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Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Sacred Architecture

Fr. David Friel · November 30, 2020

A Whale of a Pulpit

An unusual genre of ambo architecture

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Fr. David Friel · November 18, 2020

On the Dedication of Churches

Celebrating the dedication of St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Paul Outside the Walls

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Jeff Ostrowski · October 12, 2020

Catholic Architecture • “Modern vs. Ancient”

A picture is worth 1,000 words…

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Fr. David Friel · February 23, 2020

Exploring the 5th/6th-Century Mosaics of Ravenna

These magnificent images are not only attractive to behold, but also deeply theological.

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Fr. David Friel · February 17, 2020

Imposing the Classical Style on Public Building Projects?

A rumored executive order would unify the architectural style of future projects and upgrades.

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Fr. David Friel · November 9, 2019

The Gratuity of Beauty

Thoughts on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Fr. David Friel · September 15, 2019

This Is a Cathedral, Not Disneyland

Several English cathedrals hosted peculiar amusements this summer.

Fr. David Friel · February 17, 2019

Sacred Architecture and Brexit

A connecting link in the form of Gothic cathedrals

Fr. David Friel · August 28, 2016

On the Spirit of Conservation

A Reflection on the National Parks, Sacred Architecture, and “Laudato Si”

Fr. David Friel · December 13, 2015

Lighting Up Façades

Catholic churches ought not to be treated as houses of entertainment, but as houses of prayer.

Fr. David Friel · July 27, 2015

The Church of Our Savior

And the Case of the Vanishing Icons

Fr. David Friel · November 9, 2014

Sacred Architecture & the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

When we come to church, there should be no question whether we are in a church or in a coffeehouse or in a multipurpose gym.

Fr. David Friel · March 23, 2014

Secular Architecture

Reneging on the Promise of Public Art

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • Offertory (9 Nov.)
    This year, the feast of nine November replaces the Sunday. The OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (PDF file) for 9 November is exceedingly beautiful. The ‘Laterani’ mansion at Rome was the popes’ residence for a thousand years, from the early fourth century. The church there was and still is the cathedral church of Rome—“Mother and Head of all churches of the City and of the World,” says the inscription over the entrance. It is dedicated to the Saviour, but has long been commonly known as St John Lateran, from its famous baptistery of St John the Baptist. In this church the pope used to offer Mass at every feast particularly connected with Easter and baptism, and there his ‘cathedra’ (episcopal chair) stands in the apse.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Job Opening • $65,000 per year +
    A parish 15 minutes away from me is looking for a choir director and organist. The parish is filled with young families. When I began my career, I would have jumped at such an opportunity! Saint Patrick’s in Grand Haven has a job opening for a music director paying $65,000 per year including benefits (plus weddings & funerals). Notice the job description says: “our vision for sacred music is to move from singing at Mass to truly singing the Mass wherein … especially the propers, ordinaries, and dialogues are given their proper place.” I lived in Kansas for 15 years, Texas for 10 years, and Los Angeles for 10 years. Michigan is the closest place I know to heaven!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of November (2025)
    On a daily basis, I speak to people who don’t realize we publish a free newsletter (although they’ve followed our blog for years). We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and refuse to run annoying ads. As a result, our mailing list is crucial to our survival. Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Gospel Options for 2 November (“All Souls”)
    We’ve been told some bishops are suppressing the TLM because of “unity.” But is unity truly found in the MISSALE RECENS? For instance, on All Souls (2 November), any of these Gospel readings may be chosen, for any reason (or for no reason at all). The same is true of the Propria Missæ and other readings—there are countless options in the ORDINARY FORM. In other words, no matter which OF parish you attend on 2 November, you’ll almost certainly hear different propers and readings, to say nothing of different ‘styles’ of music. Where is the “unity” in all this? Indeed, the Second Vatican Council solemnly declared: “Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Our Father” • Musical Setting?
    Looking through a Roman Catholic Hymnal published in 1859 by Father Guido Maria Dreves (d. 1909), I stumbled upon this very beautiful tune (PDF file). I feel it would be absolutely perfect to set the “Our Father” in German to music. Thoughts?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

This was first breach in the walls of a fortress, centuries old, stoutly built, strong and robust, but no longer capable of responding to the spiritual needs of the age. [N.B. the “fortress” is a liturgy which nourished countless great saints.]

— Annibale Bugnini (19 March 1966)

Recent Posts

  • PDF Download • Offertory (9 Nov.)
  • Exclusive Interview • Hannah Houston w/ Mæstro Richard J. Clark
  • Job Opening • $65,000 per year +
  • “Reminder” — Month of November (2025)
  • “Reader Feedback” • 5 November 2025

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