Pastoral Music Musings

An impressive list of formation and continuing education options

2025-08-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

Wow! https://archlouff.org/university-of-dayton-vlcff/class-list-university-of-dayton-vlcff/

The Catholic Music Awards and the Ramón Pané Foundation

2025-07-26T04:38:00.000-07:00

There’s been some social media / website coverage of the Catholic Music Awards 2025, with English-language commentators looking puzzled and saying "Who?" "What????" no matter which side of the rad-trad / dippy-hippy / contemporary-cool triad they sit on.

Nominations are listed here: https://catholicmusicawards.world/nominees-finalists-in-english/ and category winners are going to be announced tomorrow, 27 July -which is pretty much mid-summer and slow-news-time in Europe. You can find out about the awards ceremony on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/catholicmusicawardsworld).

They really are structured like secular music awards with categories for best male and female singer, new singer, album, music video, engineered song - along with, in no particular order:

Best Liturgical Song
Best Praise-Worship Song
Best Evangelization Song
Best Marian Song
Best Catechesis Song (Tradition, Doctrine and Magisterium)
Best Parish Choir
Best Pop Song
Best Tropical Song
Best Group (Band) or Duo
Best Urban Song
Best Rock Song
Best English Song
Best Production Song

It looks like this is music for life, not just for religion that's just kept in church.

Who is behind this?

The awards have been announced on Vatican News (https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-07/finalists-announced-catholic-music-awards-2025-grammys.html). This tell us the awards are

from an idea of the Fraternity and Fundación Ramón Pané headed by Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga and Brother Ricardo Grzona,

and

consolidated [I'm guessing meaning conceived]as a reference for artists and communities that promote Christian values through music, with an intercultural and multilingual vision.

The Fundación Ramón Pané - aka Ramón Pané Foundation Inc (https://fundacionpane.org/) is an evangelisation training organisation, founded in 1994, to mark the 500th anniversary of the first missionary to the Americas, viz Ramón Pané (more about him here: https://fides.org/en/news/69211-AMERICA_DOMINICAN_REP_The_hermit_who_evangelized_America_Ramon_Pane. It's based in Florida, and I'd guess Spanish is the lingua-franca and world-view basis of most members - but they routinely translate to English, Italian and Portuguese.

Does it make sense?

The CMA awards, whose name may or may not be deliberately similar to the very-traditionally-minded Catholic Church Music Association, will certainly raise awareness of the Foundation: I'd never heard of it, or of Ramón Pané, until I went to learn about the awards. But it's certainly good to know about the first missionaries to any country - and I've now learned why people used to call Native Americans "Indians".

The music in their nominations list is in a genre which is helpful to the communities where I pray - though I've not heard of most of the specific songs that have been nominated, and I've more aware of Pacific and Celtic songs/composers , rather than ones from The Americas or the Caribbean countries.

But even I recognise that the the music is not catholic (small c, aka Universal), and it does not even begin to represent the breadth nor depth of music used in Roman Catholic lives or churches. Either this is both the first and last Catholic Music Awards - or the scope will be increasingly widely!

Watching the awards ceremony

I did have the video linked, but its now private. Will add it back if that changes.

In most categories, there are separate winners for each of English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian.

This feels like a Spanish pop-music awards ceremony. English language songs and singers aren't going to be winners here. But Spanish-language organists and polyphonic choirs aren't even in the room.

Choosing a new Mass setting

2023-05-13T05:10:00.001-07:00

Our youth choir wants to learn a new Mass setting - one with a better Gloria.

Below are notes about the ones I've listened to. The basic criteria is: through setting (no refrain) of the Gloria, lively / appealing to teens, can be played on keyboard alone.

Also , it needs to have a good on-line learning version , sheet music available for download (after purchase - free would be great, but I'm happy to spend a reasonable amount). Ideally, it should be viable for the congregation to do some of the Mass parts unaccompanied on days the choir isn't there.

