Choir Blog

The Choir will also be receiving a special section on this blog, although the entire community is encouraged to view its contents. Much of the music will be for "choir only" but on occasion a congregational hymn or Mass setting will be posted.

The Re-Conquest of the West Through Music

The Holy Father has a passion for music. He has called more than once for a re-taking of the West through the Sacred Liturgy. An integral part of this plan then, must necessarily include music. The music especially suited to the venerable Roman Liturgy is Gregorian Chant. Unfortunately, since the Second Vatican Council, Gregorian Chant has seen a great decline in the Ozarks. It is with great joy then that I announce initial steps to reclaim the territory lost by greatly expanding the use of Gregorian Chant at the Extraordinary Form Mass at the Cathedral in Springfield. At present, Mass VIII is the current "chant setting" which is ordinarily used for Holy Mass. Working with the choir much over the next few weeks, I hope to make Masses II, IV, IX, XI and XVI and the Requiem Mass a regular part of the Liturgy at St. Agnes. Included in this push for more chant will also be Credo I and a reappearance of Credo V that we saw for Father Orthel's first High Mass as well as many obscure and all but forgotten chant pieces. This will take sometime, but with the grace of God will be in full swing by January of next year. On the blog I will begin to post some different chants of the Masses so that the faithful may raise their voices to God with the schola and choir. Mass XI and IX will soon be heard, and God willing and Mary interceding will then become a regular part of the chants known by the community.

High Masses Now the Norm

For Sunday's and Holyday's at St. Agnes according to the Extraordinary Form, congregants will be treated to a Sung Mass as the normative form for these occasions. If Father is unable to sing the parts of the Mass due to illness, a Low (recited) Mass will be offered that day. Come with your prepared voices from now on!

Also: If you do not have an email address on file with the community please submit one as soon as possible as this will become the normative means for the distribution of hymns until hymnals are purchased.

Choir Help

I have been asked to MC a High Mass in Cherokee Village, AR for the First Friday Mass in May. Please contact me if you are interested in preparing some hymns in my absence from First Friday Mass in Springfield. Marian Hymns are appropriate.