The first annual Oregon Sacred Music Colloquium, January 30–31, 2026, drew over 100 singers to Mt Angel Abbey for two beautiful days of singing, learning, and praying. Participants learned a Gregorian ordinary, propers of the Mass in English and Latin, and a few motets as Dr. Donelson-Nowicka directed rehearsals and gave spiritual talks. She covered the basics of Gregorian chant notation and the modes, as well as the role of sacred music in the Church’s liturgy and the spiritual life. Participants attended Byzantine vespers and sang a final Mass with Bishop Thomas Hennen, the youngest ordinary in the U.S. recently ordained for the see of Baker. The event, sponsored by the Mt. Angel Institute, was organized by Dr. Myrna Keough and Fr. Anselm Flores and aims to continue to drawing singers together in response to Archbishop Alexander K. Sample’s fantastic pastoral letter on sacred music.
Dr. Donelson-Nowicka at Inaugural Oregon Sacred Music Colloquium.
