I have no novenas to St. Cecilia, although I do admire her. She is honored in both the eastern and western churches. The rosary is not that common among us easterners either. Would you settle for a Moleben to Jesus, a service of prayer to Jesus, the lover of mankind? It will be offered for the intentions you mentioned.

Here is one courtesy of Sean Tribe, IIRC (well, SOMEone from TNLM... maybe even Jeffrey?) that I had seen a while back -- posted in preparation for the motu proprio on the EF, perhaps?

http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf

(Save the Liturgy, Save the World)

Thanks, G. This is indeed the St. Cecilia novena I remember and have a copy of.

Please if everyone could include this novena in their prayers as a part of this little exercise.

The power of prayer!

Also, if you've read this and are planning on entering into the prayer, but haven't said so here, could you please post a reply? It would be nice to know just how much solidarity in prayer we're able to muster! Also, if you've put a Mass request into your parish, could you post it here?

**UPDATE**

Earlier this evening I lit a 15-hr votive before my ikon of St. Cecilia and prayed the novena. I then proceeded to my home altar and prayed Vespers from the "Little Office of the BVM" in English, except for the hymn Ave maris stella which I sang from the Liber Hymnarius.

Thank you Mary Jane. It's never too late!

Please, everyone who reads this: PRAY! PRAY NOW!

The Enemy cannot stand it when Our Lady in invoked, let alone saints like Cecilia. Even if you can only offer an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for the intention of the health, welfare and protection of church musicians, it all helps! DO IT NOW!

There are so many of us, even those who don't regularly participate in this forum, who are under attack. Everything we've worked so hard for, our unflagging loyalty to the Mind of Church, the degrees we've worked so hard for (for those who have them and have paid in money, sweat and tears), our built-up programs that we've nourtured, the little advances we've made in restoring orthodoxy and reverence to the Mass, it's all constantly under attack. Colleagues among us are sacrificing their health and well-being for the good of the Church, and the Enemy is building his army through unwitting and willfully ignorant people who do what they can to pour scorn on our work and the will of the Church. How many of us have been hounded out of our jobs? How many of us go home at night and wonder why we bother? How many of us suffer constant ridicule and unwarranted criticism? We try with all humility to serve the Lord and His Church, and are called elitists and snobs. Our best help is from the Lord and from Our Lady!

The Holy Father has done great things for us! Pray for him, too!

I do apologize if I sound a bit overly zealous. I'm just tired of all of the stupidity and silliness that I witness and am subjected to, and am convinced that a call to prayer is the answer. I do hope as many as read this will join in!

I'm in.

Well, I suppose it could be, but my original request was for the novena to go from last Saturday through this Sunday.

Obviously as a personal devotional exercise you could do this in perpetuity. Certainly couldn't hurt!

You just did my Oblate heart good!

Dr. Ford,

I am indeed. I missed this response and only caught it today. I made my final oblation 3 years ago at St. Meinrad Archabbey. (Andrew is my oblate name).

My discernment process was a long one. I love the liturgy and the liturgy of the hours especially, as well as the music of the Church. Dedication to the liturgy is one of the Benedictine "charisms". As the Benedictine rule also lays out a balanced (but nevertheless challenging) way of living, it seemed totally natural to be drawn to it.

If you are interested in the titles of some wonderful books on living the Benedictine rule as an oblate, please feel free to e-mail me and I'll send you a recommended reading list.

By the way, is there a community you've become interested in? Oblates take a vow of "stability" just as the professed monks do. In the case of oblates, the stability comes in the form of attaching yourself spiritually to one community, in my case the monks of St. Meinrad, and vowing to be obedient to the abbot of the community in matters pertaining to oblate life. You'll be invested as an oblate novice at the monastery church (or in a ceremony at your own church, with the rite provided to you), and will probably want to make at least one retreat at that monastery before making your final oblation, once again at the monastery church.

This may be more information than you wanted, but I'm always excited to find out that others are being drawn into the Benedictine way of life.

Hmm, an interesting suggestion.

That would mean starting another one tomorrow.

I'm in!

Today is September 22.
This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members.
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf

Sung Novena posted at chabanel psalms. We intend to close every rehearsal with this. See LITANY and the bottom of this page:

http://chabanelpsalms.org/miscellaneous/

And a great person who is missed, for sure.

This had slipped my mind. I will start tomorrow.

Oh, yes.

Joining you in prayer for this novena. St. Cecila, pray for us!

This is very beautiful. Our small schola will be joining the novena. I would like to ask you to pray also for the priests who are a bit resisitant to chant singing. We had one priest who didn't seem to be too happy that the schola was singing today in the morning Mass. (although it was announced in the bulletin.) The Mass was said so fast I can't remember much.
thanks.
Mia

David, sounds like prayers to St. Michael would be in order there too! I think my response would have been "the time to say no to what the Church wants would be BEFORE your ordination, not after." Which is probably why I don't work for non-traddie priests.

FWIW, while I was at an evangelical college they would occasionally have a pianist lead some traditional hymns. It was in a contemporary style (can't pin down more than that, I know nothing of pop music) but it was actually quite good - one could even sing in parts to it. Of course, they also didn't have an over-mic'ed singer...

The prayers of Novena above are beautiful, but one of my schola asked whether there is any prayers in Latin for this novena?
Thanks in advance.

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Thu Jan 22 through Fri Jan 30 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

May I ask prayers for a parish in the immediate danger of losing three musicians for all sorts of strange financial reasons, three musicians who have been seen as being there and also feel themselves that they are there as a result of Divine Intervention.

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Sun Feb 22 through Mon Mar 2 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

Edit:
Ooops, just realized that Mia already started the monthly invitation.
That is what happens when you type a comment and get distracted
and the next day click POST. :-)

You have my vote of support. I will be joining in this!

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Wed Apr 22 through Thu Apr 30 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

Do join in.
Even limited prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Mon Jun 22 through Tue Jun 30 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

Do join in.
Even limited prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

(The CMAA May novena notice was not sent out due to the coinciding
Holy Spirit Novena for Ascension to Pentecost)

I will join in--and if you can believe it, I will be carrying a relic of St. Cecilia with me to the Colloquium.

Is anyone else still praying the St. Cecilia novena prayer? I am, but hadn't heard from anyone else about it for some time. I am praying it every day, so it isn't strictly a novena.

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Wed Jul 22 through Thu Jul 30 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

Do join in.
Even limited prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Sat Aug 22 through Sun Aug 30 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

Do join in.
Even limited prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

I'm very pleased to join in the St. Cecilia Novena.

Because of very sad stories I am hearing, I am especially praying for musicians and parishes where a change in pastor has made matters very difficult.

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Thu Oct 22 through Fri Oct 30 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

Do join in.
Even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Any special needs this month?

I've been lurking for several weeks, but otherwise have "banned" myself from the board, refraining from actively posting responses or starting new discussion threads.

