FAQ on Sacred Music

The Church Music Association of America (CMAA) has published a brief document that responds to frequently asked questions regarding Sacred Music in liturgical celebrations of the Roman Rite. This is a particularly helpful resource that gives concise and honest answers to "why we do what we do."

Click here to visit the CMAA website, which offers many different resources for musician and parishioners of all backgrounds.

Clicking here will allow you to download and view the FAQ document.

Shape-note Hymnody

At Saint Andrew Church this weekend, we will be singing the hymn "Take Up Your Cross" to the shape note hymn tune Bourbon. For a brief introduction to shape-note hymnody, stop the automatic playlist at the bottom of this page, and check out this video:

Dr. Patrick Gorman on Liturgy

The Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Madion, Dr. Patrick Gorman, has written a very insightful and refreshing article on the Church's liturgical activity. Click here to read the article on the Diocesan Office of Worship blog "One Body, One Spirit." A standing link to this blog can also be found on the right-hand side of this page under Helpful Links. Thank you to Dr. Gorman for this refreshing perspective on the Church's liturgy!

A. Gregory Murray, O.S.B.

This past week at St. Andrew's we began learning a Gospel Acclamation setting that is new to this parish:


The setting was written by Dom A. (Anthony) Gregory Murray, an English Benedictine monk, organist and liturgist.

Murray was born in 1905 in London and began musical studies as a chorister at Westminster Cathedral. He was a prodigious organist, receiving the highest level certification from the Royal College of Organists at the age of 17. In 1923 Murray became a Benedictine monk at Downside Abbey and would go on to play regular organ recitals broadcast across the country by the British Broadcasting Corporation (the BBC). He made extensive contributions to Roman Catholic liturgical music through his work in developing the 1939 Westminster Hymnal and composing A People's Mass around 1950.

Click here for more information on Dom Gregory Murray.