Musician's Retreat Day

Today, I am so grateful to share with you a development I have long hoped for!

This fall, I will fly to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to lead a Musicians Retreat Day for St. Damascus Gild, a local sacred arts non-profit. When speaking at this event, entitled “Renewal of Sacred Music,” my presentations will integrate elements of prayer, music theory, and theology to propose a vision for how musicians can best blend creativity and tradition to serve Holy Mother Church in the 21st century. Additionally, I will conduct an Angelico composition in our evening concert to conclude this special event!

The St. Damascus Gild found ASM through a mutual friend, and what began as some simple networking grew into a project much more beautiful. Executive Director Emily Blake describes it better than I can: “Upon first listening to Ryan's compositions, particularly his setting of the Our Father, I was struck by how deeply they reflect a spirit of profound prayer and authentic worship. His work possesses a rare, transcendent quality that invites the listener into a deeper stillness, turning a space into an environment where one feels enveloped by the presence of the Lord.”

I am so grateful for Emily’s generous and courageous leadership that has made this collaboration possible. Like myself, Emily is the founding executive director of her non-profit, and she is doing stellar work as a creative leader in the Church today.

My friends, you already know that we live in a moment that calls for a renewal of the sacred arts. Parishes across our country are hungering for music that serves as a bridge to Heaven. A little creative thought, rooted in prayer and aided by grace, can take us a long way toward that goal.

That is what this retreat day is for, and I am so excited for my first of (hopefully!) many opportunities to serve the Church in this way.

Upcoming Retreat

St. Damascus Gild Musicians Retreat Day

Saturday, October 10, 2026

St. Patrick's Parish (Iowa City, IA)

Day of talks and prayer - Sacred music concert - Angelico Compositions Performed

“My hope is that through Ryan's leadership, our attendees will be drawn back to the necessity of beauty in our liturgy. I believe his insights will empower our musicians to embrace their calling with excellence, offering every note as a prayerful response to the Lord's love.”

— Emily Blake, Executive Director, St. Damascus Gild

Please pray for Emily and me as we prepare for this retreat day. And please pray for the musicians who will be there, that they will leave with an elevated sense of their beautiful vocation to serve the Church as musical artists in America.

For the beauty of the Church,

Ryan Everson

Composer & Founder, Angelico Sacred Music