For many of us, we've been backed into corners, run out of our jobs, have been scorned and ridiculed (even by our own) for our sometimes overly zealous and tenacious adherence to fidelity to the Mind of the Church. Some of us have been pilloried for daring to question why some in the hierarchy turn a blind eye to the genuine sacrifices of the laity and a deaf ear to their pleas for charity, justice and fidelity to not just the spirit of the Teachings of Mother Church, but the letter of it as well. Others have revelled in provoking or agitating controversy for whatever purposes may motivate them.

St. Catherine of Sienna did not shrink from her conviction that the Papacy needed to return to Rome from Avignon and risked all to dare to implore the Successor of Peter to see error and correct it. We should not shrink from ours when we see clergy and the Princes of the Church acting contrary to their high calling and great responsibility.

Our Lord measured charity with firmness. Our Lady said "be it done unto me according to Thy Word."

We too must be willing to be brave like St. Catherine, be capable of measuring charity with firmness of purpose, be willing to say, "Thy will be done."

A new liturgical year approaches. We've heard once again during November the warnings and promises of the End of Days in the scriptures. Now we prepare to start again anew, re-entering into the cycle of the Paschal Mystery beginning with the observance of the Nativity of Our Lord in 5 weeks.

To end the liturgical year with a Novena to the Patroness of Musicians and the Protectress of Scholars is perhaps the best way to return to what we've perhaps lost sight of: the coming of the Kingdom and the welfare of souls.

Let us pray for peace, pardon and protection.

Ken, you have my prayers big time, and I will get my little ones praying for you.
You mention that you are home bound. Do you have a support network through your parish or otherwise? If not, would you kindly mention how people might assist you on a practical level?
Sincerely, Mary Ann

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Tue Dec 22 through Wed Dec 30 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

Do join in.
Even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Fri Jan 22 through Sat Jan 30 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

Do join in.
Even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Mon Mar 22 through Tue Mar 30 (inclusive)
Spoken
http://ceciliaschola.org/pdf/novena-cecilia.pdf
Chanted
http://chabanelpsalms.org/CHABANEL_PSALM_TOME/4719_litany_st_cecilia.pdf

Do join in.
Even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

As a reminder, the Feasts of Popes Sts. Gregory I and Pius X are coming up this Friday, September 3.

Happy feast, everyone!

"If we really understood the Mass, we would die of joy." (Saint John Vianney)

"It would be easier for the earth to carry on without the sun than without the Holy Mass." (Saint Pio of Pietrelcina)

"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd." (Flannery O'Connor)

St. Cecilia pray for us church musicians that we may gain the wisdom and strength to provide music that glorify God and help others to experience the joy of salvation given through Christ's obedience and humility on the cross.

Today is January 28.
The Feast of St Jude is October 28.
Given the situation described in Discussion 4613,
perhaps we can invoke this Saint to intercede on behalf of all
sacred musicians in difficult situations?

Fri Jan 28 through Sat Feb 5.

http://www.stjude-shrine.org/novena.htm

Saint Jude, glorious apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of difficult and desperate cases. Pray for me who am so miserable. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where help was almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly — (here make your request) — and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout all eternity.

I promise you, O blessed JUDE, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen.

Saint Jude, pray for us and for all who honor you and invoke your aid.

3 Pater, 3 Ave, 3 Gloria.

Thank you for providing these attachments. I've downloaded the chant version and will use it regularly.

Most of us are about to start our "musical season" in earnest in a couple of weeks. Before one realizes it, the Advent/Christmas season and the use of the revised Roman Missal will be upon us. While it is "just and right" to keep each other in pray at all times, the next 3-4 months will be ones of new opportunities. We will need all the spiritual fortification we can use.

Thus, this is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, August 22 through Tuesday, August 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, September 22 through Friday, September 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

What an exciting time for us so intimately involved with music and liturgy. We will have, beginning with the Vigil Mass this weekend, the full implementation of the revised 3rd. Roman Missal. We are putting the finishing touches on our preparations for performances (sacred and otherwise) during the Advent/Christmas season. And we have our own personal "to-do" list in readying for the upcoming holidays.

As we close in on one of our peak times in the liturgical year, the prayers of those in the Communion of Saints is needed more than ever. Therefore, this is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, November 22 through Wednesday, November 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

And so we begin Lent today. It is a time of intense preparation in more ways than one for us who provide music in our worship. Besides our own self-imposed disciplines, we are also in the middle of preparations for the myriad liturgies over the next forty days, climaxing with the Triduum.

Especially now, praying for others can be fruitful as well as needed. Therefore, this is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, February 22 through Thursday, March 1 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

On the threshold of Colloquium XXII, all who have an infinity for what we do will turn their minds, hearts, and souls to Salt Lake City. We who will be there in body will certainly remember our colleagues who are not with us. The "seven days of musical heaven" promises to be a great time of study, prayer, and fellowship.

Let us pray that this time will be fruitful, energizing, and rewarding for all. This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, June 22 through Saturday, June 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Great suggestion keep them coming. This is the first time I've seen it so I appreciate you re-posting.

I would like to encourage everyone to remember in their prayers this month the deceased members of CMAA. We hope they have or soon will join the choirs of angels around the throne of God in perfect worship of the Trinity.

Requiem in pace.

I played for mass this morning. The pastor did not want to do the Thanksgiving Day mass, but wanted to do the St. Cecila, instead. My kind of priest.

Our Lenten preparations are well under way, both with our musical groups and our own individual mortification. Once again we with our music undertake the task of making this desert time fertile as it blossoms into Easter joy. As we ready ourselves for Holy Week, the call for additional prayer took on an unexpected request earlier this month with the abdication of the Chair of Peter.

We give thanks for the contributions Benedict XVI has made to liturgical and musical revival and renewal in both word and deed. We pray the Holy Spirit will guide the College of Cardinals in choosing a successor who will be the leader the Church needs at this time in her temporal history. We ask for the patience and strength to carry out our duties as we draw closer to the High Holy Days of Christianity.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, February 22 through Saturday, March 2 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

As we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we also prepare for the liturgical celebrations of the Feast of the Ascension, Pentecost, Holy Trinity, and Corpus Christi. While it seems at times these feasts are "overlooked", they hold as much honor as Christmastide and Passiontide, a third jewel in the crown of our making a joyful noise. While it signals an end to the harried pace of the past nine months, it is no less a time of sincere and sometimes intense preparation.

As we ready ourselves to celebrate more of the tenets of our faith, let us continue to offer our prayers like incense. This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

"Summertime, and the livin' is easy."

While many of us are taking a break from major duties and responsibilities, it is not all hammocks and lemonades. The months ahead bring us opportunities to continue to learn about our craft and its importance in the life of the Church. With Colloquium XXIII almost over and other symposiums coming in the months ahead, we have the opportunity to gather and strengthen each other, to join in a community of learning and fellowship, to break bread and drink wine both physically and spiritually.

Let us pray for those who are continuing their educations in the many forums available this summer. Let us also pray for all to have a time of much needed respite away from our portions of the vineyard. This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, June 22 through Sunday, June 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

"Those autumn leaves drift by my window...."

