Somehow, the William Mahrt statement before the USCCB subcommittee on “Music in Catholic Worship” was lost in the transition to a new site. Fortunately, it will appear in the Spring 2007 issue of Sacred Music, and it is posted again with a new layout. Here is where Professor Mahrt takes apart the document piece by piece, as a good editor might, bring to bear his lifetime expertise on the history and meaning of the relationship between liturgy and music.

Among the urgent needs in the progress toward sacred music in Catholic liturgy are clergy who understand the need and are desirous of dramatic change toward what the Vatican is urging. Many young priests are there are already. They urging parishioners to form scholas that specialize in Gregorian chant and other music compatible with its prayerful sensibility.

But what about those in seminary today? How can you assist in the process of a sound musical formation?

The CMAA would like for the journal Sacred Music to be at every seminary in the United States, starting with the issue that is about to go to print. It features a fantastic and detailed look at the music of Orlando di Lasso, essays on chant, and William Mahrt’s commentary on what is wrong with current music legislation in the US. The entire issue is 70 pages, the largest in many years. It is also very beautiful.

In other words, it will be read. It will have influence.

There are 189 Catholic seminaries in the United States. To reach each of them with a subscription will cost $5,670. Is it worth doing? Certainly. Just one issue in the right hands could lead to a sound formation, which leads to good parish practice, which leads to true renewal.

But we cannot do it without your support. If you would like to assist please use paypal. If you would like to underwrite the entire cost, please let us know. If you want to discuss this, please write sacredmusic@musicasacra.com.

Please download this to advertise the Colloquium at your parish.

Justine Ward’s Music Second Year, now available for free download or for purchase in hard copy.

Here is a treasure from Catholic heritage: the sung liturgy in Holy Week, now added to links on right.

Officium Majoris Hebdomadae, Et Octavae Pschae, cum cantu (1923)

It is also available in a bound volume (553 pages)

I’m very happy that my new copies of the classic editions of Ward singing tutorials have arrived. They are beautiful, and very exciting in so many ways – just to have them back in print is itself fabulous, and it goes without saying that they have stood the test of time.

Here they are: Ward One and Ward Four

On one page

The CMAA has put together a selection of some seriously fun products, including several Cantate Domino shirts (”Sing a New Song!”) that print the authentic Gregorian chants and mugs and magnets that do the same. And have you ever thought of a Dies Irae clock? One now exists. Or consider: a baby’s bib with the communion chant “Introibo” printed, including the words that translate “to God who giveth joy to my youth.”

We hope you enjoy this too!

Some new discussion of our future strategy and goals at the About page.

Feel free to use this on your site. If you need help, please write us.

Now online, in Gregorian notation, the Passion narratives of St. Mark, St. Matthew, St. John, and St. Luke.

From September 1 to 9, 2007, is an opportunity to be among 40 singers who will train in Rimini, Italy, with Peter Phillips, Ghislaine Morgan, Walter Marzilli, and Andrea Angelini, and sing at St. Peters in Rome. MusicaFicta has the details about repertoire, applications, and cost.

As added to the communion antiphon downloads: Responsum accépit Símeon