By Editor, August 3, 2026
This coming September 25-26, 2026, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary and the Diocese of Saint Cloud are delighted to welcome liturgical composer and longtime church musician, Steven C. Warner, to Collegeville.
The event, Singing Praise Wisely (from the Rule of Benedict, 19) invites church musicians, pastoral associates, and all involved in music ministry to gather for prayer and reflection with Steven Warner. This in-person gathering will explore the drama of our Gospel narratives, the historic witness of our saints, and the depth of prayer and emotion found in the Book of Psalms.
Our opening evening on Friday, September 25 begins at 4:30, with evening prayer in the School of Theology and Seminary Chapel, where St. Cloud Bishop Patrick Neary will preside and preach, a meal, and a keynote address by Warner on how storytelling serves as a gateway to gospel values.
On Saturday, September 26, we will gather for a retreat-style workshop. Songs and stories weaving together the legacy of Catholic saints and their writings, how to present a Gospel narrative through the power of sacred song, and the rich compositional treasures of psalmody will all be a part of this compelling day of prayer.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Location and parking: All events will be held in Emmaus Hall on the campus of Saint John’s University. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to Emmaus Hall (Seminary Parking), or in other designated visitor lots on Saint John’s campus.
To register and more information: Please visit our registration page here. This event is sponsored by the Diocese of St. Cloud and the Obsculta Preaching Grant at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. For more information, or for questions, please contact Katharine Harmon (at kharmon001@csbsju.edu).
About our speaker: Steven C. Warner is Founder and Director Emeritus of the Notre Dame Folk Choir (1980-2016). He then served as Associate Director of the Notre Dame-Newman Centre in Dublin, Ireland (2016-2021). He is the principal composer for the Songs of the Notre Dame Folk Choir series, and is published by both OCP and GIA Publications. He’s the designer and composer for The Contemplative Classroom and this past March, his setting of The Passion of Saint John (NRSV/Simply Liturgical) premiered at Villanova University and Saint Mary’s College/Notre Dame.
Singing Praise Wisely Schedule:
Friday, September 25, 4:30 – 7:00 PM: Evening Prayer, Dinner, & Keynote
Saturday, September 26, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM: Retreat & Workshop
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