That as well as cooling temperatures and the decorations for Hallowe'en (some even rivaling those displays seen for Christmas) tell us we are at the halfway mark of our preparations for the rest of the calendar year. The pace of preparation quickens, especially if you include readying for the feasts of Christ the King (either calendar), All Saints' Day, and/or All Souls' Day. Perhaps the more ambitious of us are even planning some kind of St. Cecilia festival.

There is never a dull moment when involved with the liturgical calendar. With all that is ahead of us, we do well to keep each other in a prayer to sustain us as we perform our duties. This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, October 22 through Wednesday, October 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

"From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggety beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!"

"Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving to God our Creator triumphantly raise."

The last month of the liturgical year is rather unique to us. We no sooner finish our All Saints/All Souls obligations (both professional and personal) and then look toward what is to come. Some may have a prayer service or concert based on today's patron saint. Some will go out with a bang on the Feast of Christ the King (as celebrated in the Ordinary Form). Some may have a little more music for the Votive Mass of Thanksgiving Day. And then by the time the tryptophan from the turkey wears off, it's the First Sunday of Advent and the final push to make ready the joyful noise for the Christmas Season.

We wouldn't have it any other way. While we finish our remembrance of the Church Suffering, we also give thanks for the blessings bestowed on us and to those near and dear. And since we begin this novena on the Feast of St. Cecilia, may her intercession be more powerful. This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, November 22 through Saturday, November 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

When one thinks of today's feast, we are drawn to the Proper settings to "Tu es Petrus". To think that one man, frail and flawed as he is (and don't you think for one moment those who have worn the Fisherman's Ring don't keenly and acutely realize this), has been given such power when he assumes his place on this cathedra is astonishing and awe-filled, to say the least. That he has the power of Heaven to sustain the weight of this office on his shoulders, to bear the burden of the Keys given to him, should console us as we execute our duties; we have that same strength available to us as to the Holy Father.

We will need this comfort and assurance in the weeks to come. As we prepare for this upcoming Lenten Season and all it entails, both personally and professionally, let us draw on this resource in this manner to which we are accustomed.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, February 22 through Sunday, March 2 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany may be found in previous posts.

In the merry, merry, month of May, a month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we come to the end (for many of us) of our duties as ones who raise a voice in song (either vocally or instrumentally) for our Holy Mother Church. And what a way to exit come this June: Ascension (Thursday/Sunday), Pentecost, Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi (Thursday/Sunday), and SS Peter and Paul. Talk about a month of Sundays!

While we may fuss and fret over the other two big blocks of liturgical time which demand our attention, these coming feasts require no less of our energy to make them as worthy of celebrating. They can be just as spectacular as what we do around December 25 and the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. The Church truly knows how to celebrate; hopefully, we are caught in that same Spirit that guides all our liturgical activities.

Let us finish with a flourish. Let us do what we always do--give our all to God. This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, May 22 through Friday, May 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany may be found in previous posts.

At least you don't need to worry about the interval tuning!

And so another busy part of the liturgical year comes to a close, and with it (for quite a few, if not many) the end of the choral singing season. And what a way to finish. Every Sunday in this month celebrated a significant if not major feast. And let us not forget the birthday of St. John the Baptist (Ut queant laxis anyone?).

The pace will slow considerably when the next calendar page is turned. Ever an eye on the future, while it is a time to balance rest with preparation, as has been mentioned before in this thread, it is not a slack time. Summer is a season of learning, of refreshment. of revitalization. Opportunities will arise and we will choose the best option for ourselves. And it will be a short window; September will be here before we realize.

Let us pray for all who have worked their portion of the vineyard the past year, that they may enjoy the fruits of their labors even as they prepare for the next harvest. Let us pray for new laborers to join us. And with Colloquium XXIV beginning at the end of this novena, may those in attendance be renewed in mind and spirit, gleaning all the blessings they can from those "seven days of musical heaven". This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Sunday, June 22 through Monday, June 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany may be found in previous posts.

It's the middle of summer. Various states of weather are being "enjoyed". A slower pace in our musical lives is at hand. Yet, we are not static. This is also the time to dream and scheme. We think of ways to stretch our musical growth and of those who support us. We seek compositions which are worthy of the temple. And we have an eye on September, when executing our plans begin in earnest.

While the living may be easier, the cycle of our liturgical existence is still at work. As we simultaneously balance rest and relaxation with preparation and performance, this part of the Church Militant continues to make its humble but important offerings. As we are mystically all in this together, the power of intercession is made more relevant.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, July 22 through Wednesday, July 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany may be found in previous posts.

"Salve, Regina...."

Just for something upon which to meditate, what might have God said to Mary upon her arrival in Heaven?

"Welcome, my Daughter; welcome, my Mother; welcome, my Spouse."

Intercessory prayer. Perhaps the most common form of our heavenly requests. While those of us use this litany on a consistent basis, we always have recourse to anyone in the Church Triumphant. Leading the way is the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us not forget her advice at Cana when we beseech her.

Regina coeli et terra, ora pro nobis.

It seems like we have much about which to pray, both "locally" and "universally". For many of us, "locally" our duties begin in earnest in a couple of weeks. Hopefully we will have fruitful vineyards and workers who will be eager to assist in the harvest. Some are entering different vineyards in various stages of development. A few vineyards need a new caretaker and all that entails.

It is that time of the year. Let us pray for the grace to accomplish well what we are asked to do. This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, August 22 through Saturday, August 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany may be found in previous posts.

"Come, ye thankful people, come. Raise the song of harvest home."

And so another liturgical year comes to a close and the next beckons. No sooner than we put the finishing touches on November's festivities, December's celebrations need attention. As the vision of the Four Last Things fades, the four weeks of Advent come into view. As the month-long remembrance of the Church Suffering concludes, the month-long preparation for the remembrance of our Savior's birth begins.

Such is the life cycle of a church musician. With a time and purpose to every liturgical season, we attempt to keep at least a step ahead. Yet "it is right and just" to pause and take inventory of what has been accomplished and give thanks for all that has been done. With Thanksgiving Day (in the United States) right around the corner, it becomes the perfect holiday for us who work in the musical vineyards to take a respite from our labor and celebrate with family and friends not only these blessings but all those bestowed upon us by God.

"Let us give thanks to the Lord our God." Let us also be strengthened for the task ahead--the worthy celebration of the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season. This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, November 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany may be found in previous posts.

A little late for the feast day, but here's the tomb of St Cecilia at her basilica in Rome with the statue by Maderno (1600). The arrangement is said to be based on the position in which her remains were found. With prayers and best wishes for CMAA members and supporters.

Where has the time gone? Why, just last post, it only a few days before Christmas. Now, it's only a week before Holy Week and the great liturgies associated with the Triduum. (And, again, mea culpa for the absence the past two months).

As we enter what is truly for church musicians "the most wonderful time of the liturgical year", we hope and pray our preparations have gone well and are ready to make a joyful noise unto the Lord in remembrance of His passion, death, and resurrection. We seek to glorify God and edify the congregation in our worship, especially the Elect who join the Church Militant at the Easter Vigil. Most of all, we humbly offer the fruits of our labors this Lenten Season as we let our musical prayers rise like incense for those eight days.

