Blog

Latest Posts

The Good Friday Reproaches (Popule Meus): A Profound Lament in Sacred Music

March 30, 2025 | by Noel Jones

Few pieces of sacred music encapsulate the solemnity of Good Friday as powerfully as the Improperia, commonly known as the Good Friday Reproaches (Popule Meus). These hauntingly beautiful texts, traditionally chanted during the Adoration of the Cross, express Christ’s sorrowful lament over the ingratitude of His people, contrasting His acts of salvation with their rejection of Him. Continue Reading >>

Gregorio Allegri's Miserere

March 5, 2025 | by Noel Jones

Your Parish's Lenten Journey

January 28, 2025 | by Staff

December 11, 2024 | by

Parish Book of Chant, meet A Catholic Book of Hymns!

October 27, 2024 | by Noel Jones

Several years ago, your parish may have made the decision to enrich its liturgical music by reintroducing Gregorian Chant, transforming the musical atmosphere of worship. And The Parish Book of Chants by the Church Music Association of America has appeared in more and more pews as the years go by. The return of these historic Latin chants brought about positive spiritual renewal. But what about hymnody? Continue Reading >>

How do I make old hymns sound new and exciting?

October 15, 2024 | by Noel Jones

Catholic hymns connect us to a rich spiritual heritage, but with a few thoughtful techniques, they can also feel fresh and dynamic in every Mass. Here are five ways to bring more vibrancy to hymn singing in the Catholic liturgy. Continue Reading >>

NEW RELEASE: Early Music for the Organ

October 7, 2024 | by Noel Jones

In many parishes, authentic sacred music is still disconnected from its roots. This compilation of organ works aims to bridge that gap by reviving forgotten pieces that fit perfectly within the liturgy. Continue Reading >>

Only a Flexible Catholic Hymnal Can Do This

September 25, 2024 | by Noel Jones. AAGO

The Importance of Good Hymn Theology

August 14, 2024 | by Guest Author

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 >>

Bringing Hymns to Life

August 5, 2024 | by NAJAAGO@GMAIL.COM

5 Good Reasons to Visit A Catholic Sacred Music Library Today!

August 2, 2024 | by

About Noel Jones

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 >>

Can I play the organ during Lent? (Plus free music download!)

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 >>

A Catholic Book of Hymns: Online Index

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 >>

Why do I need a Catholic hymnal?

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 >>

Organ Lesson – Complainers don’t like how I play Psalms and the Alleluia

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 >>

What's a Chorale Prelude?

| 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 >>

Harmony Unveiled: The Sacred Symphony

| by

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 >>