Heritage Mass: Interview with Owen Alstott

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April 27, 2010

NOTE: Sound samples and accompaniments now available for order for new and revised Mass settings. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has established the first Sunday of Advent 2012 (Nov. 27, 2011) as the implementation date for the new Order of Mass. More Mass settings will be coming soon.

One of OCP’s first music publications
In 1978, when we at Oregon Catholic Press received information about the first gathering of the National Pastoral Musicians in Scranton Pennsylvania, our publisher, Fritz Meagher, decided to send a representative to see what it was all about. Read more » As assistant music editor for Today’s Missal, I was chosen to go. One of OCP’s first music publications, the Heritage Mass, was conceived and written during the Scranton convention. « Hide

How it all began
The inspiration came on March 29, 1978, during “A Lively History of Music in Liturgy” presented by C. Alexander Peloquin, which was two hours of pure magic. I went away from it desperate to be a part of the ongoing musical journey in our church, and eager for OCP to be a part of it, too. Read more » When I got back to my hotel room that evening, I took out the first sheet of paper I could lay my hands on, quickly drew some staff lines on the back, and sketched out the ideas for a Mass ordinary that would reflect what I had just experienced. That turned out to be the Heritage Mass. « Hide

Original melodies preserved
Heritage Mass is arranged for SATB choir and is easily used by either large or small forces. The music has been adapted to accommodate the new translation of the Order of Mass, and the original melodies have been preserved as much as possible. Read more » This versatile Mass includes a solo instrument part for added texture and the “Glory to God”, “Holy” and “Amen” include two trumpets, providing a festive touch for special occasions. The Eucharistic Acclamations are composed in the same key to unify the tonality in the entire Eucharist Prayer. « Hide

Continued resource for parishes across the country
It has been a real source of gratification to know that this simple setting, born of a sudden inspiration so many years ago, has proven to be an ongoing useful resource to assemblies and parish choirs all across the country. Read more » I am very grateful that the Heritage Mass continues to find a home at OCP, where the vision that gave birth to this publication continues today, and where a determination to serve, to make a real difference in the church, has grown a hundredfold.
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