From the Church Music Associaton comes word that they will be offering a seminar for priests in how to sing the “extraordinary rite,” that is, the Latin mass. According to their press release:

The sung Mass remains the normative form in the Roman Rite – but it is not the norm in most parishes. “A liturgical service takes on a nobler aspect when the rites are celebrated with singing,” says the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy (1964). Many celebrants are ready to take the step, but they need training in the finer details and the confidence to begin.

That’s precisely what this seminar is for: to train priests in the sung Mass in English and Latin. The seminar includes tracks for the new and old forms of the Roman Rite. It designed for those who have never attempted to sing the Mass before, and also those who need to refine their abilities, as a means of making the liturgy more beautiful. The seminar is also open to deacons and music directors.

This seminar broadens the full range of liturgical possibilities. Even for those who know no Latin, it is easier to learn through singing than merely speaking. And the seminar is open for those who are interested in observing the extraordinary rite, even if celebrating it isn’t yet viable.

Indeed, the goal of the seminar is to provide a full initiation into the method and manner of singing the Mass in the Roman Rite. The seminar covers: basics of common tones; pronunciation; singing the collects, readings, prefaces, and other parts of the Mass; musical rubrics for the Roman rite; integration of the celebrant, schola, and people; literature and the wide range of options; vocal production and style; and much more.

The seminar is taking place in October. Check the link above for details. I don’t know many priests who would have the time to do this, let alone the inclination. But you never know.