It's been far too long since I've posted anything on this blog. I've decided as an Advent resolution that I will create time for things that I'm neglecting. So in addition to several others things, my blog is now receiving more attention. Some much has happened since the last post that it is hard to know where to begin.
I will star with Advent. Normally it is just the beginning of another liturgical year, but this year is unique. Starting last week, we (i.e. English speaking Catholics) welcomed and implemented a new translation of the Roman Missal; the book that contains the prayers for the celebration of the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This 3rd edition of the Roman Missal is a more faithful English translation of the Latin version of the same Missal. Why is it so important? Well, it is the most comprehensive change to all parts of the Mass since the publication of the 2nd edition of the Roman Missal in 1974. An entire generation has known only this Mass until just last week when the new translation went into effect.
St. Peter's has been diligently preparing for this new translation. Since mid-October we have hosted a series of lectures every Sunday evening that examines closely the changes in order to give a deeper and greater appreciation and understanding of the Mass.; it's almost like when Facebook updates it's format, just not as often. :) It's been really great since the church just finished its restoration project this past summer, so now in the fall we have not only a new and beautiful church, but a new(ish) and beautiful liturgy.
During these lectures we included time to sing through the new setting of the Mass Ordinary (i.e. Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei.) The setting was written earlier this year by Jeff Ostrowski, it's a simple chant-style setting with very singable and easy to learn melodies. What do you think?
Kyrie: http://www.ccwatershed.org/video/20819919/?return_url=/vatican/harmonizations/1/
Gloria: http://www.ccwatershed.org/video/20819229/?return_url=/vatican/harmonizations/1/
Sanctus: http://www.ccwatershed.org/video/20819359/?return_url=/vatican/harmonizations/1/
Agnus: http://www.ccwatershed.org/video/20819762/?return_url=/vatican/harmonizations/1/
The beauty of this mass is its simplicity; straight-forward but elegant. It isn't "catchy" as some settings but you certainly feel a sense of the sacrality of the texts. Moreover, the melodies are so closely knit with their respective texts regarding word accents and speech rhythms that they feel comfortable and are pleasing to sing.
All in all, it has been an exciting past few weeks. There will be more to come soon!
- Andy
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