Society of Saint Gregory

I loved it - it was the best yet! Swimming pool fantastic but I have been there before. It's all a matter of planning. Get up early and go straight from the pool to breakfast thus feeling ready and refreshed for fantastic days full of wonderful music and liturgy. And the real love and support when y...

From recent experience, there seem to be no arrangements to deal with people like me who are dismissed from a parish (19 years as organist and choir director and my wife 10 years as server). Only one priest even mentioned the need for the provision of pastoral care and although I have seen both the ...

A priest from Africa who is currently serving locally breaks the bread during the consecration prayer. I gently queried this with him and he said that he was carrying out the actions of Christ to fit with the words of institution. I have seen this done in some Anglican churches but never before in t...

Why dump 2 well-loved hymns? Can't the English be proud to be English? I was once asked by a bridegroom who was getting married in Ireland if I thought "Jerusalem" was a good idea. I said I thought maybe not. Yet another bolshie groom wanted a Christmas carol in July. The bride's mother persuaded hi...

Yes I have read Gordon Reynolds' book and I must seek it out again! I am sure I will enjoy the challenge of playing and conducting settings which I have often sung as a singer. One thing I am missing already is responsorial psalm settings. At the masses in other parishes we have attended so far the ...

My wife and I enjoy evensong - could it be that in heaven they use Anglican chant?

How about Quigley There is a longing Hurd As the deer The servant king Kendrick Farrell God has chosen me Russbridge Hebridean Gloria Ogden Christ has no body now but yours (RSCM) Alan smith The Lord has done great things for us - lots of goodies in Psalmsongs Sweatshirts with the church logo and ch...

I am pleased to say I have been appointed director of music of a C of E parish with a good choir and organ and a vicar and congregation who support the music. It's 7 miles from home - not as far as Liverpool! We did attend Mass in Liverpool cathedral and thought the choir wonderful. I also played th...

Sorry SOP I didn't answer your question. PP has been with us a year having been in the mission field for 8 years where no doubt he was treated as God. He seems to have upset just about everyone!

Some priests continually talk of my church, my parish - they need to start listening to their people who talk of our church, our parish, even our priest. Let the people reclaim their church!

I am sorry to say that this particular servant of the liturgy has been dismissed by the parish priest for allegedly defying him. Completely untrue and he says he has no plans for either of the choirs. Very sad situation and judging by my correspondence an all too frequent occurrence in the church. W...

Spotted at Arundel cathedral - acclamation for 9.30 a.m Mass presumably for children set to "Colours of day"

I was very conscious this Holy Week of the need to finish the music so that our priest can go on to the next part of the liturgy. He does seem to want to rush things and I made the point to him that I consider it very important personally and pastorally that I have time to get off the organ stool an...

People didn't join in Credo III in St Peter's square either!

When we were at the Papal audience in St Peter's square we were surprised how few around us knew the Pater noster. I think congregations should occasionally sing this setting and the English version in the missal. Most of the other settings are awful. Big parish occasions we say it.