Update

Just found the new Mass of St Joseph from Paul A Tate: the Gloria from this has potential: `

Still to check

Mass of Christ, Light of the Nations - Alonso

Masses considered

Mass of St Francis - Paul Taylor

It's from Australia - need to look at it again.

Revised Mass of Redemption - Janco

Gloria is through set

Recordings are contemporary arrangements - likely appeal to teens

Key of D = bright sound

Gospel acclamation - not too long, can see how various verses could be fitted to it.

Same motifs through the Gloria, Alleluia, Holy Holy (at least).

Is written as a choral piece - can we pull it off in unison??? (esp an issue with the Lamb of God)

===> THIS IS AN OPTION

Mass of Wisdom by Steven Janco

Online review says it really needs a choir to make it sound good
Spotify has both traditional (ie organ) and contemporary (ie piano) versions of each piece.

Kyrie - suits cantor / response
Gloria - through set, lyrical - online comments say an assembly learend it fast. Recording has brass ... but it may translate well
Alleluia - verses sound fiddly
Gosp for Lent - simple
Holy holy - didn't draw attention to itself
Amen - sounded too complex
Lamb of God - needs choir

===> This is a an option

Mass of Spirit and Grace Mass Setting by Ricky Manalo, CSP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QlphCklrKo

Has a Gloria, Alleluia, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei
Gloria is a through setting - recording is all keyboard.

Can't see the Allulia without a choir.
Lamb of God - needs multiple parts to work.

===> MAYBE

The Psallite Mass: At the Table of the Lord

Gloria - through set
Demo recordings for ... unaccompanied but attractive sound.
Holy Holy - good
Lamb of God - needs cantor.
Not downloadable - but there is a review copy.

Revised Mass for Christian Unity by Jan M. Vermulst

Gloria - through set.

I really like the almost shape-note sound / modern chant. Polyphony on the recording will stretch distract teens though.

Mass of Renewal - Curtis Stephan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bpQzIaHbUM
Kyrie - is in Greek, interesting tune
Gloria - through setting, lyrical, nice enough - starting phrases sound a bit like the one from Sacred Heart - Tim R Smith - which we are already using. So that's an issue not to choose this arrangeemnt.
Alleluia - don't like the way they pronounce the 2nd "alleluia"

SSG - soemeone says it was best they've tried

Sing Praise and Thanksgiving Mass - Joncas

Gloria - verse and refrain setting.

Revised Heritage Mass Mass Setting by Owen Alstott

Gloria - through set. But recording has complicated polyphony. Won't work for our small choir. (Unless there's also a unison version).

Mass of the Desert - Tom Booth

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDbWJeH3GL20F4m35-bhjFQc7KDrbYBUG
Kyire - very simple
Gloria - has a refrain, recording is rock / band style, won't transfer well to keyboard. Didn't listen to any more after this.

Mass of St Timothy - Tom Booth and Matt Mahler

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EzgLrdHBOasWL8td2Ovw8MojSLP-aoz
Kyrie - in Greek, call / response. Has verses that would need a cantor (could be left out)
Gloria - jazzy / band-driven - unlikely to sound so well on keyboard

Mass of a Joyful Heart - Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek

Kyrie - gentle, guitar led (ok for keyboard I think)
Gloria - refrain and verses (but 1st is long) - very much band/rhythm led
No.

Mass of the Resurrection by Randall DeBruyn

Gloria: Recording has brass - we don't. Witthout it, would it sound too boring???

Mass of St Paul - Walker

Gloria - very dramatic, needs large choir to pull off
No

Mass of St Ann - Ed Bolduc

Gloria - has refrain, likely to need band to be effective - didn't listen to the rest based on this
No

Revised Mass of Creation by Marty Haugen

Youth won't know the original. Some adults will be "never used here". Could be a useful set of tunes for people to learn.
Kyrie - doesn't have one (really?) - maybe it's expected that we just use the original
Gloria - refrain and verses. No because of this.