Let us be there at Jerusalem, the Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Via Dolorosa, Calvary, and the tomb both times. Let your "allelulias" ring out. Let our joy be complete.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Sunday, March 22 through Monday, March 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany may be found in previous posts.

(NB: Well, it was March 22 when I posted, albeit late that night.)

"And now the end is near...."

Liturgically speaking, we are nearing the end of the Ascension/Pentecost/Trinity/Corpus Christi season. Singing wise, many choirs are near the end of their singing duties for this school year. Personally and professionally, we look back and review our efforts and look forward to the making of plans for upcoming liturgies. And for some, they are ending personal and/or professional relationships, either looking for new vineyards or leaving one for the last time.

Yes, Janus resides in late May/early June as well as the end of December. It is another time of reflection and thanksgiving for all that has been accomplished beforehand. It is a time to be grateful to those who have given their talents in the service of this noble art. It is a time to take measure of what has been so we can begin to measure what can better be.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, May 22 through Saturday, May 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany may be found in previous posts.

And just as quickly as the summer started, it is just about over.

For those of us who has taken a hiatus to refresh ourselves, we will rejoin our colleagues in the musical vineyards shortly. Rest has always been prescribed: the Sabbath in terms of the seventh day and the seventh year, the invitation of our Lord to the seventy-two after their journeys, even the times Jesus spent away from the crowd. We are, after all, human beings, not human "doings"; we exist so we can do, not do so we can exist.

As we make ready for the upcoming months, with an eye towards "now" and "later" (after all, isn't Labor Day immediately after the First Sunday of Advent?), we pray for all who continue to give of their time to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord". We welcome those who join us for the first time in this endeavor. We wish success in our efforts, however that is measured. And we pray for those are in a new vineyard, that they may produce abundant fruit.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany may be found in previous posts.

"From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!"

As daylight continues to diminish, our preparations continue to intensify. While Christmas may only be two months away, there are still plenty of feast days which require our attention between now and then. Balancing the present with the future is just a normal part of our existence as a church musician, a skill we adeptly and adroitly execute.

As we get ready to honor the Communion of Saints, meditate upon the Four Last Things, and give our King His due, let us continue to pray for the health and well-being of each other. Let us also pray for the continued growth and success of our endeavors and that our music will strive to be worthy of the temple in which they are heard.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, October 22 through Friday, October 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided. (I finally copied them to the computer I currently use; my originals are still in limbo.)

"Adeste fideles, laeti triumphantes."

And so we are just two days away from one of our "most wonderful times of the year." A daunting tasks seemingly awaits us--the musical execution of at least three (perhaps four) Masses in the space of about 18-20 hours. But that is why we do this. We give a gift not of earthly material but rather from our soul. We assist our congregations in proclaiming this joy to the world. We give voice to one of our greatest celebrations in the liturgical year. We welcome a King as He should be welcomed.

It is a culmination of many months of planning and rehearsals, of worrying about every little detail. But we know the results will be worth it. It is also our opportunity to to give thanks for the many blessing we have received in the past twelve months and pray God will grant us more in the coming year. As we end the calendar year on a high note with our celebration of the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season, we echo what Charles Dickens wrote, "God bless us. God bless us, everyone."

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, December 22 through Wednesday, December 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

"Venite adoramus, Dominum."

With a more relaxed pace to the liturgical calendar, these are more the "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" for church musicians. The balance of rest and planning for the upcoming fall and winter liturgies comes into play. While those who still have their work to do in their vineyards for the next few weeks continue to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord", the preparation is not nearly as intense.

It is a time to renew our strengths. It is an opportunity to seek opportunities for growth and development, as those in St. Louis and Pittsburgh are/will do in this time. It is a time of reflection as to how best to continue in our respective roles. Let us pray we take the Lord's invitation to find that "out of the way place" where we can be revived.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, June 22 through Thursday, June 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

As we are now back to our routines for the next 9-10 months, with one eye on the present and the other towards the future, we realize how much we have to accomplish. There is the introduction of new: those who have joined us in this portion of the vineyard, those who are tending a different vineyard, and repertoire that will give glory to God and spiritual growth to those who are touched by it. We fret about how much time we don't have (wasn't Labor Day and the first Monday of Advent one in the same?). Yet we welcome this return to the rhythm of rehearsal and execution; for those who have made this a lifetime journey (as paid professional or devoted volunteer), it has been missed.

As we assist others in the public prayer of the Church, let us assist each other by offering strength and encouragement, sharing both joys and sorrows. Let us be Simon of Cyrene as much as we can. Let us be part of the great chorus of the Church Militant as we audition for a place in the tenth choir (the choirs of angels being the other nine) of the Church Triumphant.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, September 22 through Friday, September 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided in previous posts.

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"Lord of all, to you we raise this, our gift of grateful praise."

We head into final preparations for the upcoming Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season, all the while maintaining our normal liturgical rhythm during this past month. While celebrating the Communion of Saints and the King Who reigns over all, we get ready to welcome that same King as a lowly Infant. And just as we have finished this liturgical year, the next begins subtly as well as suddenly.

As we take this time to catch our breath before the final push, we also (here in the United States) has an opportunity to pause and reflect on the many blessing God has bestowed upon us and give thanks to Him for the same. While every Mass is an act of thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November is a reminder to do what the opening line requests. And with this novena starting on the feast day to whom we ask for her intercession and carrying beyond the First Sunday of Advent, may our prayers for ourselves and others be graciously answered.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, November 22 through Wednesday, November 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New (calendar) Year to all!

With a bit more breathing room between major liturgical blocks this year, the pace of preparation now starts to build again. With a grateful heart for what was accomplished and an eye for what is to be, we resume our roles in whatever liturgical stations of life we occupy. We can relax for a time, but we know that Ash Wednesday comes sooner than we think, never mind the Feast of the Presentation.

Let us pray for the continued grace and love to do what we do. Let us pray that our humble offerings will show improvement artistically and spiritually. Let us also pray we may become even more worthy caretakers of the vineyard in which we joyfully labor.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Sunday, January 22 through Monday, January 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany can be found in previous posts.

"He Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!"

(The joke goes while Jesus is risen, the organist and choir are dead.)

As we come to the conclusion of the Easter Octave (as well as the Divine Mercy Novena), marking the end of another high point in our liturgical celebrations, our joy, like those of that first Easter Sunday, is unbound and unbridled. We place all our faith, hope, and trust in this singular event, hitching our star to "the Morning Star that never sets." As our "alleluias" ring until Pentecost, we join our earthly song to the eternal "hosanna" the angels proclaim.

As the fulfillment of our salvation, Christianity's focal point, is remembered, we ready ourselves to celebrate other significant events and teachings coming in the next two months. While our work to praise our Triune God seems never to cease (a foretaste of heaven), we continue to do it what is right and just in our worship of God alone. Let us give thanks for what we have done to truly worship Him as well as the strength and perseverance to ready ourselves for more worthy celebration.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, April 22 through Sunday, April 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be; Saint Cecilia, pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members
Thu Jun 22 through Fri Jun 30 (inclusive)

Scroll up a few posts to retrieve PDFs
for complete prayers but at least:
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us!

