Category Archives: Sacrosanctum Consilium

Is the Four-Hymn Mass What the Church Really Wants?

Happy Fiftieth Anniversary Musicam Sacram ! What is Musicam Sacram? Published on March 5th, 1967, Musicam Sacram is the official Instruction on Music issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship following the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council. Musicam Sacram is the document … Continue reading

Posted in Fine Arts, Sacred Music, Sacrosanctum Consilium, The Mass | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments

The Secret to Beautiful Liturgy: Leave it to the Kids!

O Lord our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth! For thy magnificence is elevated above the heavens. Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise… Recently I attended a simple daily Mass … Continue reading

Posted in Music, Sacred Music, Sacrosanctum Consilium, The Mass, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

The Secret to Beautiful Liturgy: Leave it to the Kids!

This morning I attended a simple daily Mass along with 60 students in grades 6-12. Let’s see, that places them somewhere between the ages of 11 and 18. So given that there were only 70 people in the church – … Continue reading

Posted in beauty, catholic education, Sacred Music, Sacrosanctum Consilium, The Mass | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Sacred Music is not like Frosting on a Cake!

Help! Somebody call Pope Francis! I can’t find the official Latin edition of the principal text for understanding the role of Sacred Music in the Liturgy. You ask, “what is the fundamental text about the role of Sacred Music in the … Continue reading

Posted in Music, Sacred Music, Sacrosanctum Consilium, The Mass | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Do You Actually Participate at Mass?

As a parish Music Director, like Garrison Keillor’s Guy Noir Private Eye, I find myself trying to find answers to one of life’s most persistent questions: How can I contribute to that “full, conscious and active participation in the ceremonies” that the fathers … Continue reading

Posted in beauty, Music, Sacred Music, Sacrosanctum Consilium, The Mass | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments