Views from the Choir Loft

Veronica Moreno

Veronica Moreno is married to a teacher and homeschools five children. While at UCLA, she earned an undergraduate degree in Ethnomusicology and then went on to study special education at Cal State LA. She has been cantor at her local Catholic parish for over a decade. Read more.

It’s not too late to “Crown Mary”

Veronica Moreno · May 23, 2020

A mother remembers the time she was chosen to “crown Mary” and describes organizing a “May Crowning” for her family during the pandemic.

Is Liturgy Essential?

Veronica Moreno · May 9, 2020

A mother recounts her son’s yearning for a return to Holy Communion and she reflects on our absolute necessity for the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass.

“Ransomed” during a pandemic

Veronica Moreno · April 25, 2020

a mother and musician looks to Our Lady of Ransom for succor.

One more regrettable mistake by the Bishop of Boise, Idaho

Veronica Moreno · April 8, 2020

See for yourself. On the left is the letter from 2020; on the right is a blog from 2016.

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Repeating Repertoire? • Veronica Moreno

Veronica Moreno · March 27, 2020

My own growth as a musician for the Liturgy has culminated in my pastor allowing me to sing the Propers in English: the realization of a decade-long dream.

From a Catholic priest…

Regarding the CCW mailing list, a priest (Father E. J.) wrote to us yesterday:

“Sometime ago, you wrote something along the lines that none of your emails are copies or merely pitches; each one is individual. I respect you so much for that. I don’t always get to read through them, but they remain in my inbox for when I have time. I can’t over estimate how much I appreciate you and your team’s work, how many times I’ve turned to CCwatershed for guidance, tips, and ideas. Unfortunately I’m not in a position to choose or direct music at my assignment. I may have said this to you once before but: I look forward to when I can. One of the first things I’d do in a parish is bring your resources aboard (gradually, of course).”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Does Gregorian Chant ever skip a 7th?

I’ve really been enjoying singing from the Père Daniel Kyriale (126 pages), which is a fabulous little book. I had no idea it would turn out so nicely—incredibly useful, and the printing is super crisp. I noticed something quite strange the other day: Kyrie X (an extremely ancient chant) contains a skip of a seventh. Sometimes that’s the result of a missing Trope, but not in this instance. (I know, because I also examined the Troped version.)

—Jeff Ostrowski

We love getting messages like this one…

“I am a 25-year-old organist and cantor from the mountains of Northern Colorado. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your friends for working hard to bring excellent content to your website and my inbox. I have found many, many awesome resources to help me stay faithful to the Church’s stance and traditions on good, beautiful sacred music at the local parishes for which I play the organ and cantor. Truly refreshing to see all the good content. Mere words fail me. I wish you could know how helpful you’ve been. I can sense your passion for this, and it’s contagious. We were able to start to implement the chanted antiphons in English, and I am more comfortable singing the traditional Latin propers at Holy Communion or Offertory. I have a tremendous appreciation for the beauty handed down by our forefathers, especially with the Extraordinary Form Mass… I wish we could have them more often, but good things are starting to happen to sacred music. Other church musicians I know and used to work with are grateful for your resources and hard work. You influence more people than you know!”

—Jeff Ostrowski