I agree, it seems to be targeted for the pew but I disagree that it's "in really sad shape."
Really? Some of the stuff is ok (the Stabat Mater is well done, as is the "Immaculate Mary", for example), but then there are others ... "Sacred Head" for example, or "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name", "O Maria Virgo Pia", "To Jesus Christ Our Soveriegn King," etc. (some of the harmonies are just unnatural!).
I also noticed a severe lack of SATB Advent hymns ... most of the stuff in the Advent section is chant, which is fine for the schola, but it just sounds bad when done in unison with the choir (which is more a reflection on the quality of the choir than anything, but that's another subject).
If you can crack that nut, I'll buy you a drink!!
I told Father I'm bringing back the instruments of torture from the Inquisition. We'll rack 'em until they're hollering the Credo at full volume.
So I take it you're a choir director at your parish? We should take this offline. I'd like to compare notes.
