Ever wonder why the Church is so particular about sacred music? There’s more at stake than you think.
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“Puzzling Comment” • By A Respected FSSP Priest
Once upon a time, Catholics were supposed to attend Mass within their “parochial boundaries.”
Involving Women in the Communion?
Not long ago, I received a weird telephone call from a man appointed “director of music” for a large USA diocese.
“Toward a More Sacred Style With Pastoral Charity” • Guest Article by Dr. Myrna Keough
“Their response was ironic, as we continued to sing both an entrance and communion hymn—and neither were in Latin!” —Dr. Keough
“Fulfilled!” • Bride’s Musical Request
Sophia Institute Press has been generous in this regard.
Incredible Message of Hope from Michael Olbash
“I’m convinced many of them will go on to be great parish priests, bishops, great theologians, and great political leaders…” —Michael Olbash
My choir is devoid of this generation (And it’s a healthy sign)
“This unique vitality is nowhere more visible than in the choir loft.”
Good News From The Vatican
This concerns you!
I’m tired of tribalism.
“Forgive this recounting of my personal background…” —Richard J. Clark
“Allow Us to protect your interests, even against your own will.” —Pope Saint Paul VI
“A choir which eliminates Gregorian Chant will be like a snuffed candle, which no more attracts the eyes and minds of men.”
Unison • “Deceptively Easy, Relentlessly Unforgiving”
“That’s not just music. That’s Catholicism at its most apostolic, most bold, and most timeless.” —Julie Huebner
Church Facelift • Saint Andrew’s (Tipton, Missouri)
You won’t believe this transformation!
PDF Download • “Hymn by Father Thomas à Kempis” (arranged for 2 voices)
For the upcoming feast on 9 November (which replaces the Sunday Mass).
Dr. Alfred Calabrese • “Three Recommendations for Children’s Repertoire”
Below are three compositions I’ve used with great success…
Installment #7 • Three (3) Questions Re: Forthcoming USA Lectionary
What is the specific criteria for this most recent tinkering?
Can You Identify This “Mystery” Hymn Tune?
Kevin Allen is currently in France.
The Old Gaffer: Parish Choir Director of Middle Earth
“Tending the garden of the liturgy so that, in God’s time, fruit may grow that is destined for eternity.”
Choral Masses & Parable of the Talents
“We cannot bury this talent; we must cultivate and multiply it.” — Dr. Samuel Backman
How do you pronounce this word in Latin?
Including a comparison chart (PDF) which many readers will appreciate.
Children’s Repertoire: “3 Recommendations”
My top repertoire recommendations for easy, delightful, attainable songs.
Do You Recognize This Hymn? Do You Like It?
Congregations love this hymn … and so do I.
Charlie Kirk’s Fascination with Traditional Catholic Liturgy
“Charlie Kirk has repeatedly spoken about the power of traditional liturgy.”
“Novus Ordo Parish … With Polyphony?” • Is that possible? How specifically does that work?
Many have asked: “Without getting fired, how can choirmasters introduce polyphony to the Ordinary Form?”
“The Injustice of Traditionis Custodes” • (Private Meetings at the Vatican)
“If you think the subject of ‘Traditionis Custodes’ was absent during my visits to the Vatican, you are mistaken…” —Sławomir Cenckiewicz
PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)
The conscientious choirmaster never rests from his relentless pursuit of repertoire ideas.
PDF Downloads
Why A “Fugue” Here?
I think you will agree about this.
“American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
This one book contains and memorializes every horrible idea from the 1980s.
“Music List” • 27th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Readers have expressed interest in examining the “music list” I prepared for this coming Sunday.
“Music List” • 26th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Readers have expressed interest in examining the “music list” I prepared for this coming Sunday.
“Reminder” — Month of September (2025)
It’s my pleasure to remind you that…
PDF Download • Communion (26th Sn. Ord.)
This Communion antiphon sparkles with beauty.