Perhaps chonak or some other admin
could put the two files into a permanent place
so they could be referred to by URL rather than uploaded repeatedly?

Spring has sprung,
Fall has fell,
But now it is Summer
And it is hotter than...

Usual. :-P

And with summer comes a bit of a respite for most of us from our liturgical duties the other three seasons. A time to relax, a time to recover, a time to recharge, a time to retreat, a time to go to an out-of-the-way place. And with the less harried pace, a time to plan for what is to come.

While June, July, and August are times to let up, they are certainly times not to let down. The return of choirs from hiatus is on the horizon. We think of ways to bring more workers into our vineyards. We think of what music we, our fellow musicians, and our congregations are ready to perform and pray. We ponder on how we can continue to give glory to God through our music. Let us pray that during this time of reflection, we may be guided by the Holy Spirit and discern how to "pray twice" more effectively.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, July 22 through Sunday, July 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be; Saint Cecilia, pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

By now we have settled into our routine of rehearsals and liturgies for the upcoming 9-10 months. Our folders are graced with familiar music and pieces unknown to us, as well, perhaps, as our groups in regards to people. With one eye focused on the here-and-now and the other peeking into the future, our time is spent in preparation of voice, heart, and soul for the liturgies which call for and call forth our talents.

While the eagerness of these first few weeks gives way to the sobriety of the time and effort needed to polish our "gifts of grateful praise", we still welcome the opportunity to worship God in this elevated manner. Let us pray to strive to do and be our best, to increase our "talents", and by this effort give God His due.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, September 22 through Saturday, September 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be; Saint Cecilia, pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

"In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all." (1 Thessalonians 5:18--Douay-Rheims)

The last month of the liturgical year is almost over. A month when we are reminded about the Communion of Saints and the Four Last Things, over which Christ our King reigns. A month which includes the feast of our patron saint. A month which also seemingly begins secular celebrations of gratitude for our blessings and the desire to share "peace on earth".

We are given the opportunity to "catch our breath" before the final push towards the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season. We are given cause to reflect upon the many gifts given to us by God and give Him praise by thanking Him for them. We rightfully render an accounting of what has been bestowed upon us and return them with increase to He Who is the Giver of all good things. Now, more than ever, let us rejoice and be glad with even more grateful hearts and "raise this, our gifts of grateful praise."

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, November 22 through Thursday, November 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

"Blessed be the Name of Jesus."

In this month traditionally reserved for devotion to the Holy Name of our Lord and Savior, the Name above every other name to which every knee should bow, the invocation of the fourth line of the Divine Praises should be familiar to all. Having just celebrated His birth and various epiphanies, we greet the new calendar year with hope and optimism, knowing we are preparing for the source and summit of our liturgical year in about two months.

There is just about enough time to catch our breath before we begin work toward the next major liturgical celebrations. While we have had the opportunity to reflect upon the work we did at the end of December and beginning of January, we also know all too well Ash Wednesday is right around the corner. But such is this vocation we have chosen. Let us continue to pray for each other, that as our musical lives are so intertwined with the liturgy, our being may also be be intertwined with Him Who we praise and adore, thus showing forth His glory.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, January 22 through Tuesday, January 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

We are on the threshold of Holy Week, the commemoration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. We are about to begin Christendom's High Holy Days. We are about to celebrate our salvation from sin. (And how many of us have noticed this Good Friday will usher in Passover, as it did in the Passion Narratives?)

We follow Jesus into Jerusalem, the Upper Room, to Calvary. We hear the "Hosannas", the "crucify Him", His Seven Last Words. We are and continue to be the witnesses to all these things. And while "Do this in memory of Me" specifically refers to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, do we not also recall the events before and after during this time of the liturgical calendar?

We have prepared ourselves as individuals. We have readied the musical forces under our leadership. We now join our voices with all choirs on earth as it is in heaven and make the most joyful noise possible, because our redemption has been won. How fitting this month's novena will end with us at the tomb, so that we may wait with the rest of the world for that first day of the week. Let us pray for each other, that our individual and corporate worship may be just as pleasing as the Sacrifice He offered.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, March 22 through Friday, March 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Let us rejoice and be glad, ready to proclaim, "He is risen! He is risen, indeed!"

As we are in the middle of the last group of major liturgical feasts and (for many of us) nearing the end of our work for this season, we take the time to reflect on the successes and progress we have made over the last nine months, as individuals and groups, musically and spiritually. Some of this is tangible--perhaps a new work was learned, a skill was improved, more workers have joined your vineyard. It is those things intangible that take a bit more discerning.

I offer these questions for your consideration. Has your own prayer life deepened? Have you been effective in drawing your congregations into a deeper corporate prayer (thus, perhaps, influencing individuals)? Is there more beauty in your liturgies? Has this discipline called music helped you grow in virtue? I'm sure you can think of others along this line.

As this month devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary draws to a close, may we rejoice and be glad in our efforts to give glory to God through our art. May we continue to use our talents to create a bridge between heaven and earth. And while this is only a pale imitation of the First Novena, may our prayers for the next nine days produce good fruit.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, May 22 through Wednesday, May 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

All those who have been besieged by higher than normal temps and other "unpleasant" weather, I remind you there is a hotter location where that condition will be permanent. (And, yes, let us pray to be delivered from both of those conditions.)

While the middle of summer is hotter than usual, the pace of these days, liturgically speaking, is still somewhat relaxed. But Labor Day is not that far away. Wherever we are in the planning stage for the upcoming months, finalization will come, hopefully sooner rather than later. And for us who only have to assist in that execution, hopefully we have been maintaining our instruments (vocal or otherwise) so we can be ready for that first rehearsal. And with the Assumption drawing near, we may be called into action. Let us pray we continue to fruitfully relax and ready ourselves to resume our duties.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Sunday, July 22 through Monday, July 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

"Salve, Regina...."

The timing of the start of this monthly novena, no matter the month, provides ample material for reflection. It happens this month to coincide with the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary and the day after the Memorial of St. Pius X. It also happen to be the last one before most of us (re-)start in earnest our musical endeavors for the next ten months.

I hope the respite of these past few month has been fruitful, that your physical and spiritual batteries have been recharged, and you are looking forward to the coming preparation and praying. Let us pray, as we return to the portion of the vineyard entrusted to us, whether familiar or new, and with our co-workers, whether familiar or new, that our labor of love in service to the liturgy will bring a 30-/60-/100-fold increase in holiness to those who partake in it, whether in the choir loft, sanctuary, or pews.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, August 22 through Thursday, August 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

"From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!"

This somewhat whimsical prayer has made its appearance for at least the last couple of years when this reminder comes in October. Yet within its playfulness, there is a serious message. Our frail human nature battles not only the world, the flesh, and the devil but also other dangers we cannot imagine. It is only with the help of God that we can endure and perhaps overcome battles of both a material and spiritual nature. As St. Augustine reminds us, while God created us without our permission, He can only save us with it.

On the threshold of maybe the most sobering month in the liturgical calendar, when we, the Church Militant, prepare to remember our King (first in the EF calendar, then later in the OF calendar) and the other members of the Communion of Saints, with an eye towards the first major block of celebrations, let us pray to perform our parts well. Fulfilling our roles will happen sooner than we think. May preparation and vigilance, always a must in our spiritual lives, come to the fore as we ready ourselves for what is to come.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, October 22 through Tuesday, October 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

(Again, while the time stamp will say October 23, I did start this at 10 PM MDT. The Department of Procrastination thanks you for your indulgence.)

"People, look East, and sing today: Love, the Lord, is on the way."

Yes, He is. We are just days away from the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our preparation has been for four months, not just four "weeks". And it does not end on "the first day of Christmas", but extends into the new calendar year.

The timing of this novena is especially gratifying. The "O" Antiphons are almost complete. The various feasts within the Octave amplify the mystery of the Incarnation. The joy we find in this birth is but an echo of the joy we find in our salvation. It is truly a time when "heaven and nature sing". Let us pray, as we lift our voices and instruments during this time of the year, that we may make the most joyful noise we are able.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, December 22 through Sunday, December 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

"He is risen! He is risen indeed!"

The Sacred Triduum is over. The echoes of familiar music can still be heard in our churches, our minds, and our hearts. The joy of the Resurrection, celebrated in our rites, is upon us until Pentecost, while "Regina Coeli" weaves its way through our days.

While our High Holy Days may be complete, our gratefulness for the gift of salvation knows no bounds nor end. The victory over sin and death now accomplished, we use the next seven weeks to express our thankfulness. And as we do, we also prepare for the next block of major feasts as well as other special occasions. Let us pray that the successful rendering of our musical offerings carry us forward to just as satisfying results for the next two months.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Happy Easter, everybody!

Prayers, please, for 7 urgent personal intentions

Thanks for the reminder and the novena. But what is this "vacation" of which you speak?

I haven't forgotten. I am just practicing social distancing from my keyboard. =-)

There is no such thing as a "new normal". It is not normal to be isolated like this for as long as we have, whatever the reasons for it. It is not normal for the prayer life of the Church to be as muted as it is. It is not normal for our musical offerings to be a mere pitance of what we give in full voice and whole heart.

It seems we aren't "praying twice". Yet, I know we are still there, doing what we can under the circumstances. We have just finished the final two major blocks of the liturgical calendar, giving new meaning to the phrase "noble simplicity" in our actions. And now we enter the respite of summer, where plans for what is to come depend on how quickly we can be healed from this pandemic.

Let us pray for an end to this viral outbreak, especially for an effective vaccine. Let us pray for those who have been inflicted, that then may recover. Let us pray for the souls who have succumbed to this disease. Let us pray in thanksgiving for those who still make a joyful noise and what I think is certainly a heroic effort to do it. And let us pray for the time when we all can return to our vineyards and begin the work we have been entrusted.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, June 22 through Tuesday, June 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Adding a request that came to us at CMAA: an unassigned priest asks prayers for his intentions.

Just saw this and will start today. Thanks.

"And heaven and nature sing,..."

Heaven? Most definitely. Nature? Not so much.

While the herald angels will be doing their part, the crowning achievement of God's material creation will still be somewhat muffled and muted. Once again, a major holy day of the Church (and all the days to follow) will not be able to joyfully proclaim the Good News as it could. While the caution is necessary, it is still not welcome.

But we who work in this vineyard are nothing if not resourceful. As the secular Christmas song goes, we will muddle through the next three weeks. We will give what we can, give to the best of our abilities, and give it our all. We will "join the triumph of the skies" and "with th'angelic hosts proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem!'"

Let us pray for each other as we work through this part of the liturgical year, first and foremost. Let us be thankful for the blessings we did receive this past calendar year Let us pray this ordeal will quickly come to an end, so the joy to the world promised by the Christ Child may shine brighter than ever.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, December 22 through Wednesday, December 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We are on the cusp of Holy Week. Amongst the purple of this Lent will be a couple of glimmers of white. Final preparations for all the liturgies and devotional services we will undertake happen this week. We once again assist in bringing "The Greatest Story Ever Told" to its denouement in all its tragedy and glory.

While it's not that often this novena overlaps with any part of this second major block of liturgical celebrations, I would like to believe our undertaking of this prayer at this time will have more efficaciousness. As we accompany our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection, let us unite our personal prayers and musical offerings to Him. As His salvific acts truly fulfill the final petition of the Lord's Prayer, may they also "fill us with every grace and blessing."

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, March 22 through Tuesday, March 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

We have just started the final group of major celebrations of the liturgical year. With it (for many), this will be the last of their musical duties until the fall. It is always a wonderful way to end the season.

And with it comes an opportunity to reflect on what one has accomplished since late August/early September. How well have we given glory to God? How have we grown spiritually and musically? How much joy have we both given and received? You can certainly come up with other reflections; I provide these as a point of departure.

Let us give thanks for the ability and opportunity to praise God in this way. Let us continue to pray for each other. Let us look ahead to what we can do in our own vineyards.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, May 22 through Sunday, May 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

The summer months are a time for planning and preparing, dreaming and scheming. Having plans disrupted for the past 16 months makes us all the more eager to get back to doing what we love--giving praise to God through our musical offerings. Hopefully, by the time fall approaches, we can return to our places in whatever location is provided for us.

While the reduction in our outward expression of actuosa participatio has happened, this has given us the opportunity to reflect on our interior disposition. The questions beg. How well do these two match and adequately reflect each other? How can this improve? As this is a time to "go away and refresh" ourselves, I hope this is worth a little consideration. Let us continue to keep each other in prayer, asking for the grace of renewal of ourselves and our talents, so this light may continue to shine for all.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, July 22 through Friday, July 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

The first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. And with that change in season comes (more or less) the start (or, better yet, re-start) of another cycle of rehearsals and ritual performances for most of us. (Ah, the life of a church musician.)

There is much to do, especially if one is returning from the forced hiatus of pandemic-related shut downs. There is the necessary task of re-acquainting ourselves with our co-workers in our vineyards. There is the equally necessary task of re-acquainting ourselves with our music. There is the equally necessary task of regaining our voices, both literally and figuratively. So much integration; so little time (did I mention Christmas is less than 100 days away?).

Let us pray for the well-being of each other. Let us pray for the strength and courage to re-build what had been damaged since March, 2020. Let us pray for a successful return to what will always be normal for us: the glorification of God through our music.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, September 22 through Thursday, September 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

The last week of the liturgical year is here. In the United States, it also has a curious juxtaposition with the Gregorian calendar. This week features the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe; the Memorial of our Patroness, St. Cecilia--Virgin and Martyr; and Thanksgiving Day. It seems to fit in well with part of the Lord's Prayer: "Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread..."