Mass of Christ the Savior by Dan Schutte

Online review says " this is OCP's top selling mass setting: it is incredibly easy to sing, and can be very beautiful when executed correctly. The Gloria and Sanctus are particularly strong; as with some of the other settings here, the Alleluia is weak. "

Gloria
Verses / retailer - not through set. Two long verses - but the refrain is quite long. Not looking further just because of this.
Recording has male / female parts

Psallite Mass by Collegeville Composers

Traditional - unlikely to work with youth choir
Recommended if you have a truly phenomenal choir. - recordings are unaccompanied

Mass in Honor of St. Isaac Jogues by Jeff Ostrowski

Traditional - unlikely to work with youth choir

The Hopetoun Mass by Fr Chris Skinner.

Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)
Written for use with a group of seminarians.
Guitar led.
Just doesn't feel right for our youth choir.

The Millennium Mass by Bridget O'Shanassey.

Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)
Kyrie - is in English - one odd thing in that 2nd phrase turn isn't a direct repeat.
Gloria - through setting, has a section in a minor key in the middle (adds interest)
Alleluia - seems drawn out
Holy Holy - interesting tune, but has a high ending (too high?)
MoF - three given, gentle
Lamb of God - ok
Amen - have that same high note at the end.

-- No, the high ending notes means it won't fly well with congregation.

The Rejoice Mass by Suzanne Gasson.

The Skerrit Mass by Peter Skerrit.

The Cambridge Mass by Ross and Philippa Boyce.

Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)
don't appear to have on-line versions, so too hard to learn.

Mass of Hope by Maria Guzzo.

Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)

Piano based
Kyrie - in English, call/refrain
Gloria - through setting, not memorable (fine)
Holy Holy - fine, has an interesting hook a the start of lines
Lamb away - a bit formulaeic

Mass of the Good Shepherd by Kristin Browne

Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)
Gloria has some extreme notes,and places where the text/tune don't fit well.

Mass for the City

Someone says. "It's festive and great for a celebration, employs the organ, and is easy for a congregation to sing strong."

Recording is with organ, though and trained choir. Sounds complex. Some parts definitely need organ. No

Belmont Mass - Walker

Is used in the UK.

Gloria - recording is mainly singers with restrained organ. Through set.

Traditional sound - someone said in comments "contemporary chant". Would be good to learn - maybe won't appeal to our youth choir yet.

Mass of St. Frances Cabrini

Gloria - through set. Recording has organ - hard to imagine without it.

Mass of Light - Revised - Haas

Gloria - keyboard led - verse and response.

Didn't like

Proulx's Community Mass

Kyrie - cantor / response - so can't be used by congregation alone. Very Choral.

Gloria - recording has organ, very grand sound. Likely needs organ to support it.

No.

Mass of St. Francis (Horst Buchholz)

MP3s available here

I'd be interested in learning this- but am 200% sure the youth choir wouldn't!

Other's from New Zealand - not assessed yet

All settings from New Zealand = not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)

The Correa Mass by Andrew Correa.
The Hurley Mass by Margaret Hurley.
Missa Brevis by Robert Loretz.
The McCarthy Mass by Terry McCarthy.
Mass of Hope by Maria Galbraith.
Mass of Mary, Queen of Peace by Maria Guzzo.
The Papaeioa Mass by Graham Parsons.
The Saint Mary's Mass by Raymond White.

The Porter's Gate Worship Collective

2022-10-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

This week, I spotted an interesting song by The Porter's Gate - and of course wondered who they are.

Some answer here: https://artandtheology.org/2020/09/12/songs-of-lament-and-justice-by-the-porters-gate/

An American worship collective, which put Covid-time to good use. No info about denominational links. But the song-themes, and the language they use suggest a solid theological background, a social-justice mindset, and facility with the English language. And they tackle the difficult questions - O Sacred Neck.

Songs I've heard so far seem to be more small group performance pieces than congregational. No bad thing if used correctly - but it can make e it difficult to become well known: there are phrases here which stick in the mind, but will entire songs stay in the lips and heart?

https://www.theportersgate.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theportersgate
https://twitter.com/Theportersgate
https://www.instagram.com/theportersgate/

Slightly Improper!

