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The Georgetown Center for Liturgy honored Dr. Elaine Rendler-McQueeney with its annual National Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Liturgical Life of the American Church at the Center's Annual Advent Celebration & Benefit on December 8, 2008.

Elaine Rendler-McQueeney is currently professor of music at George Mason University and editor of the quarterly Today's Liturgy. She is a consummate liturgical musician: a choral director of great ability who directed a 1,000 voice choir for the papal Mass on the Washington Mall, a performer on organ, piano and harpsichord who has soloed at the Kennedy Center, and a published composer and popular convention speaker and clinician.

Because of her informative and engaging column for church musicians in Today's Liturgy which reaches two-thirds of American Catholic parishes, she is probably read by and influencing more people than any other author in the Catholic liturgical scene. She is also the founding director of the Georgetown Chorale, a sixty-voice singing group hat uses its musical talents for community service. The Chorale has raised over $150,000 in recent years for charity.

The Award Citation Reads:

The Georgetown Center for Liturgy presents the 2008 Award for Outstanding Contributions made to the Liturgical Life of the American Church to Dr. Elaine Rendler-McQueeney, trusted teacher and respected minister of music.

With exceptional musicianship and a profound understanding of the liturgy, you had led assemblies, large and small, into deeper, more transforming prayer.

With understanding, compassion and humor, you have inspired thousands of pastoral musicians and clergy with enthusiasm and renewed joy in their ministry.

With a grasp of the full Gospel message, you have always shown a deep concern for the poor and the marginalized and you have used your musical gifts not only to lift spirits hungry for hope and beauty, but have brought material aid to the needy, as well.

With deep admiration and heartfelt gratitude for gifts generously shared with the People of God, the Georgetown Center for Liturgy presents this award on the 8th day of December, 2008.

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