As we prepare to give thanks for all the blessings bestowed by God and catch our collective breaths before the final push of preparation for the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season, we do well to recall the words of St. Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians: "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (5:16-18) As church musicians, this is who we are and what we do. And since this novena begins on our patroness' feast day, let us hope our petitions reach heaven with more force of intention.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, November 22 through Tuesday, November 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Memory, indeed, is a sad privilege; thus, I invoke it.

I have mentioned that sometimes the liturgical and Gregorian calendars intersect in quite interesting ways. This month is one of those times. While this particular novena starts on the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle, it ends this time on Ash Wednesday.

What an opportunity for us to have some spiritual preparation for Lent. Let us pray our Lenten disciplines will bear fruit when this joyful Eastertide comes. Let us pray our musical offerings throughout the coming season be acceptable worship. Let us pray that our "Kyrie eleison" becomes an evermore joyous "Alleluia".

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, February 22 through Wednesday, March 2 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

As we bask in the glorious light of Jesus' resurrection and the afterglow of our musical successes during Holy Week, the liturgical calendar grounds us in the here and now of our duties. We realize the next set of major feasts and solemnities (Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi) plus First Communions, Confirmations, ordinations, and perhaps a procession or two begs our attention. And while the execution of our offerings are not the "sprint" of the Christmas Masses nor the "marathon" of the Sacred Triduum, it seems we don't have the time to prepare everything well.

As we work just as hard to make these jewels in the liturgical crown shine just as bright as the rest, let us continue to pray for each other. May we continue to produce a harvest of 30-, 60-, or 100-fold in our vineyards. May we continue to give glory to God and edification to the faithful. May we persevere to finish this race.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, April 22 through Saturday, April 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

The Northern Hemisphere has just observed the summer solstice. Nature now begins it slow, steady, inevitable march into less time with sunlight. It, like the Herald of the Word, must decrease so He can increase.

We enter another instance where the Gregorian calendar aids the liturgical calendar during this time of recommended prayer. This year, along with the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (with Ut queant laxis at the ready), there is also the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, each with their own appropriate litanies (the Litany of the Sacred Heart and the Litany of Loreto). Hopefully one does take advantage of these "boosts" to the novena.

Let us keep in mind those who have gathered for Colloquium XXXII. May their time together be fruitful. May their prayers unite with ours at this time.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, June 22 through Thursday, June 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

It is here--the last days of summer. Vacations (hopefully) have been taken. Schools are or will be in session. And, for many of us, our return to our vineyards is nearly at hand.

Resting and recuperating, dreaming and scheming, planning and preparing have occupied some of this time. Soon we will re-acquaint ourselves with familiar faces and new voices and the routine the liturgical calendar imposes upon us. (And to think the first major block of liturgical celebrations is "only" four months away.) Let us continue to pray for each other as we ready ourselves to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord".

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, August 22 through Tuesday, August 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

"From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!"

(And also from two day lags in posting. I hope you started this month's novena without prompting.)

Fall is upon us in the Northern Hemisphere. Frost and early freezing hint at the arrival of winter. The harvest progresses.

We can say the same about our preparation. Between getting ready for now as well as later is a skill we almost do in our sleep. And before one realizes it, Advent will be upon us. Let us continue to pray for one another as well as our own endeavors.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, October 22 through Sunday, October 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

From the "Litany of St. Cecilia":

O Eternal God, Who gave us, in the person of St. Cecilia, a powerful protectress, grant that after having faithfully passed our days like herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of beatitude, where in concert with her, we may praise You and bless You forevermore in eternity. Amen.

On this day in November, when the end of the liturgical year is in sight, where those in the United States will soon celebrate Thanksgiving, when final preparation for the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season takes flight amongst all our other liturgical duties and obligations, we who "pray twice" find ourselves in need of more prayer. What better way than this litany this month, when, starting on the feast day of a church musician's main patroness, her intercession may prove more powerful.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, November 22 through Wednesday, November 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

CGZ, the rains and winds that were supposed to hit my city passed to the north and east of us. We only got a few sprinkles.

The time between the Baptism of the Lord and Ash Wednesday gives us an opportunity to bask in the afterglow of music well performed during the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season and a chance to collect our collective breaths. With the beginning of Lent now a month away, our focus now turns to the next and perhaps most glorious gem in the crown of sacred music: our musical offerings for Lent/Triduum/Easter.

This is also a time when changes to the vineyards may be seen--perhaps in new members, possibly a new vinedresser, maybe in new music. We welcome these challenges as we strive to make "on earth as it is in heaven" the eternal Supper of the Lamb. As the liturgical year continues on its cycle, let us continue to pray for each other, that our musical offerings "may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father".

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Sunday, January 22 through Monday, January 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

We have just passed the halfway point of Lent. By the end of this novena, Holy Week will be in sight. Our final preparations, our "road to Jerusalem", has begun.

With all apologies to the secular song, this is "the most wonderful time of the year" as a church musician. Now, more than ever, we are an intimate part of the liturgy. We appreciate the gravity of the moment and humbly strive to be worthy of it. May our musical contributions during "the week that changed the world" bring glory to God and be edifying to those who partake of these sacred mysteries at this time.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, March 22 through Thursday, March 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

We have now begun the final block of major liturgical celebrations. Once completed, the majority of us will have no responsibilities until the fall. We will, however, let the lesser pace of the following Sundays after Corpus Christi give us a bit of a respide.

Let us rejoice in what has been accomplished since last Labor Day. Perhaps you have more workers in your vineyard. Perhaps there has been a brick or two laid in implementing music closer to the ideal. Perhaps there is now a sense of normalcy after the mania known as COVID-19. All worthy reasons to smile and be glad. Let our prayers of supplication also be mixed with those of thanksgiving for the blessings received.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

The start of this month's novena coincides with the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. I came across an article with expounded on what the Apostle to the Apostle say at the end of today's Gospel, "I have seen the Lord." I would like to put a little twist on the quote: "I have heard the Lord."

We as church musicians are, of course, heavily invested in the aural. We give of ourselves to elevate the dignity and reverence of the liturgy through the work of our hands and voices. And when we aim for "the glorification of God and the edification of the people," we are, in a sense, an "altus Magdalena". Let us pray our musical witness be as profound as hers.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, July 22 through Sunday, July 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

We are well into our routines. Another season of glorifying God and edifying the faithful with as much truth, beauty, and goodness as we can produce is upon us. December 3 seems so far away, yet it is in the back of our minds with every passing Sunday. This ever ancient, ever new tension between the here and now and the future is the balancing act all church musicians must successfully navigate.

Along with those who have returned, perhaps there is a new voice or two amongst us. Perhaps a new vinedresser has assumed responsibility for your vineyard. Perhaps a musical challenge awaits. As we prepare for our obligations in the coming weeks and months, let us pray for faithfulness in our vocation, that we who "pray twice" may give our best effort .

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, September 22 through Saturday, September 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for both the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

I don't know if this would be the correct place to post this (since I am technically not even a member of the CMAA), but any prayers for the situation at the school where I teach would be very welcome, even if just a brief Hail Mary.

