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Matthew J. Geerlings
Music Director
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This past month on Sunday, 9 November -- the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica -- Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. In his homily, Pope Leo spoke of the power of the liturgy -- our
source and summit -- and that it "must comply with the established norms, be attentive to the different sensibilities of those participating and keep with the principle of wise inculturation.
At the same time, it must remain faithful to the solemn sobriety typical of the Roman tradition, which can do so much good for the souls of those who actively participate in it." Profound words from Pope Leo XIV from his Cathedral church on this important feast day.
Recently, a story from Connecticut reported that attendance in the state's Catholic churches are up 20% and is reflecting a trend taking place across the country and the world. Bridgeport is seeing attendance up 22%. Friends, the way in which we celebrate the liturgy matters greatly. We must constantly evaluate what we offer to our people. The People of God deserve the very best we can offer and it is their "right to expect it be done competently." (Sing to the Lord, #50)
Sacred music has the ability to evangelize unlike any other art form can. For those involved in parish leadership: follow the Missal. Say what is in black, do what is in red. Execute the various elements of the ars celebrandi to the fullest extent you possibly can. What is offered to the assembly is of great importance. They are searching for nourishment and an encounter with the divine. Where should they expect to find it? Through your doors. Lex Orandi - Lex Credendi - Lex Vivendi! (Used with permission of author, Eric Bermani, Diocesan and Cathedral Director of Music, Manchester, NH)
Soli Deo Gloria
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Preparing Advent & Christmastide Liturgies
You'll find resources on the ODWS website to assist you in preparing for the seasons of Advent and Christmastide (including sample texts, chant notation, penance services, etc.) in both English and Spanish.
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| RESOURCES
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Preparing January Liturgies (World Day of Peace & Sunday of the Word of God)
You’ll find resources to help you prepare the World Day of Prayer for Peace (Jan 1) and the Sunday of the Word of God (Jan 25) on the ODWS website.
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| RESOURCES
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Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Calling of Candidates to Continuing Conversion
February 22, 2026
You can find details about this annual celebration online.
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Start Time for the Easter Vigil
The Roman Missal specifies that the Easter Vigil "must take place during the night, so that it begins after nightfall…." In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Easter Vigil for 2026 should begin NO EARLIER THAN 8:45pm, and preferably at 9:00pm.
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Pueri Cantores
February 28, 2026
Consider bringing your children's choir to this festival experience with Archbishop Casey at the Cathedral Basilica and a top-notch guest conductor.
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Q. What is the Epiphany Proclamation and how do I use it?
A. An ancient tradition in the Roman Rite is to announce the date of Easter and the other moveable feasts (i.e. those not assigned to a particular date on the secular calendar) each year on the Solemnity of the Epiphany. This so-called "Epiphany Proclamation” is described in the current edition of the Roman Missal in this way: “Where it is the practice, if appropriate, the moveable Feasts of the current year may be proclaimed after the Gospel” and then indicates that you can find this among the various chants in the back of the missal. The chant is sung by a deacon or cantor from the ambo. Be sure to consult your liturgical calendar or ordo for the coming year to sing the proper dates! Even if you have never done
this before in your parish, consider this ritual for one or more of your Masses for Epiphany. This will help to strengthen the connection between the Christmas and Easter feasts, reminding us that the Incarnation is fundamentally connected to the Paschal Mystery.
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POPE LEO ON CHOIRS |
"Strive, therefore, to make your choirs ever harmonious and beautiful, and a brighter image of the Church praising her Lord...In this, be an eloquent sign of the Church’s prayer, expressing its love for God through the beauty of music. Take care that your spiritual life is always worthy of the service you perform, so that your ministry may authentically express the grace of the liturgy."
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— POPE LEO XIV
Homily, November 23rd, 2025
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Pastoral Center | 100 East Eighth St | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 | CatholicAOC.org
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