Views from the Choir Loft

Participatio Actuosa

Fr. David Friel · March 10, 2020

Liturgical Custody of the Eyes

Guarding the Sense of Sight so as to Promote Participation

Follow the Discussion on Facebook

Fr. David Friel · October 21, 2018

Participation Booklet (Spanish) for Extraordinary Form Baptisms

Un recurso para facilitar una participación más profunda

Fr. David Friel · October 6, 2018

Participation Booklet for Extraordinary Form Baptisms

A resource for facilitating deeper participation

Corpus Christi Watershed · July 7, 2016

Cardinal Sarah “Reform of the Reform” (5 July 2016) • Full Address in French & English

Breathtaking statements from the Vatican’s chief liturgist who—while on retreat—goes 72 hours without food or water.

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · December 17, 2015

An Antidote For Clericalism: Sung Vespers

The public singing of Vespers is an antidote to the kind of clericalism frequently condemned by Pope Francis.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 22, 2015

EWTN Classic • “Theology of Worship” with Fr. Robert Skeris (1998)

Mother Angelica sat down for a wonderful interview with a famous Theologian.

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski