Sunday, December 31, 2006

THIS WEEK AT HOLY GHOST CHURCH


Our second annual Christmas Concert

within the Christmas Season
Wednesday, January 3, 2007 - 7:00 PM

Four generations of instrumentalists!
Nick Fleming, teen trumpeter
Brian Michael Page, fortysomething organist/conductor
Reuel Gifford, sixtysomething guest organist
Conrad Briere, eightysomething violinist

And of course, the Holy Ghost Choir.

First of two segments:
Page - Rejoice in the Lord always
French, arr. Holst - Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Adam - Cantique de Noel
Gastoldi/Page - Laetentur Caeli
Darke - In the bleak midwinter
Beethoven - The Worship of God in Nature

Second of two segments:
Carols for the audience to join in
Hark, the herald angels sing *
Angels we have heard on high
Silent night, holy night
God rest you merry, gentlemen
The first Nowell
O come, all ye faithful *
(* indicates arranged by Willcocks)

Holy Mass - The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ
January 7, 2007

HYMN: Songs of thankfulness and praise (Salzburg)
Jubilate Deo (Gloria, Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus)
Psalm 72: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you (Page)
Alleluia adapted from the Mode V chant Divinum Mysterium
HYMN: We three kings of Orient are (Kings of Orient)
Chant Lord's Prayer, in English
HYMN: The first Nowell (English carol)
HYMN: As with gladness men of old (Dix)

Happy and blessed 2007!
Peace,
BMP

Friday, December 29, 2006

'TWAS THE NIGHTS AROUND CHRISTMAS...

...in the Cannonball house,...

You might hear readings such as this going on:

It was sometime near Christmas, and in the 'community'
They had butchered the Mass and its prayers with impunity.
No longer a 'parish,' for that term, you see,
Was deemed too old-fashioned-just like "Him" and "He"!

Since Vatican II and the diocesan studies,
They'd decided that devotions were for fuddy-duddies.
No more Adoration or traditional Stations,
Instead there were posted photos of war-torn, starving nations.

No Vespers, no Compline, no Lauds, Sext or None,
If you want those devotions you'll pray them alone!
The pastor had locked all the doors, and no lights
Were to be left burning to illumine the night.

Father strolled past the classrooms and through the church hall
And turned on his voice mail so that all the calls
Asking 'what are the Mass times?' and 'when is confession?'
(BMP rudely interrupts: by the way, what time is the 10:00 Mass? - Yeah, I worked for a church that seriously gotten that call before.)
Wouldn't disturb his pre-Christmas Zen Yoga session.

He opened the door to the rectory, sighing....
And slammed it, astonished - for out the door, flying
Came angels majestic, with glowering faces
And following closely behind, a few paces,
Was a tall, mitred figure in red robes trimmed in gold,
A most dignified shepherd from days ancient and old.

He sternly regarded the trembling priest
And thundered, 'How dare you! How could you! The least
Little child knows better than you:
We don't worship each other,we Honor the True!

You have mangled the Mass, you have diluted the Faith
And discouraged holiness - is nothing left safe?
You don't preach on doctrine or sins great and small,
Instead you host parties with wine and cheese balls!

You're really no better than a modernist Luther,
And Arius, Manicheus, - you're a "there-is-no-Truth"-er!
You really deserve a sound punch in the nose
Like I gave to old Arius so long, long ago.

Get into the church, and get down on your knees
And pray for forgiveness with sorrowful pleas!
'The priest stumbled backwards through the doors to the nave
And fell on his face, crying tears full of shame.

'Forgive me!' he cried, 'I have forgotten my call!
I have failed in my duty; I have caused souls to fall
Into indifference, modernism, error and sin!
Give me mercy, O God! I won't fail You again!'

Escorted by angels, the saintly Bishop drew near,
And softly he whispered into Father's listening ear:
'Our Lord in His mercy has heard you tonight.
You're forgiven, my son - see the angels' delight!'

And surrounding the altar in that dark, holy place
Were hosts of the seraphim with joy on each face.
His mission accomplished, the saint turned to go
With this final advice: 'you must preach the Truth, so
Your flock will be holy and reverent again.
Merry Christmas,' said Saint Nicholas. 'With your help, Truth will win.'

Peace,
BMP

TRIDENTINE MASS IN THE DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE

Excellent news! The first Tridentine Mass celebrated in the diocese of Lafayette in decades will take place Sunday, January 14th at 2pm, St. Peter's Church, Carencro, Louisiana. Music will be provided by yours truly at the console (a two manual Otto Hoffmann) -- items from the Langlais Hommage a Frescobaldi along with some organ improv, as well as chant sung by the Schola Gregoriana from Fatima Church.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

FOX ON THE TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS

Hat tip to Shawn Tribe at the NLM.

Fox St. Louis gives us this report on the return of the Traditional (1962 Missal) Latin Mass. What I thought was a great gesture for secular media was the reporter saying that the priest faces God and not the people, instead of saying the priest turns his back on the people.

Of course, the Missa Normativa can also be celebrated ad orientem (facing God and not the people). In both the Traditional and the Normativa (when said ad orientem), there are brief instances where the celebrant would face the people (Dominus vobiscum, Orate Fratres, Ecce Agnus Dei, Ite Missa est).

Side note: unfortunately the organ featured in the story sounds like a Hammond, but I'm optimistic as that particular congregation grows, there will likely be a better organ.

Peace,
BMP

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

GOOD KING WENCESLAUS

One of my favorite Christmas Carols. The first lines make that brief mention of the "feast of Stephen" (today), but I haven't been able to find anything in reference to St. Stephen in relation to St. Wenceslaus, except for this passage:

The words to the carol "Good King Wenceslas" were written by John Mason Neale and published in 1853, the music originates in Finland 300 years earlier. This Christmas carol is unusual as there is no reference in the lyrics to the nativity. Good King Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. Good King Wenceslas was a Catholic and was martyred following his assassination by his brother Boleslaw and his supporters, his Saint's Day is September 28th, and he is the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic. St. Stephen's feast day was celebrated on 26th December which is why this song is sung as a Christmas carol.

Source of the above paragraph

MIDI

Good King Wenceslaus looked out on the feast of Stephen.
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.

Hither page and stand by me if thou knowst it telling
Yonder peasant, who is he, where and what his dwelling?
Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain.

Bring me flesh and bring me wine, bring me pinelogs hither
Thou and I will see him dine when we bear them thither
Page and monarch forth they went, forth they went together
Through the rude winds wild lament, and the bitter weather.

Sire the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart I know now how, I can go no longer.
Mark my footsteps my good page, tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage freeze thy blood less coldly.

In his master's steps he trod where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed
Therefore Christian men be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.

Peace,
BMP

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT DURING CHRISTMAS SEASON

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 - 7 PM will be the date and time for the Holy Ghost Choir's "2nd annual Christmas Concert during the Christmas Season". Our guest accompanist will be my good friend and mentor Reuel Gifford, director of southern New England's well-known Pro Cantare. Music by Holst, Gastoldi, Darke, and Beethoven, as well as some of my own work. There will also be carols that the audience can join in and sing.
Come join us, as we feature three instrumentalists and a conductor from four different age groups - a teenage trumpeter, a fortysomething conductor, a sixtysomething organist, and an eightysomething violinist (who still plays very well!!!).
Holy Ghost Church is on Judson Street in Tiverton, RI. For directions, please visit www.holyghostcc.org, and click on Directions.

Peace,
BMP

CAPTAIN'S LOG - STAR DATE 12262006

I really thought this was an asteroid.
Brittany thought it was a crate found at the bottom of the sea (hint: she's a big fan of Pirates of the Carribean).

BUT

It's really a Tabernacle.


I thought this was home to one of those "ride simulator" thingies.
Brittany thought it was a giant tent.

BUT

It's really St. Malachy Church in Burlington, Massachusetts, the church that houses the above Tabernacle.

Hat tip to Gerald, who passed their Tabernacle for a Borg ship.

Peace,
BMP

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

December 31, 2006 - Holy Family

Angels we have heard on high (Gloria)
Gloria VIII
Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord (Alstott)
Alleluia adapted from Divinum Mysterium (Mode V)
Once in royal David's city (Irby)
Sanctus XVIII
Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (Jubilate Deo)
Single Amen
Chant Lord's Prayer in English
Agnus XVIII
(except 10:30) What child is this (Greensleeves)
(10:30 only) In the bleak midwinter (Darke)
Lo! how a rose e'er blooming (Es ist ein' ros entsprungen)

New Year's Day (Mary, Mother of God) - not an obligation this year, since it falls on a Monday (grrr! - in a way). One Mass at 8 AM, I'm not needed. (It'll be like any daily Mass, with Father leading a cappella - bright side: Father uses a really good selection of hymns).

Peace,
BMP

Monday, December 25, 2006

CHRISTUS VINCIT ANYWHERE! 61



You can listen below, or save the file by clicking here. (1:02:23/42.8 MB)
On behalf of Shamus, Fr. Jud, Chris Vincent, Papa Joe Ratzi, Frank A. Rinze, and myself, a very merry and blessed Christmas to all our readers and listeners.
In addition to the abundant music, we also discuss the chant, Puer Natus in Bethlehem.

Intro: A simulated crank phone call in an attempt to curb that Happy Holidays crap!

Feasts for the Week:
Christmas; St. Stephen the Martyr; St. John the Evangelist;
Holy Innocents; St. Thomas a Becket

Music Lists for Holy Mass: Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas.

Music (extra special thanks to violinist Conrad Briere, trumpeter Nick Fleming, cantor Jude Nagle, and the Holy Ghost Choir for their hard work):
Revelabitur Gloria Domini (Chant, Mode I); In the Bleak Midwinter (written by Harold Darke)
Cantique de Noel (written by Adolphe Adam)
The Worship of God in Nature (written by Ludwig van Beethoven)
O Come, All Ye Faithful/Adeste Fideles (with descant by Sir David Willcocks)
Laetentur Caeli (written by Giovanni Gastoldi and yours truly)
In Splendoribus Sanctorum (Chant, Mode VI); For Ever I Will Sing (written by yours truly)
Puer Natus in Bethlehem (Chant, Mode I)
The Little Drummer Dude, by Charlie Crowe, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network;
Hallelujah (from Messiah, by Georg Frederick Handel) (organ reduction)

Commercials: Catholic: Under the Hood; iPadre Podcasting Network; Disciples with Microphones
Liturgy 911: New COPS-style parody. Today, "Papa Joe" Ratzi and Frank A. Rinze pursue of the infamous Clorox Martini Lady.
Shamus' Adventures in Classical Latin, brought to you by Find Jesus. Shamus wreckovates Adeste Fideles.
Additional Link: Holy Name of Jesus Church, Providence, RI
Closing notes: Forthcoming concert.

CVA Interactive Corner

A CATHOLIC MEME

Accepted the tag from Ma Beck.

1.) Favorite devotion to Jesus: The Stations of the Cross
2.) Favorite Marian prayer: Recited: Hail, Holy Queen / Sung: Ave Maria by Tomas Luis de Victoria
3.) Do you wear a scapular or medal? Haven't worn anything around my neck since high school.
4.) Do you have holy water in your home? No, but my mom once had some from a shrine in Montreal when she travelled there.
5.) Do you offer up your sufferings? Absolutely. Ya gotsta!
6.) Do you go to Adoration? On a rare occasion, yes. As an organist, I've played my share of Benedictions.
7.) Are you a Vigil Mass person or a Sunday morning person? When I'm not at the organ console, I like to go when and where the music is good, whether it's a Saturday or a Sunday.
8.) Do you say prayers at mealtime? Usually in my heart, but on family gatherings on Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc., we do say grace.
9.) Favorite Saints: Michael the Archangel, Thomas the Apostle, Peter the Apostle, Pius X, Thomas Aquinas, and Cecilia. (I'll stop at a half dozen)
10.) Oops, I missed one. Do you observe First Fridays or First Saturdays? At this point in time, no. However, we used to as a class in first grade.
11.) Can you recite the Apostles' Creed by heart? Yes.
12.) Do you say short prayers during the course of the day? I try to.
13.) When you pass a car wreck or hear a siren, do you say a short prayer? One can't help but pray for the victims. However, in the case of the average Rhode Island driver (dubbed the "Rhode Idiot" or "RhoDidiot"), we often think of it as "one idiot hit another idiot" in the case of the car wreck.

Tag, you're it: whoever reads this and wishes to give it a shot.

Peace,
BMP

More on Pro Multis



Found this a few weeks ago, but was having trouble getting it uploaded. Unfortunately I can't hat-tip the blog where I found it because I can't remember.

~nb

Sunday, December 24, 2006

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

We, the snarks of Christus Vincit would like to wish all readers a

VERY MERRY, BLESSED,
and
SNARKY CHRISTMAS!!!

Peace,
Your Christus Vincit Snark Team
Brian, Nick, and Jason

Saturday, December 23, 2006

SHAW'S SAYS "CHRISTMAS"

Woohoo!

Shaw's Supermarkets, a chain with stores in all six New England states, knows where it's at. My wife and I have been shopping there since all the RoJack's stores closed down out here. Ann especially loves the 10-for-$10 deals there. This morning, we bought our ham - yeah, I know, some prefer turkey, others prefer "roast beast", so we got one "beastly pig" hehehe - along with some last minute necessities (milk, eggs, cereal, etc.) for the Christmas weekend. I was very elated to hear "Merry Christmas" come out of the mouth of the cashier that checked our order, as well as those around her.

Shaw's will be officially added to our Christmas "nice list" rolls. Kudos, and Merry Christmas!

Peace,
BMP

Friday, December 22, 2006

REALITY CHECK BARBIE

Yeah! Give these Barbies a sense of reality!

Three years ago, I got to thinking, all those different Barbie dolls out - Malibu Barbie, Ritz Barbie, Horse Rider Barbie, whatever species of Barbie are out these days - how about something with some reality to it... Trailer Trash Barbie! Forget the Corvette. Forget the Punch Buggy (that be the VW Bug - old or new). This one comes equipped with her own beat up trailer.

Fast forward to December 22, 2006. My wife got this from a friend. Those who know Rhode Island will appreciate these new Barbies. These cover a more "local" flavor to it.

Barrington Barbie:
This spoiled Barbie is sold exclusively at Talbot's. She comes with 45 credit cards, an assortment of Kate Spade handbags, a white BMW, a fluffy white lapdog, and a perfect cookie cutter house. Options include tummy tuck, face lift and a workaholic Ken to support her high maintenance habits.

Cumberland Barbie:
This trendy homemaker Barbie is free with any new Kirkbrae Country Club Membership. Barbie comes equipped with a silver Lexus SUV. She get lost outside of her $750,000 neighborhood and has no full time occupation besides gazing at the lawn and pool maintenance guys. Traffic jamming video cell phone sold separately.

