The As Music Heals fund was begun in late March 2020 to address the problem of many church musicians losing their employment due to the COVID pandemic. Our hope was to help provide some financial support for what we regarded as ‘essential workers’ without whom our churches would fall silent and our worship would be all the poorer. In the best of times, church musicians’ salaries or stipends provide a low to moderate income, and most generally do not have great resources to fall back on during hard times. As Music Heals was our effort, as composers and church musicians, to do what we could to help ameliorate what was a historically difficult and tragic time for the Church and for the world.
During the pandemic, As Music Heals raised and distributed over $100,000 to musicians in need.
In 2023, when the effects of the pandemic had waned, we pivoted in our mission to providing support for career musicians who after serving the Church for many years struggle to meet the material and financial challenges of unexpected health care crises, transportation or housing issues, and other expenses beyond their control. Our inaugural campaign to benefit composer, producer and pastoral musician Gary Daigle was launched in June of 2023, the first of many
The Liturgical Composers Forum was founded in 1998 by Fr. John Foley, SJ. We are a fellowship of published composers who write music for the American Catholic Church. Once a year, those available gather in St. Louis from far and near for a few days of relaxation, reflection and the sharing of musical and intellectual gifts. From this gathering, a small faith community of composers (along with many fruitful musical collaborations) has emerged over the years, with a shared vision and hope for the future of liturgical song.
The Liturgical Composer Forum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in St. Louis MO, and is governed by a Board of Directors and a Steering Committee elected from among the membership.
Our Mission Statement
The Liturgical Composers Forum is an association of composers of liturgical music and texts whose mission is the development of liturgical song. We do this through mutual support, prayer, study, mentoring, and discernment.
2023-24 Steering Committee
Kathleen Basi
Jaime Cortez, Chair
Kathleen Demny
Feargal King
Steve Warner
Janèt Sullivan Whitaker
Board of Directors
Paul Hasser
S. Carol Marie Hemish SSND
S. Dawn Stringfield