Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Jeff Ostrowski · January 9, 2016

Letter To The FSSP Choir In Los Angeles

There’s something less scary you can do to help build up God’s Kingdom.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 9, 2016

VIDEO • Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen & William F. Buckley

In 1971, Sheen appeared on “Firing Line” and spoke about St. Augustine.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 8, 2016

The Miraculous Rise Of The Traditional Latin Mass

A puzzling article appeared in the National Catholic Register by Msgr. Charles Pope.

Richard J. Clark · January 8, 2016

Communion Antiphons for Lent • RCIA and Scripture

Propers for Lent and their relationship with RCIA and the scriptures

Andrew Leung · January 7, 2016

A Faithful Bishop

I am very thankful that I get to know Bishop Roger Foys of Covington, KY, who wrote a great letter and decree about the Mass back in 2011.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 7, 2016

Bishop René H. Gracida On Internet Porn

“Parents, love your children and do your best to shield them from exposure to pornography.” —Bishop Gracida

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · January 7, 2016

The Theology of a C-sharp Minor Chord

Every time I listen to this piece I’m still shocked.

Christopher Mueller · January 6, 2016

On Catholic Art

It’s time to renovate and reoccupy our own tradition!

Jeff Ostrowski · January 5, 2016

Church Music: True Diversity Vs. False Diversity

Liturgical progressives constantly praise the “stylistic diversity” of the Ordinary Form, but the truth is surprising.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 5, 2016

| Part 2 of 3 | • “Kyrie Eleison” (SATB) within the reach of any choir!

By the mighty Francisco Guerrero!

Andrew Leung · January 5, 2016

Catholic Service to be Celebrated in the Chapel Royal

What exciting news! The first Catholic service in centuries is to be celebrated in the Chapel Royal!

Veronica Brandt · January 2, 2016

Mental Prayer through Hymns

The big misunderstanding about mental prayer illuminated by two different hymns and what you can do about it.

Fr. David Friel · January 1, 2016

Chesterton on the Value of New Beginnings

Thoughts on New Year’s Day

Richard J. Clark · January 1, 2016

Unprecedented • Orthodox Rabbinic Statement on Christianity

I urge you to read this astonishing statement more than once to absorb its magnitude.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 1, 2016

Update • “Graduale Parvum” (English & Latin)

They have now posted Advent for double-sided printing in book form.

Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”

From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“The Worm That Dieth Not”

My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)

How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Pius XII Hymnal?

Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Hybrid” Chant Notation?

Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.

—Corpus Christi Watershed