East Side Barbie:
This annoying clueless New York City wannabe yuppie Barbie can be purchased on Thayer Street or through City Newspaper. Barbie comes with a souped up yellow Hummer H2, Starbucks Cup, and a library card.
(Note from BMP - This is the same region in Providence that houses the new Planned Parenthood quickie clinic that I ranted on a couple of weeks ago!)

North Providence Barbie:
This brassy, gum-chewing, jet black dyed puffy hair Barbie comes with a"2 sizes to small" leather miniskirt, unpedicured feet, sandals with 5 inch heels, 12 pieces of fake gold jewelry and a Chrysler 300 with a rosary looped around the rear view mirror. Can be purchased at any Italian store.

South Providence Barbie:
Available at Cumberland Farms between 5:00am to Noon the first day of the month ONLY. This recently paroled Barbie comes with 8 children, a slightly used 9mm handgun, house arrest ankle bracelet, Ray Lewis knife, pager number of her caseworker and Cadillac with tinted windows and working methadone lab. Options include specialized gang colors and the 8 fathers of the children.

Burrillville Barbie:
Ain't got no stores in this area to by it.....But, keep trying...This Barbie's Father is also her Uncle and her Uncle is also her Cousin and her Cousin is also her Brother and her Brother has a different father....She comes in Wrangler blue jeans, and a NASCAR T-Shirt. She can chug a six pack of Coors Light and spit tobacco. She drives a pick up truck with Confederate Flag in the cap window.

Lincoln Barbie:
This Barbie is only sold door to door as an athletic fundraiser. Barbie comes with 3 different Sport Booster Club gear. Barbie can easily be turned into Soccer Mom, Football Mom or Hockey Mom. Lincoln Barbie shops daily and knows what everyone else in Lincoln is doing, how they do it, when they did it, where they did it, with whom they did it with and how much everything cost!

Central Falls Barbie:
This Barbie can be picked up on any street corner. Barbie comes with Barbie "Dream House" with no trash cans or closed windows. House comes with constant blaring of Spanish music. This Barbie has 4 kids but doesn't know where any of them are, so you may have to purchase them separately. Also available with this model is Ken, Julio, Leon and Manuel dolls. None of which fathered any of the 4 kids.
(Note from BMP - The city of Central Falls - yes, it is a city, not a town - is a miniscule 1.2 square miles, but its population is well over 18,000.)

East Greenwich Barbie:
This Barbie is only available at Providence Place Mall. This Barbie has a permanent cell phone attached to It's ear and comes with a Ford Expedition or Chevy Suburban. East Greenwich Barbie spends most of her time driving her 3 kids and 2 dogs around. She does not stop at Stop signs and believes that parking spaces are for someone else. East Greenwich Barbie also comes with workaholic Ken to pay for all her shopping.

Peace,
BMP

Thursday, December 21, 2006

MUSIC IN CATHOLIC WORSHIP

William Mahrt on working towards a revision

Prof. Mahrt's essay here. An excellent read. Hat tip to Jeffrey Tucker of The New Liturgical Movement.

SIDE NOTE: An out-of-state visitor approached me after 10:30 Mass a couple of weeks ago and actually thanked me for "programming actual real Catholic music". True story. Most of the choir was still around after Mass to hear him say this. I knew what he was getting at, and I gave him a big thank you (I didn't bother asking any questions - Baptisms were following soon, and I still had to pack up for the day and lock the choir room closets).

Peace,
BMP

PONCHO LADIES IN ACTION

Caught on film!

Hat tip to Gerald, who got it from Jeff.

The infamous Poncho Ladies™ (trademark symbol granted by Argent) celebrate Mass for a conference of the equally infamous Call to Action.

The big theme song: (the also equally infamous) All Are Welcome, accompanied (of course) by guitar.

Here's that film.

Peace,
BMP

CHRISTUS VINCIT SPORTS PRESENTS:

VATICAN EDITION

TRUE STORY: The Vatican is on the verge of forming a soccer team (that's "football" if you're in most countries outside of the United States).

Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone had this to say:
"If, for example, we were to recruit Brazilian players from our pontifical universities we could set up a great team," Bertone was quoted as saying by Rome daily La Repubblica. The cardinal added that the Vatican could also discover young talents in parish teams saying that "in the 1990 World Cup I noticed that 42 players from different national teams originally came from parish recreation centres."

Full story here.

ON A FUNNY NOTE: The Curt Jester has captured two Popes trying out in sports.

Pope Benedict XVI en route to making a superlative save in his tryouts for the Vatican soccer team. Will he be their starting goalie?

















Pope John Paul II awaits his turn to take to the ice in a good clean hockey game. Unfortunately the VHL (Vatican Hockey League) never made it off the ground.

American football might be a possibility, and over at the Curt Jester, the Vatican Cardinals might just be a winner. After all, they thrive on Hail Mary passes. Here's their helmet:

Peace,
BMP

ME THINKS ME FINALLY GOTS IT!

Between last night and this morning, I think I finally figured this new blogger thingie out. Now at least we got the old color scheme back. Hope ya like.
Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

NOW THAT THE NEW BLOGGER IS OUT OF BETA...

...I decided to give it a shot.
UPDATE 9:00 PM EST: As you can see, it's almost there. Sidebar will be completed before the night is over, and all the links and blogs that were listed on old blogger will be back on new blogger. Please bear with me for a little bit more.
Peace,
BMP

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

AND THE 2006 PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO...

May I have the envelope please? (RIP!)

YOU!

As read about on several blogs. Too many to hat tip individually. You all know who you are. Consider my hat tipped. :)

However, since I am a humble man (ha ha), I cannot accept this award. So, I hereby give my award to Pope Benedict XVI. He is a much more deserving recipient than I. I do, however, thank you for your sincere thought.

Peacefully submitted, I remain,
BMP

FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SAFETY...

...don't buy a dog from Nigeria. They don't exist!

A Public Service Message from Christus Vincit

This story from WJAR-TV Channel 10 in Providence RI:

A new take on the Nigerian scam is making the rounds.

NBC 10's Audrey Laganas reported that this one targets people who are looking to buy a puppy. The scam is advertised in the classified section of newspapers.

NBC 10 was alerted to the scam when a viewer said her son had lost $500 buying what turned out to be a bogus puppy.

The viewer said the scammers sent her son a photo of the puppy allegedly for sale.

According to the viewer, the English bulldog puppy was advertised for $500, which is well below the market rate for the breed.

When her son answered the ad, he was told the dog belonged to missionaries in Africa who wanted the dog to go to a good home. He was asked to wire money to Nigeria so that the dog could be flown to the United States.

He sent the money, but it turned out the dog did not exist.

This is the latest of the so-called Nigerian scams. The scammers operate in Nigeria and outside the jurisdiction of U.S. laws. The scam is happening all over the country, Laganas reported.

Here are the red flags to watch for:
Beware of ads for unusually inexpensive pets.
Beware of a seller who asks you to wire money.
Never wire money to someone you don't know.
There is no way to recover money once you have sent it.


Here are things I usually try to avoid in my e-mail:
- People making off to be barristers from some third world country trying to tell you that you have a fortune coming.
- People trying to sell Viagra at discount prices (illegally, mind you - common sense tells you that it's a prescription drug).
- People trying to show videos of teens committing lewd acts with farm animals (or any kind of porn for that matter).
- Anything with substitute characters such as rectangles and other odd shapes (wingdings) in the text.
- Anything with a parenthesized number in the subject line.
- Anything with a subject line that says Re: Your Account, or Re: Hi, or Re: Hello.
- People who write to me in broken English or mis-spell words.

