About the Mississippi Conference on
Church Music & Liturgy

  • The MCCML is an annual gathering for musicians, clergy, and all who are passionate about worship in the Episcopal tradition. For nearly 50 years, we have provided a space for spiritual renewal, musical excellence, education, and community. We welcome participants from all skill levels and backgrounds.

  • The conference is typically held in late July. In 2025, it was held from July 22-27 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Our liturgies often include services at other beautiful local churches, such as the Cathedral Church of St. Peter.

Registration & Attendance

  • Anyone involved or interested in church music and liturgy! This includes choir members, section leaders, organists, clergy, composers, seminarians, and worshippers who want to deepen their understanding and practice.

  • While we strongly encourage full attendance for the most enriching experience, we offer weekend-only registration options for those who cannot attend the full week. Please see the registration page for details and pricing.

  • We recommend registering as early as possible. Specific deadlines and pricing tiers will be announced on the website and in our newsletter.

The Conference Week:
What to Expect

  • Each day is a blend of worship, rehearsal, and learning:

    • Morning: We begin with Morning Prayer, followed by rehearsals for the conference choir and teaching sessions with our faculty.

    • Afternoon: Time is allotted for more rehearsals, reading sessions (where we explore new music), social time, and shopping with our music vendor.

    • Evening: The day often concludes with dinner, special events like the Rose Hill Cabaret, or Compline.

  • The conference centers around worship. The week typically features:

    • An Opening Eucharist on Tuesday evening.

    • Morning Prayer and Compline daily.

    • A beautiful Evensong service at a local cathedral (in 2025, this was at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Peter).

    • A Closing Eucharist on Sunday morning, which is the culmination of our week's work together.

  • Absolutely! The conference choir is designed to be inclusive. Our talented faculty and conductors work with singers of all abilities. The joy is in making a "joyful noise" together in a supportive environment.

Practical Information

  • Dress is casual and comfortable for the Mississippi summer heat during the day. For worship services, "church casual" or "summer business casual" is appropriate. The Rose Hill Cabaret is a fun, relaxed event—feel free to be creative!

    • Your conference music packet (mailed to you prior to the conference).

    • A water bottle to stay hydrated.

    • Comfortable shoes for walking.

    • A folder for any new music from reading sessions or the music vendor.

    • Your enthusiasm and voice!

  • Yes! We are proud to partner with Lois Fyfe Music, who brings a wide selection of choral and organ music for you to browse and purchase. Reading packets are broken down at the end of the conference, allowing you to purchase individual copies of anthems you loved.

  • We welcome volunteers! If you are interested in serving as a reader, accompanist, or providing a prelude, please sign up at the registration desk or speak with the Conference Director.

  • A beloved conference tradition! It’s a fun, informal talent show on Saturday night where conferees and faculty share acts—musical, comedic, or otherwise. You are officially encouraged to perform! Sign-ups are available during the week.

  • Please speak with any member of the Mississippi Conference Staff or Board. For emergencies, the Conference Director's phone number is provided in the conference materials.

Please note: Specific dates, faculty, and locations are subject to change year to year. This FAQ is based on the 2025 conference structure and will be updated for 2026.