Human

The Psalms of David often reveal both the ugliness of humanity and his unwavering faith in God. In his prayer, he calls for the defeat – the blood of his enemies. His words are startlingly human.

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Reason for Encouragement

Great congregational singing points to great work being done by music directors and pastors all over the country. Know that your influence and reach may be much farther than you will ever dream or know.

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Chant Belongs to the People

When I spoke to Fr. Pierre Paul about the wholesale abandonment of Gregorian Chant, he said something I’ll never forget – not just the words, but how he said it, with resolute irrefutability: “It belongs to the people.”

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Requiem pour une américaine à Paris

One of the most powerful spiritual experiences I ever had was the Requiem Mass in the Extraordinary Form at the 2012 Sacred Music Colloquium in Salt Lake City. Many of the liturgies at the Colloquia have shaken me to the core; I have been overwhelmed with an unspeakable sense of awe, mystery, and joy.

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Ascent to Freedom

True freedom does not rise from the capacity to fulfill all desires. Freedom is captivity, followed by battle, followed by faith, followed by wisdom and compassion as seen through the eyes of love. Of this struggle, true liberation is born.

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