Therese Schroeder-Sheker, Music-Thanatologist, to Perform Deathbed Vigil at Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – Therese Schroeder-Sheker, creator and director of the Chalice of Repose Project, will perform "The Deathbed Vigil in Music-Thanatology" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2002 in the Brooks Concert Hall at the College of the Holy Cross.

An accomplished harpist, singer and educator, Schroeder-Sheker currently serves as academic dean and professor at the School of Music-Thanatology in Missoula, Mont. She developed the medical field of music-thanatology after researching the monastic medical practices of 11th century Cluny, France. Music-thanatology involves the use of music, specifically the harp and voice, delivered at the bedside of dying patients to produce feelings of deep relaxation and alleviation of physiological and emotional pain.

In 1972, Schroeder-Sheker pioneered the Chalice of Repose Project which aims to lovingly serve the physical and spiritual needs of the dying with the delivery of live prescriptive music.

Schroeder-Sheker has written articles that appear in over 100 scholarly publications. Her work has earned her numerous awards, grants and fellowships including an Emmy and a gold record. A 1997 documentary of her work titled The Gift, shown on ABC News' Nightline, won the esteemed Christopher Award, presented each year to works that "affirm the highest value of the human spirit." In addition, Schroeder-Sheker's life work has been featured in Life magazine and on NBC News' Dateline.

This presentation is part of the conference "Practicing Catholic: Ritual, Body, and Contestation in Catholic Faith," taking place October 18 - 21, 2002 at Holy Cross.