The ninth general conference was held once at the Little Portion Retreat and Training Center in Eureka Springs on May 18-22, 2005. The session was inspiring and sprit-filled.

John Michael Talbot gave an inspiring talk on the essence of God’s spirit and how everything has an essence and an energy. Suggestions were given on keeping a well balance life of praise & thanksgiving, repentance, reading the Word of God, participation in the sacraments and regular physical exercise. Time was also allotted to allow participants to privately offer praise and thanksgiving and repentance as a part of this morning session.

Maureen Hayes conducted an afternoon vocal workshop session which included suggestions on diaphragmatic breathing, proper posture, head angle and vocal health. Several of the participants volunteered to come forward to have their personal vocal techniques evaluated as well as a review of some personal vocal medical problems. The session concluded with prayer over the participants using a 1 st class relic of Francisco & Jacinta Marto (children of Fatima), who were musicians themselves.

Bob Halligan conducted a day-long songwriting workshop and gave many helpful suggestions on lyric writing and recognizing the natural rhythm in each lyric line. Many of the participants then volunteered to have their songs reviewed and evaluated for suggestions and improvements.

Joe Hand gave a well organized talk titled “Ten Simple Ways To Improve Your Recordings”. Suggestions included topics on song choices, planning time for your recordings and use of proper microphone techniques.

Denis Grady reviewed many of the contacts that he has maintained over the past year in the international scene.

Passion Play. CAM members were invited to the stage presentation the Passion Play given at the local amphitheater. Members found it to be an inspiring and impressive theatre event.

Comments of Conference Participants

Matthew Baute offers the pictures of the conference that he took as well as this comment: “It was a tremendous pleasure and blessing to meet all of you at the 2005 CAM conference. Here are the pics I took: http://www.matthewbaute.com/photos.asp. Blessings."

2006 Conference

The 2006 conference will be held July 19, 2006 to July 22, 2006 and will celebrate the 10 th anniversary of the Catholic Association of Music. All members are encouraged to reserve the date on their calendars as this special event will prove to be an excellent opportunity for everyone to share and celebrate together.

Individual Member Updates & Comments

Nancy Krebs - after having a full roster of singing appearances during Holy Week in the Baltimore area and being the featured singer at the 25 th anniversary mass of Fr. Donald Grymski, she will also be taping at Catholic Familyland TV in August, 2005. Also her newest CD of meditational songs, “Songs From The Heart” is due to be released in the summer.

Joe Moorman - He will be recording his next CD “REST – Prayer In Song 4” and is due to be released in June, 2005 and will be dedicated to the poor souls in purgatory.

Terry Little - Two new solo albums are under production at this time: "Still With the Spirit" and "Old Friends, New Songs" - both of which will include all original music and contributions by Jonathan and Terry's youngest daughter, Deena, plus several musicians from Holy Spirit Parish.

Maureen & Bill Hayes - Recently composed a new song for Pope Benedict XVI. (The song and its newspaper review may be found on their website www.MaureenandBillHayes.com). Also they are currently recording a collection of songs composed by Carol Johnson of southern Maryland to be released this summer. In addition, they will also be taping a Christmas special in August, 2005 for Catholic Familyland TV.

Jim Papandrea - a front man for the Chicago-based ecumenical group, "Remember Rome.", a convert to Catholicism and former Protestant minister, was the featured entertainment in April, 2005 for the Midwest Regional Young Adult Ministry Conference. In the summer of 2005, Jim will represent the band on the Catholic Familyland Network.