More on sacred music

One of our readers forwarded me a link to Nicholas Maria Publishers whom are "Dedicated to the Restoration of the Sacred in Catholic Church Music".

What looks particularly interesting on this site is an e-book which is available freely online: Stones Instead of Bread: Reflections on 'Contemporary' Hymns

Comments have included:

"This study of a particularly sensitive aspect of pastoral liturgy makes many serious points, and is worthy of earnest consideration by all who share the concerns of composer Mary Oberle Hubley for the Church's worship and its music. Too long have too many 'church mice' been given 'stones instead of bread': it is time to reflect anew upon the theological roots of the present malaise, and these pages can offer a helpful point of departure."

Father Robert A. Skeris
Director, Church Music Association of America;
former President of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, Rome

"In regard to Stones Instead of Bread...

I read your precious little booklet on Stones Instead of Bread...
I wish to congratulate you for your sense of good theology, of tradition in the Church, and especially for your delicate touch and good taste...Wish you all the luck, or rather wish the Church the good luck to discover you and appreciate you.

With my blessing,"

+Archbishop Joseph Raya

(Many will recognize Archbishop Raya as an Eastern Catholic bishop.)

The table of contents of this e-booklet reads as follows:

Part I: Post-Conciliar Hymnody
Part II: What Makes Music Sacred? Association with the Occasion
Part III: What Makes Music Sacred? Association with a Sacred Text
Part IV: What Makes Music Sacred? Association with That Which Is Set Apart, or Separate, from the Worldly or Profane
Part V: What Makes Music Sacred? Association with That Which Is Truly Art
Part VI: What Makes Music Sacred? Association with the Roman Catholic Tradition
Part VII: Hope for Church Music