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The Introit Gaudeamus omnes

"To the Editor, THE ECCLESIASTICAL REVIEW.

Every well instructed Catholic knows the meaning and the importance of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Without the graces emanating from this Sacrifice and without those granted by the Eucharistic presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, the Church established by Christ on earth would not have been able to withstand for 1900 years the attacks aimed at her by the powers of hell. Through the daily renewal of the unbloody Sacrifice, and through the frequent reception of Holy Communion, the Catholic receives sufficient strength to overcome the temptations of the flesh, the world, and the devil.

Christ's words, "Behold! I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world," are an assurance that the bark of St. Peter will not succumb to any storm.

In their satanic hate, the enemies of Holy Church have attempted by trickery and by the enactment of prohibitory laws to render the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass impossible. We hope and pray that their efforts may never succeed either in this or any other country.

Knowing the infinite fruits of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Church has issued certain rules for an appropriate celebration of it. Although the so-called Low Mass and a solemn High Mass are the same renewal in an unbloody manner of the Sacrifice on the Cross, the ritual stresses the importance and style of music to be used in the latter ceremony. The late Pope Pius X, of blessed memory, issued special instructions in regard to this. He was solicitous to have the singing and the music of Mass appropriate to the solemnity and holiness of the sacrifice.

As a result there has been a reform of our church music and, although many abuses have been eradicated, perfection has not been attained. In order to obtain better and more satisfactory results, it occurs to me, three things are necessary:

1. The firm wish and will of the pastor to promote good church music.
2. The ability and the desire of the organist to use none other.
3. The cooperation of talented members of the parish who have good voices and who are at the same time zealous, imbued with a spirit of self-sacrifice, willing to join the choir and to attend rehearsals regularly.

Even though the pastor and the organist do all in their power in this respect, our organists experience great difficulty in obtaining new members for their choirs. This is no doubt due to the spirit of frivolity and the desire for pleasure which have taken possession of many of the younger generation of Catholics. This is especially true in our city parishes, while in the country the fact that many members live too far from the church is offered as an excuse.

One would naturally think that the increasing number of daily communicants would effect a change in these conditions.

Is it not logical to conclude that among those who receive their Eucharistic Lord frequently there should be many who would be willing to utilize their voice for making the divine services more solemn and edifying?

Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of complaints from organists that they find it difficult to get additional singers, or even to retain those who have been members of their choirs. It is but natural that such choir directors become discouraged and finally seek some other means of livelihood.

But in addition to this prevalent spirit of frivolity and the selfish pursuit of pleasure, there must be another reason for this deplorable condition.

In the writer's opinion, it would be unjust to place the blame entirely upon the organist and director.

Even though the pastor must devote his time to the more important duties of administering the Sacraments, conducting divine services, preaching, imparting instructions, etc., it devolves upon him to take also an active interest in the choir. Not only should he be a critical observer of all things pertaining to it, but he should also cooperate heartily with the organist and director.

The pastor's authority is indeed superior to that of the organist or choir director.

In what way can the pastor and his assistants help to cooperate in this movement?

1. By frequent attendance at rehearsals and there encouraging the singers and the organist.
2. By granting them special favors, such as, taking them on an outing or an excursion, or providing other forms of pleasure and amusement, even though it require a financial sacrifice on the part of the parish.
3. By occasional reference to the reward which the singers earn by the sacrifices made and by their participation in the divine services, which they help to make more solemn and impressive and thus edify those in attendance. Reference might be made to the fact that those who persevere as singers in the church choir may one day join the heavenly choir in singing God's praises.
4. By encouraging the parochial school children who have good voices to join the children's choir, whence later on they may be advanced to the adult choir. The director of the children's choir is in a position to observe those gifted with musical voices and talent who later on may be acceptable as members of the adult choir.

A word from the pastor would be sufficient to keep the child interested. A child would be highly elated if, for instance, the pastor should say: "John, I expect that some day you will be a member of our big choir. Continue to be the same good boy, diligent and attentive, and later on you may help our good organist to have a fine choir," etc.

Words of encouragement should be imparted frequently so that the children may learn the significance and the importance of a good choir.

The writer is not a confirmed optimist, but he is convinced that there will be a marked improvement in our church choirs, if the pastors cooperate harmoniously and actively with the organist and director. The writer is one of many who have experienced the trials and tribulations of A CATHOLIC ORGANIST."

Source: American Ecclesiastical Review, Volume 72 Herman Joseph Heuser Catholic University of America Press, 1925. p 633