“Restore The Song,” A Day of Prayer and Renewal for Catholic Music Ministers

Saint Mary, Mother of God Church will welcome Catholic music ministers from across the region for Restore The Song: A Day of Prayer, Reflection, Renewal on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Hosted by the Music Ministry of Saint Mary, Mother of God Church in cooperation with Sunday to Sunday Productions, Restore The Song has been created especially for those who serve the Church through sacred music. Music directors, organists, cantors, choir members, accompanists, instrumentalists, volunteer musicians, and parish music ministers are invited to step away from the responsibilities of rehearsing, preparing, performing, and leading others in prayer for a day centered on their own spiritual renewal.

You spend your life helping others pray. This day is an invitation to let God renew your own heart.
Through prayer, sacred music, reflection, conversation, fellowship, hospitality, and quiet, Restore The Song will offer music ministers an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and rediscover the joy at the heart of their vocation. No instruments are needed. This is a day to receive rather than to lead.

Leading the day will be John K. Flaherty, composer, liturgist, educator, and pastoral musician with more than 46 years of experience serving the Church through music and ministry. Flaherty has presented throughout the United States and is the recipient of the Jubilate Deo Award, the highest honor bestowed by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.

Joining Flaherty will be Malena Towers, Sacred Music Director at Saint Mary, Mother of God Church. A conductor, vocalist, and educator, Towers is dedicated to forming musicians in faith through the beauty of sacred music. Her ministry has included international performances and leading choirs at the Vatican for the Jubilee of Choirs and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

Restore The Song will begin with welcome, check-in, and coffee at 8:30 a.m. in Euphemia Hall at Saint Mary School. The day will include prayer, music, reflection, community, conversation, hospitality, and time to simply be. A light lunch and refreshments are included.

Registration has intentionally been kept accessible to encourage music ministers from parishes throughout the region to attend. Three contribution levels are available: $50 Support the Mission, $40 Standard Registration, and $30 Accessible Registration.