This dynamic weekend is designed to provide resources to anyone involved in the music ministry at your local parish, school, chaplaincy, or youth group.
Whether you are a priest, a teacher, a singer, a chorister, an organist, a choir director, or simply someone who desires to be involved in the music ministry, come with an open mind and be prepared to immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of Sacred Music.
If you are interested to learn more about the Sacred Music of the Catholic Church, this weekend is for you!
FREE ADMISSION
Donations are welcome
Group registration is available, please email us to find out more.
Registration
Workshop Options
- Choral Composition – Robert Loretz
Tips and tricks on composing your next master piece. - Gregorian Chant – Stephen Smith
Learn how to sing and pray with Gregorian Chant. - Starting a new choir – Cameron Bhashkar
Tips and advice for starting a new church choir. - Eastern Catholic Sacred Music – Ryan Johnson
An introduction to Sacred Music of the Eastern Church
Schedule
Friday 21st November
7:00pm Vespers I for the Feast of St. Cecilia
7:45pm Registration & Welcome
8:00pm Keynote Speaker – Stephen Smith
Saturday 22nd November
The Feast of St. Cecilia
9:00am Keynote Speaker – Robert Loretz
10:00am Morning Tea Break
10:30am Waiata
11:30am Singing Session
12:00pm Lunch
1:00pm Singing Session
1:30pm Mass
3:00pm Keynote Speaker – Robert Loretz
4:00pm Keynote Speaker – Bishop John Adams
4:45pm Break
7:00pm Sacred Music Evening (Free)
Sunday 23rd November
10:00am Holy Mass (Optional)
The Feast of Christ the King
St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Remuera
Sunday morning Mass during the conference is optional as participants may have their own parish responsibilities.
1:00pm Keynote Speaker – Stephen Smith
2:00pm Afternoon break
2:30pm Workshop
4:00pm Keynote Speaker – Cameron Bhashkar
4:30pm Q&A
5:00pm Finished
Refreshments are available between talks and singing sessions throughout the weekend.
Keynote Speakers
We are pleased to present a panel of experts in liturgy and sacred music with both New Zealand and international acclamation. Their diverse expertise comprise a wide range of topics, and they will offer valuable insights to address any inquiries you may have, regardless of the stage you are positioned in within your music ministry endeavours.
Most Rev. Bishop John Adams
Bishop of Palmerston North
Bishop Adams was ordained a priest in 2003 and consecrated as the fourth Bishop for the Diocese of Palmerston North in 2023. Prior to his priestly ordination, Bishop Adams dedicated 25 years to his role as a chorister for the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Christchurch, nurturing his passion for sacred music.
Stephen Smith
Director of the Jubilate Deo Programme
The Australian Sacred Music Association
Stephen Smith has been a driving force behind the revival of Sacred Music in Australia for the past four decades. He is a founding board member of the Australian Sacred Music Association and a Director of the Jubilate Deo Programme, which teaches the 101s of Gregorian Chant to students, adults, and clergy. In 1989, Stephen founded the Schola of the Holy Cross at Maternal Heart of Mary Parish, Lewisham. Since then he has continued to serve as parish Director of Music at several parishes across Sydney and Wollongong. He is currently Director of Music at St Jerome’s Catholic Church, Punchbowl.
Dr. Robert Loretz, PhD
New Zealand Composer & Church Musician
Senior Fellow of the New Zealand Sacred Music Association
– Strategic Director –
Dr. Loretz, formerly the Head of Music at Massey High School in Auckland, was honoured with the New Zealand’s Most Inspiring Teacher award in 2011. He holds a Master’s degree in Music and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Auckland. Robert is an exceptional speaker and a gifted church musician.
Cameron Bhashkar
Musical Director of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North
Senior Fellow of the New Zealand Sacred Music Association
– Youth Publicity Officer –
Following his attendance at the 2023 Sacred Music Conference, Cameron decided to found the Musicæ Sacræ Choir at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church in Whakatāne. In May 2025, he was appointed as the Musical Director of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North, after which he also became a tutor at the Epic Music Academy, and founded the Musica Ecclesiae Choir, which is now the official choir for the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
Ryan Johnson, KHS
Co-founder of the New Zealand Sacred Music Association
Ryan Johnson is one of the co-founders of the New Zealand Sacred Music Association. He frequently works with choirs in both the Eastern and Latin rite, promoting the sacred music traditions of each. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in music production, with a minor in music technology, from the University of Otago. His work focuses on the revival of East Syriac in recovering its ancient notation.