There are many others, but you get the idea (I hope). In a nutshell, think of this one simple rule: WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT! If you don't know the person you're getting an e-mail from, put it in your spam folder. If you don't have a spam folder in your e-mail account, create one. If your e-mail account doesn't support a spam folder, find an e-mail account that does.

The ad in question was a newspaper classified. If the newspaper is a tabloid type (e.g., Enquirer, Weekly World News, Star, etc.), the ad is very likely to be too good to be true. Yeah - just as much a crock as the articles the reporters write.

Now, I know there are many who read this and many other Catholic-themed blogs who also have enough common sense to avoid such e-mails and ads. However, let's do our part and pass this message along to those who don't know any better.

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!

Peace,
BMP

ELECTRONIC TITHING REVISITED

And this one's for REAL!

For those who remember Jeff Miller's (aka the Curt Jester) spoof on the Tith-O-Matic, I stumbled onto a Catholic Cathedral that might just be following suit - FOR REAL!.


The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in San Jose, CA, uses an online giving system called ParishPay. The Cathedral Basilica has this to say:

ParishPay has created strong programs to increase stewardship commitments and improve operational efficiencies within religious organizations around the country. By “Making it Easier to Give,” ParishPay combines its cutting-edge technology and donor services functions with a deep understanding of religious giving.

To make your weekly parish donation in a secure and easy way:
Go to
www.parishpay.com
Find the church by zip code 95113.
Our church name is "Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph".
Follow the instructions on how to sign up.


Pretty spiffy, I think! But I wonder - is it only participating parishes that ParishPay allows for, or can you support ANY parish with it? Disclaimer: DO NOT MISS MASS and use the line "I gave online" as an excuse. It's still a mortal sin.

Peace,
BMP

Monday, December 18, 2006

THE SECOND ANNUAL HOLY GHOST CHRISTMAS CONCERT...

...will once again be held within the Christmas Season. Our concert will be held on January 3, 2007, at 7 PM Eastern Standard Time. I believe the Select Honors Band of Tiverton High School will be our guest again. I'll doublecheck that. Our guest accompanist will once again be my good friend and mentor, Mr. Reuel Gifford. It'll be a great night! Music from Beethoven, Holst, Willcocks, Darke, Adam, as well as work by yours truly. There will also be a carol sing for audience participation.

The Holy Ghost Parish Website has info such as address and contact information.
Peace,
BMP

CHRISTUS VINCIT ANYWHERE! 60



You can listen below, or save the file by clicking here. (39:37/27.2 MB)
Last of a three-part series. We play and discuss the Advent lost 45, Rorate Caeli.

Intro: 0 to 60 in just less than a year!
Feasts for the Week: St. Peter Canisius; St. John Cantius
Music Lists for Holy Mass: Third Sunday of Advent

Music:
Rejoice the Lord is King (tune: Darwall's 148th); On Jordan's Bank (tune: Winchester New)
Rorate Caeli (Chant, Mode I); Rejoice in the Lord Always (written by yours truly)

Commercials: Catholic Mormon Podcast, iPadre Podcasting Network, Disciples with Microphones

Today in our premiere of our new series, Liturgy 911, "Papa Joe" Ratzi and Frank A. Rinze are in pursuit of a priest who concluded Mass in a Barney suit. There is also a video (Red Sox cap tip to the Catholic Caveman) in our closing notes that serves as solid evidence!!!
Shamus' Adventures in Classical Latin, brought to you by The Mass Communicator. Shamus wreckovates Rorate Caeli ("Kiley").
Additional Link: St. John Cantius Church, Chicago, IL

Closing notes: "Gathering Rite" rant, the Barney video described in the Liturgy 911 section of these notes, Christmas Mass and Concert Schedule at Holy Ghost Church, and more!

CVA Interactive Corner

Sunday, December 17, 2006

TACKLING FOR CHRISTMAS

You want to see what happens when you say "Merry XMAS?" I hope he soon adds "Happy holiday" to his list of offenses to tackle.

Check out the video on Fr. Tim Finigan's blog, The Hermaneutic of Continuity, and enjoy, along with your favorite popcorn or beer.

Peace,
BMP

SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE THERE'S SIGNS

Even theological ones!

Traditional Catholicism
















The "Spirit of Vatican II"








Any questions?

Hat tip to the Catholic Caveman.

Peace,
BMP

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

IV Advent - December 24, 2006

HYMN: O come, divine Messiah (Venez, Divin Messie)
Kyrie: celebrant's choice
Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm Tone 2)
Adaptations from Conditor Alme Siderum (Alleluia, Memorial)
Ave Maria/As I kneel before you (Parkinson)
People's Mass (Vermulst) (Sanctus, Agnus)
Single Amen
Chant/Snow Lord's Prayer
Rorate Caeli (Mode I)
HYMN: Sing of Mary, pure and lowly (Pleading Savior)

Christmas - December 25, 2006

11:30 PM Christmas Eve - Mini Recital of Sacred Music
1. Rejoice in the Lord always (Page)
2. Let all mortal flesh keep silence (Picardy, arr. Holst)
3. In the bleak midwinter (Darke)
4. Cantique de Noel (Adam)
5. The Worship of God in Nature (Beethoven)

4:30 PM Christmas Eve, Midnight, and 9:00 AM Christmas Day
Holy Mass
(Midnight) - Dominus dixit ad me... (Psalm Tone 8G)
(All) - HYMN: O come, all ye faithful (Adeste Fideles)
(All) - Jubilate Deo Mass chants (Gloria, Sanctus, Memorial, Agnus)
(4:30) - For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord (Page)
(Midnight) - Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord (Proulx/Gelineau)
(9:00) - All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God (Guimont)
(All) - Alleluia adapted from Divinum Mysterium
(4:30 and 9:00) - HYMN: God rest ye merry, gentlemen (English carol)
(Midnight) - Laetentur caeli (In der ist freude, adapt. Page)
(All) - Single Amen
(All) - Chant/Snow Lord's Prayer
(Midnight) - In splendoribus sanctorum... (Mode VI)
(All) - HYMN: Angels we have heard on high (Gloria)
(4:30 and Midnight) - HYMN: Silent night, holy night (Stille Nacht)
(All) - HYMN: Hark! the herald angels sing! (Mendelssohn)

Peace,
BMP

Saturday, December 16, 2006

THE TRAILERS TALK TOO!

Hat tip to the Ironic Catholic.

As you can tell by the condition of this trailer, a contemporary Christian band known as the Flip Flops once played here - over thirty years ago. Instruments included guitar, banjo, upright bass, tambourine, and washboard. Then the synthesizer came in and wiped out the entire band. Same bad music, but now synthesized. Rumor has it there will be a reunion-slash-revival taking place right in this very field, in front of this very trailer.

Peace,
BMP

CHURCHES IN DIALOGUE

It's all in their signs!

Hat tip to Domini Sumus.

Kansas City Catholic discovered that churches do talk. And they learn a bit too. :)
BTW, that's a sequel to another funny dialogue.

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

LITURGICAL REFORM: TRUE OR FALSE?

Dr. Philip Blosser, in his Scripture and Catholic Tradition blog, has posted a two-part article by Michael Davies called True or False Liturgical Reform. Part One covers up to the reforms of St. Pius V (the Tridentine Liturgy). Part Two covers from St. Pius V/Trent up to now.

Check it out if you haven't yet.
Peace,
BMP

Rudolph Calls in Sick.........

It seems that Rudolph got sick this year, and had to call in his cousin Leroy for help on Christmas Eve. Go
HERE for the full scoop.

~nb

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

THANKS BE TO BARNEY?

