The Catholic Institute of Sacred Music presents

Sacred Music Leadership Summit

At Franciscan University of Steubenville

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 Speakers

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)

Franciscan Square Restaurants

Jimmy John’s

Harp and Habit

Rubi’s Pizza

Scooter’s Coffee

More about Franciscan Square

Stay tuned for more email communications about the local area and the upcoming conference.