The Catholic Institute of Sacred Music greets Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his election of the office of the Successor of Peter and Vicar of Christ. Having heard him sing several times in public since his election, we look forward to singing and praying with and for him throughout his pontificate. Long live the pope!
Jesus likewise issues clear directions when he institutes the Eucharist at the Last Supper. What does it mean that God commands this of us? How do we respond in obedience to God? And how can our worship be centered on God — how can it be Christocentric?
We often speak of liturgy as work we do on behalf of others — but it’s really the work of Christ on behalf of others, and we unite ourselves to this saving work of Christ. So how does that happen? And how are we fulfilling the command of God in doing this?
and
As a pastor, I built on one important foundation: No one wants irreverence. The faithful might not always recognize what’s reverent and what’s not, but no one wants irreverence. The point of the “active participation” in the Mass is prayer. It is worship. And whatever fosters an interior life of prayer is what builds up the Church.
Let me confess to you, my brothers and sisters: some of this was selfish. I wanted to be able to actually pray at Mass — not be irritated during it. What many people don’t realize is that for a priest, offering the Mass is the highlight of the day — really, the highlight of our life. But to do it well, a priest must be able to pray — and that requires silence in the liturgy.
I had the joy of attending the Pascha — their Easter Vigil — at Columbus’ Eritrean Catholic church. It was beautiful. I knew nothing of the language, but that didn’t matter. I could still understand what was happening, and I could see how they were worshiping God — and that they were worshiping God. Sacred beauty in the liturgy is a universal language that transcends our differences.
When things are holy and sacred, they are perceived as such by all.
And again: If God is lost, all is lost. So we must keep our eyes and our hearts focused on the Lord. I pray that the Church understands the fundamental unity shared by the last three popes — a unity rooted in the truth that interior, prayerful participation in the Mass is the most important thing we can do.
Read the entire interview over at National Catholic Register.
The second annual Sacred Music Study Day was a great day at CISM, with over 100 people joining us. We heard a talk by Dr. Donelson-Nowicka about the unity effected through sacred music, especially in light of the election of our new Holy Father, Leo XIV, whose motto is “In Illo Uno Unum,” “In Him who is one, we are one.” After a session on group vocal technique, we rehearsed a beautiful Mass ordinary by Paul Jernberg, learned the propers for a Marian votive Mass during paschaltide, and added some great Easter Marian hymns to our repertory. All participants sang for a solemn Mass with archbishop Cordileone, beautifully served by ADSF seminarians. In his homily, the archbishop gave a wonderful catechesis about the power of beauty to draw us into God’s covenant. We had a great lunch together, and about 30 music directors stayed for a session on learning to conduct chant. CISM was so delighted to host so many wonderful singers from all over northern California – thank you for your presence, your prayers, and your voices!
If you missed it this year, be sure to join us next year!
Please enjoy some photos from the day, as posted on our FB page, or our IG account.
Please join the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music in congratulating our founding director, Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, in her promotion to the rank of Professor from Associate Professor!
Congratulations, Dr. Donelson-Nowicka!
Learn more about this summer’s Organ Literature course from Prof. Christopher Berry in his recent appearance on CISM’s podcast, Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast.
He outlines strategies for making playing great repertoire every Sunday and feast day possible, even if you’re a really busy parish music director, takes us through some of the foundations for developing a game plan, the role the organist has in cultivating prayerfulness before and after Mass, and how to systematically work through Bach, among other topics.
Don’t miss out on applying for this summer’s classes! The application deadline is next Thursday, May 1st!
Learn more about the Organ Literature class and apply here: https://catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org/summer-courses/