2022-07-31T14:49:00.002-07:00

A good explanation here of where the Propers texts came from, and why they're not really so key in selecting music - especially if you're trying to establish a well-know repertoire:

https://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2022/07/30/can-we-sing-just-anything-at-mass/

Everyone needs frequent confession? Or is it repentance that they need?

2022-06-06T15:30:00.002-07:00

I ran across this article while researching a hymn that someone mis-heard the lyrics of:

Proud to Be Humble: Confession Is Not Always the Answer

I'm going to quote a small part:

I fear by insisting for so long on going to Confession as a pious duty and almost a goal in itself, we have created a sick spirituality that fosters the worst form of religious pride – the exact opposite of what repentance and Confession are meant to lead us to.

It is not more frequent confession we should be encouraging, but “a contrite and humbled heart”

IMHO, it's not only an Orthodox thing. And is a message that OLPs (ordinary lay people) need to focus on: the sacramental icing on the cake is a nice thing to have, the real work comes on yourself beforehand.

The purpose of music in worship

2021-06-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Apparently Sacrosanctum Concilium says that the function of music is to

"add delight to prayer, foster unity of minds, or confer greater solemnity upon the sacred rites."

Interesting use of OR before the last clause.

The full quote is

Therefore sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action, whether it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites. But the Church approves of all forms of true art having the needed qualities, and admits them into divine worship.

ref: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html

An alternative spiritual communion prayer

2020-07-17T15:43:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Kate Keeffe - https://www.musicformass.blog/2020/06/10/virtual-corpus-christi-corporeal-computer/

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God / by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit / your death brought life to the world./ By your holy body and blood / free me from all my sins and from every evil. / Keep me faithful to your teaching, / and never let me be parted from you.

Art History resources

2020-05-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

Khan Academy art history course - https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history#start-here-apah

Christian Art - Reading the daily gospel through Art - https://www.christian.art/

Theology of Sound

2019-07-15T15:45:00.003-07:00

Since moving to Ireland, I've felt that there was something spiritual about traditional music.

Was it just the sense of community? Maybe, but maybe not.

Today I saw a reference to:

the growing field of sonic theology which gives words to “the role of sound and vibration in the spiritual domain.”

Bingo! It's not just me.

A very quick read says that so far more of the research has been in non-Christian traditions. But I sense that will change - 'tis a topic to keep an eye out for.

Communion stations are a bad idea because ...

2019-02-10T14:16:00.005-08:00

I've always thought that the whole "communion stations" idea was a bit off. The only words I had to explain why was the idea that as Christian community we should all be moving in the same direction.

This is a far better statement: https://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2018/06/28/amen-corner-theres-always-room-at-the-table/

Key points

Having been invited to “draw near with faith,” we are stopped in our tracks by [someone saying] “Thus far shall you come and no farther” ( Job 38:11).

Having declared that “We do not presume to come to this [the Lord’s] table trusting in our own righteousness,” we are dispatched away from it, down to the rear of the building.

This [is] ... inappropriate ... in the name of the one who [said] “Anyone who comes to me I will never turn away” ( John 6:37).

In most [places, communion stations are] unnecessary with, [enough] ministers of the Eucharist, the removal of redundant furniture and unsightly clutter, [and} ... some simple logistical planning .... At least then, even if the communicants cannot literally be at the holy table, they can draw near it and see it.

The communion procession ... is so much richer than the practical matter of getting from A to B. It is a ritual expression of our identity as fellow pilgrims on a journey to the heavenly banquet, singing as we walk.

God as King? I don't think so ....

2017-08-15T07:28:00.002-07:00

To someone from a democracy, in which the Queen is s figurehead living in a far-away country, the idea of God as King has always been a bit foreign.

This post from Rory Cooney, sharing the back story of one of his recent hymns has some interesting quotes, which got me thinking about it some more.

