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While Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) has an excellent music program - one which is far superior to the vast majority of Catholic parishes and cathedrals, it is no doubt the case that what the CMAA advocates - the best music possible in its correct context within the liturgical mysteries - will be vastly superior in quality and spiritual value to anything being done at CCC(E). Moreover, it is likely that many members of the CCC(E) community will encounter CMAA folks during the course of the week, and perhaps even observe (or join in!) on rehearsals and or liturgy.

With that in mind, it should be easy to see how using the (beautiful, I'm sure) space at CCC(E) is not in any way an endorsement of Episcopalianism but rather an opportunity to evangelize. The membership of CCC(E) is, no doubt, drawn there by the beauty of their music and the depth of their tradition. How much more, then, would they be drawn to the music of the tradition from whence they ultimately came, the original source of their present practices?

Even if not one person so affected has the courage or wherewithal to come into communion with the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, the spiritual benefit that accrue to those who "do the work of an evangelist" must surely still bear fruit. And, like the long-term ripening of the fruit of the Oxford movement, it may be that any influence the CMAA has (for example, in piquing the curiosity of young choristers) is not seen for a generation or more.

We should be concerned when apostates and heretics occupy our buildings, even momentarily. But we should rejoice when given the opportunity to act as vanguards, as pilgrims in unholy land.

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Also, you know - it's like right across the street.

Perhaps we could schedule an Anglican Use Evensong.

I have 100 complaints about the colloqium

Might need a separate discussion thread for that. :-)

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Thank you, Adam Wood, for your balanced and thoughtful comment, above. I think you said it beautifully...both with regard to the quality of the music program at CCC, the aims of the Colloquium, conscious or otherwise present.

To assume the worst, not only of the the gracious hosts at CCC, but of the CMAA leadership and its intentions is totally uncalled for in this forum or anywhere else.

Here is some reality...lets look at it is an opportunity: our hotel is five blocks away from St. John the Evangelist (only a seven minute walk)...which is a very busy downtown parish with well frequented confession at 11:00am and daily Mass at 12:00pm daily, not to mention a plethora of other activities which go on during the day ... has opened its doors to us for rehearsals as their space and schedule allows, and all Colloquium liturgies, not to mention the Sunday liturgy, which will be celebrated by Archbishop Tobin.

Christ Church Cathedral, which is directly across the street from the hotel, is a beautiful church with a fabulous organ and legendary music program that has opened their doors to us well...The music director, organist, and clergy have been nothing but welcoming. The organ recital, played by non other than Simon Thomas Jacobs, and some of the rehearsals during the week, will take place in their well-appointed spaces. Our first evening we will have the great privilege of attending CCC's excellent and prayerful Anglican Choral Evensong, which most of us never have the opportunity to hear.

CCC staff and clergy know that the Colloquium is a Catholic conference. Even so, they have gone out of their way to be welcoming to our needs. Likewise, the CMAA understands that CCC is not Roman...yet...somehow...in the spirit of Christianity and love for beauty in honor of Our Lord we are all working together to make 2014 happen. We should all just be grateful.

I would hope that members of this forum might learn from the love and charity both groups are extending here.

THIS.

Plan your own gig or lighten up.

Brava, Arlene. Indy is a marvelous convention city, period. I have to come this year if only to give big bear RC another bear's hug!
Regarding any cognitive dissonance about the venues of worship, allow me this odd little perspective. The first chant intensive I attended was at U of San Diego. Beautiful environs, great town, drove there, etc.
U of San Diego, a nominal Catholic college is forever beset by controversies that are largely self-inflicted by all constituencies at the university. So, let's keep things in perspective, if we incline to scrupulosity.

JIF, I saw the original post and, FWIW, your concerns were legitimate and respectfully articulated. I hope your concerns were sufficiently addressed and that you will continue to post!

I agree with Olbash as well. I think there was a definite overreaction to JIF's comment. His concerns could have been answered without the tone that I sensed.

:)