If any of your are feeling extremely generous, I have attached the Novenas to Saints Philomena and Cecilia, which I will be starting today.

Where did the time go? We were just celebrating Epiphany and now we're one week into Lent? Only for those who forgot to post the novena reminder last month did time fly.

Yet, here we are beginning the most critical six weeks of preparation in the liturgical calendar. Christendom's High Holy Days beckon at the end of March. The challenge is, as always, is to be ready. We as church musicians, professional or amateur, willing accept this opportunity to give glory to God with all our being. Let us continue to pray for each other as we "pray twice," fast from all unworthy musical offerings, and give of our time and musical talent.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, February 22 to Friday, March 1 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

(And I am late. I am late again.)

We are squarely in the middle of the Easter Season. The final block of major liturgies are on the horizon at the end of May. For many of us, this is the stretch drive of our duties for the year. While there was time to bask in the success of Holy Week, there is barely time to get ready for the Ascension/Pentecost/Holy Trinity/Corpus Christi celebrations (plus, perhaps, First Holy Communion and Confrimation masses and a Eucharistic procession).

But as Jesus will go up with a mighty sound, the Spirit will descend, our Triune God will be expounded, and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, we do know how to end this time on a high note (of your choice). Let us pray for each other as we move toward the finish line. May our joyful noises resonate throughout not only our churches, but outside them as well, proclaiming our worship, praise, and adoration to the world.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Monday, April 22 to Tuesday, April 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

Yes, I know I'm late, but at least I picked a great date to post this month's reminder.

First of all, to those attending Colloquium XXXIV, welcome. I pray your week here brings you great joy, enjoyment, and grace. Please keep the membership of CMAA as well as all church musicians in your prayers, as will I.

Secondly, being the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, we are reminded of the foundation of the solfege system with the singing of the hymn for the Divine Office/Liturgy of the Hours today, Ut Queant Laxis. It will be of great help as you perfect your music this week.

Finally, as we observe a more relaxed pace in our liturgical observances, we can look back on what we have accomplished and forward to what we would like to accomplish. While our vineyards will get the attention they need, we can also envision what we would like them to become. September will be here before we know it.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, June 22 to Sunday, June 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

I have mentioned in other reminders the liturgical calendar merges with this novena in unexpected ways. I have commented the start of this month's novena coincides with the Memorial of the Queenship of the BVM. However, there are other feasts within the next nine days that merit some attention.

The 27th. is the Memorial of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine. Her persistence in prayer, like the widow versus the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8), should inspire us to persevere in both our private prayers and when we "pray twice". The 28th. is the Memorial of St. Augustine. One of the great conversion stories in the Church, this is a reminder of how our work can edify the hearts of believers and non-believers alike and move them toward true union with God. The 29th. is the Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist. This should inspire us to continue our work in the face of both personal and professional adversity for the greater glory of God. As we ready ourselves for a new season of song, let us be reminded what we do is not in vain.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Thursday, August 22 to Friday, August 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

"From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!"

Ah, things which may frighten us. The only thing that should is "the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell". As we the Church Militant approach the celebration of the other components of the Mystical Body of Christ (Christ the King, All Saints, All Souls) and reflect on the Four Last Things, the Bride of Christ reminds us "tempus fugit, memento mori". All we do in our own lives are to be "through Him, with Him, and in Him".

So it is in this vocation as well. In doing what we do as church musicians we aim to follow the Two Great Commandments via the instruction of "Tra La Sollecitudini". As we make our way to the end of the liturgical year and the celebrations of the first set of solemnities and feasts soon to come, may we be united in prayer for each other so God may prosper the work of our hands (and voices).

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, October 22 to Wednesday, October 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

The end is in sight. The liturgical year, that is. With these final nine days, encompassing the Feast of St. Cecilia, the Solemnity of Christ the King (OF), Thanksgiving Day (USA), and the Feast of St. Andrew, the conclusion of this cycle draws nigh. Then, as time does march onward, the First Sunday of Advent rides on its coattails.

It is a time to gather our collective breaths, give thanks for the blessings musical and otherwise we have received form the hand of God, and begin the fine tuning of our offerings for the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany/Baptism of the Lord portion of the new worship year. It is a time to celebrate with sincere gratitude. Let there be joy in our praying twice, no matter the tone of the music we bring.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Friday, November 22 to Saturday, November 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

We are in the middle of winter, both in terms of celestial and meteorological. Whether or not it matches the bleakness of the poem, we nonetheless have a brief interlude to celebrate our accomplishments some three weeks ago. Birthdays are always a time of great rejoicing.

With Easter arriving a month past the Spring Equinox, we have a bit more time to prepare for the next and best jewel found in our liturgical crown. And with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord falling on a Sunday this calendar year, there is an opportunity to make an even more joyful noise for more to hear on this occasion. (And there will be other notable feast as well that get a Sunday spotlight.)

So much has happened since this last post. Let us pray in gratitude for Dr. William P. Mahrt of happy memory. Let us pray for the new make-up of the CMAA Board of Directors, that they may continue to lead well this organization in its mission. Let us pray that our own efforts, however humble, give glory to God's name.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Wednesday, January 22 to Thursday, January 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

"He is risen! He is risen indeed!"

The echoes of the music performed over the Sacred Triduum still linger. Our "Alleluia" has just begun. Our joy overflows in our joyful noise.

As we press on toward the final major block of liturgical celebrations, we are buoyed by the success of our recent work. We strive to make Ascension/Pentecost/Holy Trinity/ Corpus Christi as worthy and dignified as is their right and our duty. And let's not forget the Solemnity of SS Peter and Paul falls on a Sunday this year.

And while there is "Easter triumph, Easter joy", it is tinged with a sense of somberness. While we pray for one another and our vocation, we also should include the repose of the soul of His Holiness, Pope Francis. No matter our personal opinion of his papacy, this Servant of the Servants of God still requires our proper respect.

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Tuesday, April 22 to Wednesday, April 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.

I have only just come across this - thank you for everything you’ve done hosting this novena over the years!

Does anyone have these resources in Latin? Set to chant or otherwise.

God bless.

DOAdvocate, AFAIK there is not any type of setting in Latin. Perhaps someone with the ability and time could create these items.

"Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices,..."

As we conclude the liturgical year, we gather our collective breaths and pause to give thanks to God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us, personally and professionally. Grateful for the graces we have received, we gather with family and friends to celebrate what abundance has come to us. It is truly right and just for us to remember how much we depend on Him.

How fitting the timing of this novena, beginning with the Memorial of our patron saint and ending with the First Sunday of Advent. With our sights firmly set on the upcoming month, let us continue to pray for each other as we pursue our utmost art. May the music we bring bring glory to God and

This is an invitation to pray a novena with other CMAA members from Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, November 30 inclusive.

Do join in; even limited daily prayer (Our Father, Hall Mary, Glory Be, Saint Cecilia pray for us) is welcome!

Attachments for the spoken and chanted forms of the litany are provided.