The “Charism” of Saying “No”
The ability to say “no” is an important gift of which much good can come, if used with wisdom, mercy, and kindness.
Culmen Et Fons 2017 • On Liturgical Formation • September 18-22
“[T]he parish has seen an astonishing increase in Mass attendance and financial stewardship owing in large part to the addition of a weekly traditional Latin Missa Cantata, use of handcrafted Roman vestments, emphasis on sacred music…”
On Emptiness, Wisdom, and Fortune • Music and Discernment
Music and Discernment
“Do not let anyone make you feel discouraged.”
Made in God’s image? Really? That’s debatable from my all too human eyes. By the way, I’ve got huge planks in both of them.
I forgot to tell them it’s supposed to be hard.
It never occurred to him that this would be hard, or that he wouldn’t do well. He just thought it would be fun.
Introit • Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity • Free Download
Free download of an Introit for Holy Trinity (Years A&B). English text; SATB, organ, schola/cantor, and congregation.
Entertainment in the Liturgy and Our True Responsibility
In the words of Kurt Cobain, “Here we are now, entertain us.” Sometimes, our jobs can feel this way. But church musicians have responsibilities that are anything but entertainment.
Pastorally Imperative: They are all we have.
To sing in prayer and with joy is pastorally imperative for they are all we have.
The Older I Get…
The older I get, the more I spend on these. If not, what good am I to the prayer of the people?
The Dedication of a Church • The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage, Boston
The Dedication of a Church is a rare event in anyone’s lifetime.
Descent into Hell and The Greatest Act of Love
Read the words of John 3:16 again.
Sing Everything From the Viewpoint of the Resurrection
Music has a way of describing the indescribable, of bringing to speech the ineffable. That is what our choirs must do this Holy Week.
New Music in Honor of Óscar Romero • E. Ethelbert Miller & Richard J. Clark
Pope Francis decreed Romero was martyred “in odium fidei” (“in hatred of the faith”). He was beatified in El Salvador on May 23, 2015.
Not “What” but “Why” is Fascinating
Some people are put off…Some are bored to tears. I am fascinated. Why?
Pope Francis, Sacred Music, and the Biggest Stage
Such musical exhortations are not new, but the tone and visibility are.
Pope Francis on musical quality: “mediocrity, superficiality, and banality”
“Sometimes a certain mediocrity, superficiality and banality have prevailed, to the detriment of the beauty and intensity of liturgical celebrations.”
Four Real Reasons for Roman Catholic Funerals
The real purpose of a Roman Catholic funeral is not what most people think.
Communion Antiphons for Lent & Easter • NEW • World Library Publications
This is perhaps my favorite collection to date.
Nuptial Blessings • Practice Videos • Order of Celebrating Matrimony
Fr. Gaspar eloquently emphasis key words and phrases, underscoring the beauty of the sacrament.
Recording of Announcement of Easter and Movable Feasts • 2017
A very helpful recording for anyone singing this in English for the Ordinary Form.