Conference XIV opened with an Epiphany Concert by the Choir of St. Joseph Cathedral, conducted by host Charles Sullivan, with Dorothy Riley, organist. A reception sponsored by Peter’s Way followed the concert.
Tuesday began with a welcome by Charles Sullivan and a business session at which Brian Luckner presided. Discussed were plans for a London conference, the Snowbird Statement, the CRCCM Newsletter, the commissioning of new music, and nominations for Steering Committee positions. Rev. James Moroney (Executive Director of the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy) gave a presentation: "What is Liturgical Music – What are we in the business of doing? – Consolation and Exultation." Lunch at the Columbus Art Museum was followed by a demonstration of the famous Beckerath Organ at First Congregational Church. Diana Turner-Forte gave a presentation on liturgical dance which focused on strong liturgical, theological, and professional principles. Tuesday evening brought a notable performance of the Marcel Dupré Stations of the Cross played by Sister Mary Jane Wagner. Tamara Seckel read the original French poetry of Paul Claudel, and Diana Turner-Forte provided liturgical dance during three of the movements.
Wednesday’s sessions were held in Cleveland, with stops at historic St. Peter’s Church (1859), Trinity Cathedral (two Flentrop organs), Church of the Covenant, an open rehearsal of the Cleveland Orchestra, and lunch at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The day concluded at St. John’s Cathedral with presentations by Rev. David Weber, Rector, and Greg Heislman, Director of Music. The Cathedral Choir, with chamber orchestra, sang Mass celebrated by Bishop Anthony Pilla.
Thursday began with a business meeting, followed by an address by Fr. Jan Michael Joncas on the definition of the role of the aesthetic within the genre of liturgical music. The following session featured Fr. Joncas and Sister Mary Jane Wagner exploring two questions: "Who is our community and how are we mediators?" "How do we expand our own perceptions of other people’s experiences?" (Contents of both of these important sessions, which centered on the theology of cathedral and its music, are well-detailed in the CRCCM Newsletter, Vol. IV, No. 1.)
A final business session covered many items, and was followed by Evening Prayer at the Cathedral and the Conference Banquet at the Capitol Club. Friday breakfast, a discussion, and Rite of Departure concluded the 1997 CRCCM Conference.