Here is yet another video of the infamous Halloween Mass at Corpus Christi Church in some town in Orange County, California. I had watched it the other day when the Catholic Caveman had posted it. Just before the Dismissal Rite, Fr. Fred Bailey had gone and changed out of his vestments and into a BARNEY costume (while that poor excuse for a music ministry led the singing of the "I Love You" song). Now I had seen and heard everything, or at least I thought I did!

Barney loves yoooooooooooooooou!
Please stand and get a BARNEY BLESSING! (Oh cripe!)
The Lord is with yooooooooooooooooou! (And also with you)
And may God HUG you and bless you, in the name of Father, Son, Holy Spirit! (Amen)
The Mass is ended, go and give LOVE and HUGS to everybody! (Thanks be to God!)

I had to play it again. Fr. Gonzales, via comment on the Caveman's post, pointed out that a parishioner replied "Thanks be to Barney!" After a replay, I heard it myself. I also, in the midst of the cheering going in, heard a couple of boos amongst the congregation as Barney came waltzing down the aisle. Also anyone notice the Asian guy taking pictures of the goings on with the camera on his cell phone?

When my kids were really small, I would compare a sense of reality among the times between two popular children's public TV shows - Barney, and the Teletubbies. Now, I know - a number of people got their feathers ruffled over Tinky Winky being a male, and purple, and sometimes prancing around in a ballet skirt, but consider this:

Scenario: a young girl discovers she is pregnant, and doesn't know who the father is (yes, a very sad scenario that is very common in these times - our local public high school is living proof)
Barney: oh, that's okayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! (NO IT ISN'T!!!!)
Teletubbies: UH-OHHHHHHH!

I tend to lean more towards the "UH-OHHHHHHH!"

Peace,
BMP

LIGHT DISPLAY SCORING RULES

A Father-Daughter Brainstorm

Ever drive around with the family and score points for light display according to where you're sitting in the car, that is, driver and left rear passenger get points for lights on the left side of the street, and all right passengers get points for lights on the right side of the street? Never mind this one point each. My daughter Brittany and I devised this spiffy little scoring system:

- If the lights are all white, 1 point
- If the lights are colored, or if there are colored lights mixed in, 2 points
- If the lights are the old style fat bulbs, 4 points
- And here's the biggie: If it has Jesus, the Holy Family, a complete Nativity scene, anything with a good sense of the sacred, 6 points (in excelsis! in the highest! to the MAX!)

Peace,
BMP

AND FOR THE LITURGICAL PD, THEIR FIRST ASSIGNMENT!

Got this ditty in my e-mail from Resource Publications:

The eucharistic liturgy has four main parts:

The GATHERING RITE which ritually forms us into a worshipping assembly of believers.

I've seen "Introductory Rites", but for cripes sakes there is NO SUCH THING as a "gathering rite". What the sam hell kind of idiotic innovation is that? Sheesh!
The LITURGY OF THE WORD, also called the TABLE OF THE WORD to show its relative importance of the liturgy of the Eucharist. We are fed at both, but in different ways.
"Table of the Word?" HUH????? Yes, the Word is important. Yes, we feed on the Word, but the climax of ANY "Eucharistic Liturgy" (how about "Holy Sacrifice of the Mass") is the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST which begins with the preparation of the gifts and continues through the communion rite.
Well, she got this part right anyways. But there is a lot more to it than that. See my above comment.
The DISMISSAL RITE, which sends us forth to bring our experience of Christ to the world.
True. I'll give her credit for this one. But those first two... "Gathering Rite"? "Table of the Word"? Officer, we have a live one here!

Peace,
BMP

REPORT ABUSE NOW! CALL THE POLICE!

The Liturgical Police, that Is!



Hat tip to the Curt Jester.

VATICAN CITY: Just moments ago the Roman Catholic Church
confirmed the rumors about a new Vatican office. Limited information has been
released about the new office. The extent of the office's authority has not been
disclosed, but it is assumed that its power will be universal. Vatican officials
have reported that the new office is titled The Pontifical Office of the
Liturgical Police
.

The purpose of the office is to lay the smack down on heresy and end
liturgical abuses.

Read the whole thing at Alive and Young, which will be added to the CVDB (Christus Vincit Definitive Blogroll) in just a few minutes if you don't see it there yet. And hey, check out that spiffy cruiser!



Peace,
BMP

GUADALUPE AND HOMESCHOOLING

Some may know that I homeschool my 13-year-old son. Anyhoo, in covering a chapter about Mexico in his geography book, we got to the fact that about 90% of Mexicans are Roman Catholic, and their big feast day is "The Virgin of Guadalupe" (as his book states it). Talk about coincidental, since today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Guadalupe (memorial in the USA, but I believe a feast in Mexico, correct me if I'm wrong please). So, he got that little bit of info as well in his geography lesson.

Talk about timing, eh?

Peace,
BMP

Monday, December 11, 2006

CHRISTUS VINCIT ANYWHERE! 59



You can listen below, or save the file by clicking here. (39:22/27.0 MB)
The second of our three-part series. Today we play and discuss the Advent classic, Conditor Alme Siderum.
Also, I bought The New Ignatius Bible, Second Catholic Edition (pictured left)! WOOHOO!

Feasts for the Week:
St. Damasus I; Our Lady of Guadalupe; St. Lucy; St. John of the Cross

Music Lists: Immaculate Conception and Second Sunday of Advent.

Music:
Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly (tune: Pleading Savior)
O Come, Divine Messiah (tune: Venez, Divin Messie)
Jerusalem, Surge (Chant, Mode II); Conditor Alme Siderum (Chant, Mode IV)
Ave Maria, written by Franz Schubert, sung by eight-year-old soprano Julia Anthon.

Commercials: Catholic Mormon Podcast; iPadre Podcasting Network; Disciples with Microphones
Shamus' Adventures in Classical Latin, brought to you by Christmas Carols for the Psychologically Challenged. Shamus wreckovates Conditor Alme Siderum.
Additional Link: cyberhymnal.org
Closing notes: Congratulations to Gerald and Erin at The Cafeteria Is Closed blog!

CVA Interactive Corner

CONGRATULATIONS

to Gerald Augustinus and Dr. Erin on their recent wedding!
Peace,
The Snark Guys

PS: They got really good wedding music.

Advent II & III at Fatima

ADVENT III
Ordinary: Missa XVII
Introit: Gaudete
Gradual: Basilica Psalter
Credo III
Offertory: O Come, O Come Emmanuel; Magnificat en sol, Dandrieu
Communion: A Place to Keep Your Son; O Jesus Joy of Loving Hearts
Postlude: Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel Herunter, J.S. Bach

ADVENT II
Ordinary: Missa XVII
Introit: Populus Sion
Gradual: Basilica Psalter
Credo III
Offertory: All You Who Seek A Comfort Sure; Meine Seele erhebet den Herrn, J.S. Bach
Communion: E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, Manz; O Come Divine Messiah
Postlude: Lob sei dem allmaechtigen Gott, J.S. Bach

Sunday, December 10, 2006

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

III Advent - December 17, 2006

Rejoice! the Lord is King (Darwall's 148th)
Cry out with joy and gladness, for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel (Psalm Tone 8G)
Mode IV, adapted by BMP (Alleluia, Memorial)
On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry (Winchester New)
People's Mass (Vermulst) (Sanctus, Agnus)
Single Amen
Lord's Prayer (chant/English)
(10:30 only) Rejoice in the Lord always (Page)
(except 10:30) O come, O come, Emmanuel (Veni, Veni, Emmanuel)
O come, divine Messiah (Venez, Divin Messie)

Peace,
BMP

Saturday, December 9, 2006

AN AUDIO PLUG FOR BRIAN NOE

In light of the USCCB's creating a new podcast using the New American Bible translation of Holy Scripture (while telling Brian Noe at Verbum Domini that he can't), coupled with my recent purchase of the Ignatius Bible (RSV-Second Catholic Edition, which Brian got the green light to use for his podcasts), I couldn't resist but create this new promo for him. I actually managed to uphold Verbum Domini while refraining from blasting the USCCB.

