One reason I postponed entering the Church was because of my ambivalence towards the music and liturgy found in typical Catholic parishes. I actually did not know what the true teachings of the Church on sacred music were, according to the documents of Vatican II, until 1991. Also, I did not know that there were any Catholic parishes where good music was still done. All that changed when I read the documents, and when in 1991 I started attending the Sacred Music Colloquium, held by the Church Music Association of America (CMAA).

More of this excellent interview with Professor Treacy here.

or an interim step.

Sessions at the Celebrant Seminar are designed to train priests in singing the Ordinary Form in English and Latin, as well as the Extraordinary form. Many pastors are finding the changes that last take places slowly. The ordinary form remains, for the most part, the Mass that will be said (and sung!) in parishes across the country and the world on a regular basis. Singing the Mass first in English, and then in Latin, will slowly but surely lead the hearts and minds of even the most resistant parishioners in the directions of beauty and mystery. Pastors must lead the way.

There are only three rooms remaining at the retreat center, so sign up through us soon. Remember, too, that we’ve made arrangements for a discounted price at one of Chicago’s nicer hotels only blocks away from St. John Cantius. Call the Crowne Plaza directly to make your room reservation, and mention the “Priest Training Seminar.”