" the image of God we've inherited from monarchy and haven't shaken off, an image of God derived from power"

Since moving to Ireland, I've been struck by the extent to which monarchy is the model of church for so many people: bishops are princes, and the Pope is the king. It just doesn't feel right though. A king is just not something I need in my psyche.

Faith is sustained through the love of the person of Christ

2017-08-14T08:37:00.001-07:00

Some quotes from: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/these-chicago-catholics-have-a-game-plan-for-evangelization-72415/

the Christian faith must contain a personal encounter with Christ because “the reality is, though, that people will find it difficult to die for a detached notion.”

Creating discipleship is more than an ethical problem – and Catholicism is more than “an intellectual system with a moral code attached to it.”

The faith can't be sustained solely as an idea, or even as the sacrifice required in the Christian life and as seen in martyrs and saints, he said. Rather, it's sustained through the love of the person of Christ.

On liturgical dance

2017-08-14T08:34:00.005-07:00

Great quote on liturgical dance, from http://www.musicformass.blog/2017/05/30/what-came-first-rhythm-or-melody/

I’m not altogether convinced by the sort of liturgical dance I have seen, because it tends to be done at people rather than by people, and I think the point about liturgy is that we all do it together, especially the music.

Amen to that. Liturgical dance is said to be praying with our bodies. But is it prayer for others who are just watching, not taking part. No matter how attentively they're watching, they're still present but not participating. Their bodies are not engaged.

You have to meet people at least half-way - not turn them off with your exquisite taste

2017-03-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Just found this piece from a pastor who understands why tasteful music cannot be used everywhere. 'Tis a few years after it was published, but still totally relevant.

Two great quotes:

So, whether it’s Kendrick or Byrd, Estelle White or Mozart; the important thing is that it is received. It is not my job to educate people in taste; I am supposed to educate them in sound doctrine, and I will be able to do so more efficiently in a context where they feel comfortable.

and

My people are wonderful people, and as far as I am concerned, the important thing is that they are here at Mass. Our church is full each Sunday, thanks be to God, and if the cost of that is dreadful music, then bring on the tambourines!

I'm going to make some use of these.

Good mappings from scripture to readings

2017-03-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes indices which list hymns related to pieces of scripture take a very broad view of the link. These ones are narrower - it's easier to see the link:

Gospel of John - http://catholic-resources.org/John/Liturgy-Music.html

Haugen songs from Mark, Luke and John: http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Music-Haugen.htm

Ad orientem and versus populum - which side of the altar does the priest stand on

2016-07-27T15:21:00.004-07:00

A handy reference to both sides of the story, with not too many comments from haters of either stripe.

http://americamagazine.org/content/all-things/facing-east-during-liturgy-fact-and-fiction

Let's hope the whole thing has blown over before Advent rolls around.

God as King? I don't think so ...

2016-07-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

" the image of God we've inherited from monarchy and haven't shaken off,an image of God derived from power"

Since moving to Ireland, I've been struck by the extent to which monarchy is the model of church for so many people: bishops are princes, and the Pope is the king. Even though this is a republic, for many it's like the monarchy is still a deeply ingrained part of how the world works, which has to apply to both church and state.

Me, I'm not having a bar of it.

Church choirs exist to lead and sustain everyone's singing - not to do it all themselves

2016-07-03T14:46:00.002-07:00

A quote from the General Instruction to the Roman Missal (GIRM):

Among the faithful, the schola cantorum or choir exercises its own liturgical function, ensuring that the parts proper to it, in keeping with the different types of chants, are properly carried out and fostering the active participation of the faithful through the singing. It is fitting that there be a cantor or a choir director to lead and sustain the people's singing.

When in doubt, give people the benefit of the doubt

2016-07-03T14:28:00.003-07:00

A good phrase to remember from the Catechism of the Catholic Church - which maybe some people have difficulty remembering:

2478 To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor’s thoughts, words, and deeds in a favourable way:
Every good Christian ought to be more ready to give a favorable interpretation to another’s statement than to condemn it.