Listen here, and feel free to use it on your blogs and/or podcasts to promote Brian Noe's Verbum Domini Podcast.

Peace,
BMP

Friday, December 8, 2006

VATICAN UPHOLDS BRUSKEWITZ RULING

The Most Reverend Fabian Bruskewitz, Bishop of Lincoln (Nebraska), excommunicated all members of the dissident group Call to Action back in 1996. After C2A's appeal to the Vatican, the Vatican ruled in favor of Bp. Bruskewitz. Full story here.

Definitely a victory for the church!
Now that we know the Vatican's stance on Call to Action, any chance other bishops will follow suit?

Hat tip to Gerald.

Peace,
BMP

Lessons and Carols at the Cathedral

Festival of Lessons and Carols
December 17, 4:00 pm

Cathedral Choir
Cathedral Sinfonia
Lectors of the Parish

Nicholas F. Basehore, conductor




Prelude: E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come -- Paul Manz

Carol: Once in Royal David's City / IRBY (arr. Willcocks)

Bidding Prayer and Chanted "Our Father"

First Lesson: Genesis 3:9-15, 23-24

Anthem: Adam Lay Ybounden -- Boris Ord

Second Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-10

Anthem: Rosa Mystica -- Chrysogonus Waddell

Third Lesson: Baruch 4:36-5:9

Anthem: Prepare Ye -- Marc A. Robinson

Fourth Lesson: Luke 1:26-38

Anthem: Ave Maria (Angelus Domini) -- Franz Biebl

Fifth Lesson: Matthew 1:18-24

Anthem: Wonderful Peace -- Gustaf Nordqvist

Sixth Lesson: Luke 2:1-7

Carol: Away in a Manger / MUELLER

Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:8-20

Anthem: Angels' Carol -- John Rutter

Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12

Carol: The First Nowell / THE FIRST NOWELL (arr. Willcocks)

Ninth Lesson: John 1:1-18

Anthem: O Holy Night -- John Rutter

Carol: O Come, All Ye Faithful / ADESTE FIDELIS (arr. Willcocks, with brass fanfare)

Collect, Benediction, Dismissal

Carol: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / MENDELSSOHN (arr. Willcocks, with brass fanfare)

Advent III at the Cathedral

Prelude: Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland -- J. S. Bach

Entrance: On Jordan's Bank / WINCHESTER NEW

Kyrie: from "Advent Wreath Service" -- John Schiavone

Isaiah 12: Guimont

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia VII -- Berthier

Offertory: Creator of the Stars of Night / CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM

Anthem (9:30): Prepare Ye -- Marc A. Robinson

Sanctus XVIII

Agnus XVIII

Communion: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel / VENI EMMANUEL

Hymn of Thanksgiving: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus / HYFRYDOL

Postlude: Postlude on "Wake Awake" -- Wayne Wold

Thursday, December 7, 2006

Dec. 7th: A Day of Infamy

The last survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack will gather for their final memorial/reunion today in Hawaii.

Story HERE.

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.

~nb

MEANWHILE, AT MANY PROVIDENCE AREA BUS SHELTERS...

Planned Parenthood, America's #1 leader in abortion and contraception, may also be America's #1 leader in deception.

Once I get the picture (which will be the next time I travel Providence), you'll see the proof.

At many bus shelters in the area, one may find a large ad with a couple "making out" in nothing but their underwear. One first sees the big name going across the middle - "Thayer and Angell". Ya think, OK, a new specialty store somewhere either in Downtown Providence, or in Providence's East Side. Turns out, you see "Planned Parenthood" on the bottom of the sign, in smaller print. And that "Thayer and Angell"? Those are the names of the two streets that the new Providence Planned Parenthood "express clinic" sits on the corner of. Not only right on campus with Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design, but around several high schools (one of them public) like Moses Brown, Wheeler, Lincoln School, and Hope. If that doesn't say "predatory", what does?

Here's an ad from Duffy and Shanley, a firm that serves Planned Parenthood as a pro-bono client. I'll have a pic soon.

Sick b@$+@rd$! And in a state that's 60% Catholic (supposedly)!

Peace,
BMP

THEN vs. NOW

Hat tip to Amy Pawlak (btw, Amy, if you're reading this, tell Dave that we CV snarks said hi).

This comes from Milwaukee radio personality Charlie Sykes. Enjoy.
Peace,
BMP

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

That was then, this is now

Scenario: Jack pulls into school parking lot with rifle in gun rack.
1973 -Vice Principal comes over, takes a look at Jack's rifle, goes to his car and gets his to show Jack.
2006 - School goes into lockdown, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers. (Ah yes, good old ZERO TOLERANCE at work!)

Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.
1973 -Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up best friends. Nobody goes to jail, nobody arrested, nobody expelled.
2006 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it. (Back on the street later on, the fight continues, this time with weapons.)

Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1973 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by Principal. Sits still in class.
2006- Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability. (Living proof that DISCIPLINE made, and still makes, a world of difference. I don't believe in Ritalin, nor ADHD or ADD. It's all an excuse for parents not to exercise some CONTROL!)

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his father's car and his Dad gives him a whipping.
1973- Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2006 - Billy's Dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. Billy's sister is told by state psychologist that she remembers being abused herself and their Dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist. (Psychologist gives Billy's mom an STD, which, back in 1973, was simply known as VD.)

Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some headache medicine to school.
1973- Mark shares headache medicine with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2006 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons. (Six bags of crack found under seat.)

Scenario: Mary turns up pregnant.
1973 - 5 High School Boys leave town. Mary does her senior year at a special school for expectant mothers.
2006 - Middle School Counselor calls Planned Parenthood, who notifies the ACLU. Mary is driven to the next state over and gets an abortion without her parent's consent or knowledge. Mary given condoms and told to be more careful next time. (Oh, and do I have a story to tell you about Planned Parenthood, that will be another post!)

Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.
1973: Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2006: Pedro's cause is taken up by state democratic party. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he can't speak English. (What a waste of all that action, eh?)

Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1973 - Ants die.
2006 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again (I guess that chemistry set Johnny always wanted is out of the question.)

Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary, hugs him to comfort him.
1973 - In a short time Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2006 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison.
(Amy added: For the last one, the 2006 scenario could also read, "School board bans running games on the playground." Children stand in line for recess practicing meditation rather than playing. No more scraped knees.)
(BMP adds: yeah, and guys like Michael Jackson get away with it! Sheesh!)

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

RUDOLPHUS RUBRINASUS REVISITED

Thanks to Argent, the Latin version of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer is back.

A blog about Latin Christmas Carols has a list of carols for each day in December. For December 1, you'll find THREE different Latin versions for Rudolph, as well as the famed recording of Rudolphus Rubrinasus by the choir of St. Bart's in NYC.

Peace,
BMP

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MID-2007

The new Mass translation MIGHT be ready!

There. I exposed the fine print for you already. Note that magic word: MIGHT.

But CNS really does have the goods on this. Hat tip to Shawn Tribe at the NLM.

Of course, if you read about halfway into the story, it sounds like Trautman and/or some of his cronies are trying to back off on it already.

