Mother to five children, Myrna earned two doctorates (as did her husband), teaches at the seminary, runs a parish music program, and serves on the OCP board of directors.
Main Content
Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”
(3 of 50) “God in Search of Man”
“Information Requested About Hymnals”
The following message was sent to us by a reader…
“Sacred Music Journal” Editor Sings w/ Our Choir
How do you pronounce the word “heav’n” when you sing?
PDF • “Dr. Adrian Fortescue: Priest & Musician”
“No one was ever (outwardly) less priestly; no one was ever (inwardly) more thoroughly a priest.” —Edith Cowell
Can This Weird Warmup Put Your Voice in Good Placement?
I didn’t even mean for it to be a vocal warmup, but it worked perfectly.
PDF Download • “Outrageously Rare” Feder Missal (Latin, French, & English) — 3,290 pages!
A gift to our readers, presented in super-high resolution.
Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”
(2 of 50) “Conscience”
Comm. Fauxbourdon • “What does it sound like?”
Remember the days you prayed for what you have now!
“Ad Te Levavi” • Variant
This particular variant hints at “tone painting.”
Now That You’re Shunning Bad Hymns … Stop Announcing Them!
“When we announce hymn numbers, we’re not facilitating participation—we’re disrupting it.” —Daniel Marshall
Bach’s Psychotically Awesome Walking Bassline
Thirty-six (36) pedal notes without interruption!
A Simple Way to Utilize Handbells
The method itself is wonderfully simple.
Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”
(1 of 50) “Philosophy of Life”
Hymn Translation • “Was Dr. John Mason Neale the Greatest of All Time?”
I received permission to reveal publicly this “comparison chart” of hymn translations.
August 1970 • “Graduale Simplex Doc” (12 pages)
Similar to polyester vestments & wreckovations, its sad legacy is bound up with everything regrettable about the 1960s liturgical reforms.
“Puer Natus in Béthlehem” • (Added Fifths)
A dash of something!
How Does The Vatican “Rhythm” Actually Sound?
With an excerpt from the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
“Adeste Fideles” • Too Many Translations!
Broadly speaking, only one has attained general use throughout the English-speaking world…
Card. Heenan on Ronald Knox: “Perhaps the Church’s greatest figure of the 20th century.”
“Although renowned as a preacher and scholar, the real greatness of Knox lay in his holiness of life.” —Cardinal Heenan (Archbishop of Westminster)
“Kaitrin Drost Strikes Again!” • Plus a Few Random Thoughts and Tirades by Jeff Ostrowski
Imagine walking up into a choir loft and sounding like these young ladies without rehearsal.
Bing Crosby, Christmas, and Catholicism
He served as an unwitting catechist, introducing a young listener to the language and music of Catholicism.
💰 Are Church Musicians Paid Too Little?
I came very close to paying an unspeakably severe price.
“O Antiphons” Elevated?
From what I can tell, the 1970 rubrics moved each “O Antiphon” to the Gospel Acclamation at Mass (in late December).
Should Catholics Sing Protestant Christmas Carols?
Including the “music list” I have prepared for Christmas Midnight Mass.
PDF Downloads
“Lamb of God” (Musical Setting)
This makes it possible to adjust based upon who’s singing (at which time of day).
PDF Download • Introit (2nd Sn. Ord.)
This mode is ‘serious’ or ‘dark’ or ‘haunting’—but gorgeous.
Spectacular Communion Setting!
Both text & melody are quite beautiful.
PDF • “Music List” (Sunday, 11 January)
Readers have expressed interest in examining my “music list” for the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Epiphany Hymn • “New 2-Voice Arrangement”
This can be sung by one woman and one man.
Simplified Accompaniment (Epiphany Hymn)
Simplified keyboard accompaniment for “Bethlehem! Of noblest cities” (Epiphany hymn).