August 14, 2024 | by Noel Jones
I recently deliberated on adopting a new hymnal with my parish staff. Despite not being musically inclined, I managed to jot down some key points during the meeting that resonated with me. What was wrong with our current hymnal, and why was a switch necessary? Continue Reading >>
August 2, 2024 | by
July 23, 2024 | by Noel Jones
At the Catholic school in his home town when other boys were memorizing the prayers at the foot of the altar in Latin to serve Mass, he was starting piano lessons at the age of 7, by the age 13 was also taking lessons with a Harvard-trained organist and then spent 5 years chanting daily Mass in Latin and playing the organ... Continue Reading >>
February 4, 2024 | by Neil Weston
Discover a curated organ music compilation for the liturgical season, highlighting the use of the organ from Epiphany through Easter, and the specific guidelines for its use during Lent. This resource offers music selections for Lenten services, adhering to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, and a free download of sample music. Continue Reading >>
January 28, 2024 | by
A beginning guide to using the various indices in your A Catholic Book of Hymns. You will find references that introduce some hymns that are unknown to you, and bear visiting and playing through. We have also developed a special index based on Sacred Scripture, so you can find the perfect hymns to match the Sunday or daily Mass readings. Continue Reading >>
January 25, 2024 | by Noel Jones
Catholic hymnals have a long and rich history dating back to the early days of the Church. The earliest hymns were chanted prayers and psalms. As musical notation developed, these chants and psalms were set to music. The first true Catholic hymnals emerged in the Middle Ages. These early hymnals, like the Liber Hymnarius, contained Gregorian chants for the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours... Continue Reading >>
September 30, 2023 | by Noel Jones, AAGO
I need some advice. I called the organist from our sister parish, who I like and has always supported me. She said that from what she has heard, I get too fancy and they like simple music.... Continue Reading >>
| by Noel Jones
And what's it a prelude to? That's easy. The tune of a familiar song - usually a hymn. You know how you get complaints when you don't choose something someone really likes? You can explain over and over again that "__________" isn't appropriate, good music or even worse, theologically deficient? And their answer to your explanation is "But I Like it!" What makes people like certain pieces of music. Continue Reading >>
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Once upon a time, in the quiet corners of a small Catholic parish, there lived a passionate music enthusiast named Gabriel. Gabriel was not just an ordinary churchgoer; he was the heart and soul of the choir... Continue Reading >>
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