Peace,
BMP

I FINALLY GOT ONE

After all this time, I finally broke down and purchased an Ignatius Bible (RSV) - Second Catholic Edition. No, it's NOT the official Lectionary translation here in the States, but - 1) I can dream, 2) still makes a great study edition for the time being, and 3) Brian Noe could very likely use this translation legally on his podcast (he probably already does) with no drawbacks or setbacks whatsoever.

I'm just beginning to compare notes between NAB and RSV-CE2, and enjoying the CE2.

Peace,
BMP

HYMNS MUST BE DOCTRINALLY CORRECT

Our Bishops Have Spoken - FINALLY!

Full Story HERE at the GOOD NCR. (I said the "GOOD" NCR - I didn't say "Reporter")

Peace,
BMP

Remains of St. Paul Said to be Found

The Associated Press reports (via Yahoo! News) that a group of Vatican archaeologists have completed an excavation at the Basilica of St. Paul-outside-the-Walls in Rome, and an ancient sarcophagus has been unearthed that many believe could hold the remains of Saint Paul.

Full story HERE.



~nb

Monday, December 4, 2006

ONE MORE CHRISTMAS POST

A Christmas Meme

Hat tip to Dymphna's Well.

This post has been updated to include my wife's answers as well. :)
And Nick is throwing in his $0.02 as well.

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
(BMP) Both are really good, unspiked.
(AMP) Egg nog.
(NFB) Hot chocolate.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
(all three) Wrap, of course.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
(BMP) Colored, blinking, and I'm partial to the old style fat bulbs.
(AMP) Colored
(NFB) We have a pre-lit artificial tree with white lights, but I prefer the old-school bubble lights that my mom uses.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
(both of us) Don't have any to hang. (wife adds: "too cheap to buy one")
(NFB)Agrees with Mrs. P.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
(BMP) No sooner than the First Sunday of Advent. If I had my way, it would be the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
(AMP) Sunday after Thanksgiving
(NFB) Hopefully before Christmas Eve!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
(BMP) French meat pies you get from the deli.
(AMP) Ham
(NFB) Sweet potato casserole (with all the brown sugar!!)

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
(BMP) Watching A Charlie Brown Christmas
(AMP) Presents from the tree all the way to the fireplace
(NFB) Watching Mom and Dad open the gifts I got for them.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
(BMP) At age 10. My mom had asked if I had really still believed.
(AMP) At age 10. My mom told me.
(NFB) Parents sat me down a few days after Christmas when I was in 2nd grade. Probably 'cause that was the year I noticed that all the gifts from Santa were labeled in Mom's handwriting.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
(both of us) From the relatives' houses, yes. The stuff from Santa waits till Christmas Day.
(NFB) My wife and I open our gifts after Midnight Mass. It's the only "alone" time we get to do so.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
(both of us) Modest bulbs and tinsel, balls, candy canes, and stuff the kids made in school.
(NFB) Glass balls, ceramics painted by my great-grandparents, stuff we had on our respective trees when growing up.

11. Snow? Love it or Dread it?
(BMP) Dread it big time, especially considering the driving I do and the idiots I have to deal with on the road here (Sorry, Christmas spirit doesn't mean leniency to stupidity - not in my book anyways).
(AMP) Love it on Christmas Eve and Day only (two-inch limit). Otherwise, dread it.
(NFB) As long as I don't have to shovel...

12. Can you ice skate?
(BMP) Give me a pair of ice skates and I'll show you the best slapstick comedy on ice since the Three Stooges!
(AMP) As a child yes. As an adult, no.
(NFB) Never tried.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
(BMP) At age 8, the 45 RPM record of Go All the Way by the Raspberries.
(AMP) No.
(NFB) Nope.

14. What's the most exciting thing about the Holidays for you?
(BMP) January 2
(AMP) Having family together
(NFB) Mom's cookin'!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
(BMP) My mom's chocolate truffle
(AMP) Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
(NFB) Cookies

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
(BMP) Midnight Mass
(AMP) Opening the gifts
(NFB) Blessing and lighting our family Advent wreath (a tradition we've started since getting married.)

17. What tops your tree?
(both of us) A well-lit star.
(NFB) Nothing.

18. Which do you prefer - giving or receiving?
(All Three) Both. I like a good balance LMAO!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
(BMP) O Come, All Ye Faithful, arranged by David Willcocks
(AMP) I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
(NFB) Thanks to my mother, "Winter Wonderland" as sung by Johnny Mathis

20. Candy canes?
(BMP) Loads of them. My wife won't have it any other way hehehe!
(AMP) Dump peppermint canes, get flavored ones!
(NFB) The ones with colored stripes that taste like fruit punch or something.

If you read this, TAG YOU'RE IT!

Peace,
BMP

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY, AND MORE

Christmas Music on Secular Radio Edition

On my way to playing a funeral this morning, I was listening to WZLX-FM (100.7 in Boston). The morning jocks, Carlson and MacKenzie, had a list of the "Top 10 Worst Christmas Songs". This inspired me to come up with some lists of my own on said topic. Note that this refers to those Christmas (or so-called "Holiday") songs (read: muzak, in most cases) played on secular media, whether it be conventional radio, satellite radio, "Music Choice" (Cox carries this in its digital cable package in Rhode Island), etc.

First, I'll run through the stuff I give my "thumbs up" to:
Almost anything of the kiddie variety by Burl Ives or Gene Autry.
Anything by the Chipmunks
Anything by the Beach Boys (especially their way-cool rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and The Man with All the Toys)
Christmas Shoes (ok, I'll admit, that's the "soft side" of me; wife loves this song)
The Twelve Days of Christmas, as rendered by the Muppets (with Miss Piggy's "five gooooooooooold riiiiiiiiiiiiiiings, ba-da-ba-ba" cliche)
The Twelve Pains of Christmas (a classic)
The Redneck Twelve Days, as rendered by Jeff Foxworthy
Another Foxworthy gem, "Here's your sign, here's your sign, here's your stupid sign"
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Dominic the Donkey (cute, if anything, but definitely not bad or tacky, IMO)
The Santa Claus story that Cheech tells Chong (On Donner! On Blitzen! On Juvy! On Tabo!)
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, as rendered by Ringo Starr (Ringo is true to his own style here)
Ding! Fries are Done!
Any of the parodies by Larry the Cable Guy
Step into Christmas, by Elton John (back when he could rock out, a la "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Rock of the Westies" periods)
and finally - Sting does a way-cool rendition of "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came"
More may get added here as they arise. :)

Now, the ultimate BMP "thumbs down" list:
Santa Baby (the most self-centered song I've ever heard this time of the year)
Feliz Navidad, especially as rendered by Celine Dion (I don't mind the Jose Feliciano original so much)
Jingabelljingabelljinglealltheway, Barbra Streisand's infamous run-on sentence
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, rendered by anyone
Happy Christmas/War is Over, by John and Yoko (I like a good share of Lennon, but this is by far his absolute worst. The fact that you can hear Yoko trying to sing makes it even worse.)
Silent Night, as rendered by Stevie Nicks (the voice is bad enough, but she screws up the lyric too)
pretty much anything by Natalie Cole, especially her depressing rendition of The Holly and the Ivy (I still think the only reason she's so dang overplayed is because of her father, with all due respect to Nat King Cole)
The Twelve Days of Christmas, as rendered by the Ray Conniff Singers (Eleven pipers piping daily... yuk!)
The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth (I'm not sure who does this one - sounds like the Righteous Brothers, but I could be wrong)
God Rest You Merry/We 3 Kings, as rendered by the Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan (they really killed We 3 Kings)
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, as rendered by Billy Gilman (while he was still a castrati)
"Rudy" the Red-Nosed Reindeer (sounds like one of those Dean Martin type crooners, but it's just horrible)
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, as rendered by anyone, especially John Mellencamp
Silver Bells, by anyone (worst is by Gloria Estefan)
Mary's Boy Child
Mary Did You Know

What I listen to on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (the "thumbs and toes up fifty times over" list):
I listen to Classical Radio Boston WCRB-FM, now moved to 99.5 on the dial just three days ago. Some of the best arrangements of the true carols take place. Included is the Boston Pops classic medley, "A Christmas Festival", many of the great carols from the Oxford volumes with choirs, organ, and even brass. There is "O Little Town" sung to Forest Green with a gorgeous descant, the Willcocks arrangements of "Adeste Fideles" and "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing", and one of my favorites, "In the Bleak Midwinter" by Harold Darke (which, btw, is being added to our choir's repertoire this year - it's coming along nicely). Sussex Carol is quite nice too! On a lighter note, the Boston Pops does a way-cool Sleigh Ride rendition.

