Sacred Music Leadership Summit

At ̽ from October 16–17, 2026

Two Days to Transform Your Music Ministry

Whether you're strengthening an established music ministry or building one from the ground up, the Sacred Music Leadership Summit will help you renew and elevate your Catholic parish or school music program. Through presentations, hands-on workshops, collaborative planning sessions, and discussion, you'll discover practical ways to cultivate music that deepens prayer, enriches the liturgy, and strengthens your parish or school community.

Designed for priests, parish staff, music directors, principals, parish council members, and other Catholic leaders, this two-day summit combines theological vision with practical instruction to help you develop a clear plan for your own parish or school.  

Conference Speaker

Jennifer-Donelson-Nowicka
Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka  

Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka is Professor and Director of Sacred Music at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California, where she also serves as founding director of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music. A respected scholar, conductor, and educator, she is an internationally recognized authority on Gregorian chant, sacred liturgy, and Catholic sacred music.

Dr. Donelson-Nowicka serves as Vice President and Director of Publications for the Church Music Association of America, consults for the USCCB's Committee on Divine Worship, and speaks regularly throughout the United States and Europe.

 

Drawing on decades of experience in sacred music education and formation, she helps Catholic leaders build vibrant music programs that deepen participation in the Church's liturgy.

 

Dr. Donelson-Nowicka serves as Vice President and Director of Publications for the Church Music Association of America, consults for the USCCB's Committee on Divine Worship, and speaks regularly throughout the United States and Europe.

 

Drawing on decades of experience in sacred music education and formation, she helps Catholic leaders build vibrant music programs that deepen participation in the Church's liturgy.

 

Conference Schedule

All sessions will take place in the same location unless otherwise noted. Final classroom location will be announced prior to the conference.

1:00 PM

Talk #1: "Thinking with the Mind of the Church About Parish and School Music Programs"

2:00 PM

Music Program Analysis and Small-Group Discussion

2:45 PM

Break

3:15 PM

Talk #2: "Dreaming Big: Sacred Music as Vital for Christian and Parish Life"

4:15 PM

Small-Group Discussion: Brainstorming for Your Parish or School (Current or Future)

5:00 PM

Break

7:00 PM

Talk for the Entire Student Body: "The Musical Language of Prayer"

Christ the King Chapel (CTK)

Preparing for Your Visit

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Ohio River, our campus offers a memorable college visit experience. Whether you’re staying overnight or planning where to dine, you’ll find a place to rest and feel the warmth and hospitality of our Steubenville community.

Where to Stay

—a Best Western Plus property and the University’s official hotel—is a comfortable and convenient place to stay just moments from campus. Call (740) 792-8050 or click the "Reserve Online" button below to book your stay with a special conference rate.

Outside Steubenville, you can find a variety of hotels where you can relax and reflect on your visit.

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Where to Eat

Just steps from the Inn, offers several dining options where you can refuel and connect.