The same locus of faith

2016-01-07T12:45:00.005-08:00

It's not often I find gems worth keeping on the Chant Café.

But there's one today here:

On the other hand, when those who take the responsibilities of liturgical office arrive at some belief that the vagaries of propriety and canon mitigates and dismisses all other concerns that are part and parcel of ritual and worship by HUMAN BEINGS, then they risk not recognizing Christ at their own doors. They put on blinders to the reality that those whom they serve are not likely all at the same locus of faith.

Just to repeat the key phrase:

"those whom they serve are not likely all at the same locus of faith"

A mature adult faith may well be nurtured by does of dignified, beautiful Latin hymns delivered in a measured pace with decorum.

But to the average child or teenager (not the musical prodigy, just the average one) such treasures will be the aural equivalent of eating sawdust.

Keep the polished gems for sure. But be aware that they weren't the church's music in Jesus time, and they're not necessarily Jesus voice for the youth (and indeed many adults) of today, either.

Why parish musicians do what they do

2015-12-30T03:20:00.003-08:00

"Our parish musicians ... are not here to put on a show or delight us with their musical talents. They put their talents at the service of those of us in the pews. And the greatest way we can respond ... is by raising our voices in song with those around us."

From http://gottasinggottapray.blogspot.com/2015/12/sparking-musical-fire.html

Bad Catholic Music is not a thing

2015-11-09T13:08:00.002-08:00

Some conservative Catholics have an amazing inability to comprehend just how wide their church is, and that their sensibilities are not the same as everyone else's.

This guy has a rant about what he calls "Bad Catholic Music" (BCM allegedly).

He has not problem with saying that he stopping going to Mass for a while because he didn't like the music.

"I don’t recommend it – but it worked, because the only place you encounter those smug, gloopy songs is a modern Catholic church"

I think this gives a pretty good insight into the role that Eucharist played in his spiritual life at the time: he could have easily enough found a music-less Mass, or even just offered-up his sufferings for the greater good: Instead, he stopped going and blamed it on other people's music choices, rather than take responsibility for his own spiritual state. Now he's found places that play the chunes he likes, he's back again - arguably to worship Hayden, Byrd, and whoever else.

Good for him. I hope God can work effectively in his life, using the means that God has for communicating with him.

But I cannot agree that his "high art" musical tastes represent everyone else's pathway to God too. God is just too big to be limited to one genre, one motif, one groove.

And do not even start me on how a song can "be" Catholic.

Merton on Gregorian Chant

2015-10-12T04:26:00.001-07:00

The Chant Café has some interesting comments from Thomas Merton about Latin and (Gregorian) chants.

He says "they offer us an irreplaceable monastic and Christian experience." Which is great, because it sets his comments strictly in the context of monastic experience, ie people who have devoted their lives to full-time prayer and detachment from the world. Which is not the case for most Christians.

He also notes that

"it is not at all impossible to make such things [meaning Latin and chant] understood and appreciated. Generally I succeed quite well in this, in the novitiate, with some exceptions, naturally, who did not understand well."

So some his novices - highly motivated, aspiring professional-prayers in full time formation with an experienced guide - couldn't manage to understand Latin and chant.

If some of them couldn't manage it, then what hope for the average Christian whose capacity for such formation is intrinsically less, simply because they have to devote the majority of their time to the affairs of the world.

My conclusion: Chant is great for people who have the gift of praying with chant. But that isn't all - or even most - of us.

Retreat Venues in Ireland

2015-10-12T04:23:00.001-07:00

I can't find a good list anywhere else, so am making my own. In no particular order:

Lay Retreat Association of St Ignatius

Donegal

Lough Derg (There are also places called Lough Derg in Clare and Galway, but they're not the retreat centre)

Galway

Esker
Jesuit
Croi Nua

Kilkenny

Integritas Centre

Mayo

Ballintubber?