Peace,
BMP

CHRISTUS VINCIT ANYWHERE! 58



You can listen below, or save the file by clicking here. (33:36/23.0 MB)
This Sunday, I'll be on TV.
Related Links: WLNE-TV Channel 6 and Diocese of Fall River.

Advent Chants 1: First of an all-new three-part series. We play and discuss the Advent classic, Veni, Veni, Emmanuel.

Feasts for the Week:
St. John of Damascus; St. Nicholas; St. Ambrose; Immaculate Conception; St. Juan Diego

Music Lists for Holy Mass: First Sunday of Advent

Music:
Dying You Destroyed Our Death and Alleluia (both of which I adapted from Conditor Alme Siderum, Mode IV)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and Veni, Veni, Emmanuel (Chant, Mode I)
Blowing Snow, by Marco Raaphorst, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network

Christus Vincit Sports: Leading Bishops in Sports.
Shamus' Adventures in Classical Latin, brought to you by Fun with Latin. Shamus wreckovates Veni, Veni, Emmanuel. My wife Ann has a brief cameo with an outburst of her own.
Closing notes: Includes the original French text of the hymn Venez, Divin Messie (O Come, Divine Messiah).

CVA Interactive Corner (BRAND SPANKIN' NEW! Contains all the links to the message board, Digg, Podcast Alley, and much more!)

Advent II at the Cathedral

Prelude: Es ist ein' Ros' -- Johannes Brahms

Entrance: On Jordan's Bank / WINCHESTER NEW

Kyrie: from "Advent Wreath Service" -- John Schiavone

Psalm 126: Gelineau

Gospel Acc: Alleluia VII -- Berthier

Offertory: Creator of the Stars of Night / CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM

Anthem (9:30): This is the Record of John -- Orlando Gibbons

Sanctus XVIII

Agnus XVIII

Communion: Christ, Be Our Light

Hymn of Thanksgiving: O Come, Divine Messiah / VENEZ, DIVIN MESSIE

Postlude: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme -- Johann Gottfried Walther

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Holy Ghost Church, Tiverton, RI

December 8, 2006 - Immaculate Conception
Masses at 12 noon and 7 PM

Sing of Mary, pure and lowly (Pleading Savior)
Mass of the Bells (Peloquin) (Gl)
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds (Carroll/Gelineau)
BMP; adapted from Conditor Alme Siderum (Alle, Mem)
Ave Maria/As I kneel before you (Parkinson) (12:00)
Ave Maria (Schubert) (7:00 - solo by an 8-year-old soprano)
People's Mass (Vermulst) (Sanc, Ag)
Single Amen
Lord's Prayer (chant/Snow)
Magnificat (Tone 6F from Worship II)
Lo! How a rose e'er blooming (Es ist ein' ros entsprungen)

December 10, 2006 - 2nd Sunday of Advent
Masses at 4:30 PM (Sat.), 7:30, 9, and 10:30 AM

O come, divine Messiah (Venez, Divin Messie)
The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy (Proulx/Gelineau)
BMP; adapted from Conditor Alme Siderum (Alle, Mem)
Creator of the Stars of Night (Conditor Alme Siderum)
People's Mass (Vermulst) (Sanc, Ag)
Single Amen
Lord's Prayer (chant/Snow)
O come, O come, Emmanuel (Veni, Veni, Emmanuel)
On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry (Winchester New)

Annunciation Chapel, Bishop Stang High School,
North Dartmouth, MA

December 10, 2006 - Second Sunday of Advent
To be televised on WLNE-TV Channel 6 (Providence RI/New Bedford MA)
at 11 AM EST
Presented by the Diocese of Fall River

This was recorded last Saturday. I'd be curious as to what gets edited. They only give you a half-hour slot (I guess that's what happens when you deal with secular media). Celebrant: Fr. Thomas Kocik

On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry (Winchester New)
The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy (Psalm Tone 8G)
BMP; adapted from Conditor Alme Siderum (Alle, Mem)
Deus tu convertens vivificabis nos (Psalm Tone 2, or was it 8G - I can't remember)
Mass XVIII (Sanc, Ag)
Single Amen
Jerusalem, surge, et sta in excelso (Mode II/Gregorian Missal)
Come, O long-expected Jesus (Stuttgart)

Would have done the Deus tu convertens from the Gregorian Missal, but it would have gone too long for the short slot we had.

Peace,
BMP

Friday, December 1, 2006

HELL NO! WE WANT NOE!

Brian Noe, that is! Brian is the beloved host of the Verbum Domini Podcast. He's also taken a royal screwing by the USCCB.

You see, the USCCB administers the copyright to the New American Bible, the translation of Holy Scripture that is used for the Lectionary for Mass in the United States. Brian Noe, a faithful podcaster who is also a longtime member of Disciples with Microphones (which I am also a member of), proclaims the readings of the day regularly, as he has been for well over a year. Until the cease and desist order he received from the USCCB, he was using the NAB readings faithfully. Apparently, the Bishops don't want the word spread around that badly - at least not their own version of it. So much for the "new evangelization", right?

Brian regrouped and got permission from other copyright holders of translations such as NSRB and NIV with absolutely no fuss whatsoever. He's been podcasting on those translations, legally.

So now - the straw that broke the camel's back - the USCCB now does their own podcasts, on their own translation. I just don't get it. They prescribe it for Holy Mass. It gets used in every parish church in the United States (well, the majority that are doing things right anyways). It gets read when the Mass is broadcast on TV (EWTN, local channels, etc.). But you can't podcast on it, despite the fact that the majority of us Disciples with Microphones folk are doing this for nothing but the love of Jesus Christ, our Eucharistic Lord, unless you're the USCCB.

Sounds like a double standard to me. Oh well - back to the familiar militant chant:
HELL NO! WE WANT NOE!

We at DwM are pulling for you, Brian!
Peace,
BMP

Immaculate Conception at the Cathedral

Prelude: Ave Maria von Arcadelt -- Franz Liszt

Entrance: Immaculate Mary / LOURDES HYMN

Kyrie: chant

Gloria: Andrews (Peter Jones at 7pm)

Psalm 98: Guimont

Celtic Alleluia

Offertory: Schubert Ave. (Arcadelt Ave at 7pm)

Sanctus/Acclamation/Amen: Community Mass

Agnus Dei: Proulx in F

Communion: Magnificat - Chepponis

Hymn of Thanksgiving: Hail Holy Queen / SALVE REGINA COELITUM

Postlude: Sortie sur l'Hymne "Quid nunc in tenebris" -- Alexandre Guilmant