The wave of the priestly future: sacred music and seminarians
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,509
    In another thread about organists' pants or something, Hartley Martin wrote
    I am please to report that in my diocese, the DoM of the Cathedral Church is also the DoM of the seminary (in fact he directs in two diocesan seminaries, not to mention a college choir.)

    The seminarians are taught to sing a variety of 3-voice motets, learn a basic repertoire of Gregorian Chant, a mixture of traditional and some more modern hymns (hymns, not "worship songs") and are also expected to regularly serve at the altar in the Cathedral Church.

    I think that realistically, the only way that seminarians can receive a proper liturgical formation is to participate in the liturgy of the Cathedral church and to themselves have received at least basic instruction in reading music, particularly in Gregorian Chant.

    I have had the benefit of making friendships with a number of seminarians, a number of whom have since been ordained and are now assistant priests in various parishes. Hopefully this bit of "networking" will pay off later and land me a job. The latest groups of young priests being ordained very well appreciate a high standard of liturgical music.


    I've seen similarly promising enterprises for the sacred music development of seminarians, and thought I'd open a thread on the subject.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • aria
    Posts: 85
    Good seminarian formation makes a difference! Our pastor went to Mundelein, he chants the Dialogues, and is thrilled that my little group is introducing Antiphons. He has a deep love of the liturgy and a great respect for sacred music. Making changes in our parish will take time but I definitely think having the pastor on-board is key... and that things are moving in the right direction.
    Thanked by 3CHGiffen francis Blaise
  • CharlesW
    Posts: 11,980
    I have met several seminarians and priests who attended Mundelein. I was impressed with all of them for their understanding of music and liturgy. They must be doing something right at Mundelein!
  • melofluentmelofluent
    Posts: 4,160
    Even better now that Barron oversees!
    Thanked by 1Andrew Motyka
  • matthewjmatthewj
    Posts: 2,700
    With Adam Bartlett as their chant instructor, the Mundelein will be a seminary we'll be hearing about constantly for years and years to come.
  • melofluentmelofluent
    Posts: 4,160
    Awesome!
    M, was that the situo that opened Phoenix for you ?
  • matthewjmatthewj
    Posts: 2,700
    http://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/9517/announcement-regarding-my-future-work/p1
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