StDamascusGild

St. Damascus Gild Sacred Music Concert
2026-10-10 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | St. Patrick Catholic Church (Iowa City), 4330 St Patrick Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sacred Music Concert
Presented by St. Damascus Gild
Join St. Damascus Gild for our third and final “Glimpse” event of 2026—An evening of masterfully performed sacred music, bringing the beauty of tradition to life through professional regional artists. This performance brings the spirit of our mission to life, offering a window into the profound stewardship of God-given talent.
Performance Details

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: St. Patrick Catholic Church, Iowa City, IA
Admission: Open to the public. A free-will donation is recommended to support our 2027 season of events.

Special Guest & Featured Composer: Ryan Everson
We are honored to feature the work of Ryan Everson, a seminarian for the Diocese of Phoenix and the Composer/Executive Director of Angelico Sacred Music. He is an accomplished composer whose work has been premiered/performed by the University of Notre Dame, U of Mary and the Catholic University of America. Ryan is dedicated to renewing sacred choral music by bridging technical excellence with prayerful devotion.
Support the Mission
St. Damascus Gild is a nonprofit organization launching in December 2026. Your presence and your generosity through free-will donations allow us to continue hosting events that magnify His Goodness, Truth, and Beauty through Sacred Arts.

Can’t attend? You can still support our mission by donating here: [Link to General Donation Page]
Are you a musician? Earlier that same day, we are hosting a Musician’s Retreat (1:30 PM – 6:30 PM) for local and national vocalists and instrumentalists to gather for community and formation. Our special guest will also serve as the keynote speaker for this powerful retreat! If you would like to join us for the afternoon retreat program, please register here: 🔗 [Click Here for Retreat Registration]

St. Damascus Gild Musician’s Retreat Day
2026-10-10 13:30 - 19:30 | St. Patrick Catholic Church (Iowa City), 4330 St Patrick Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Get tickets HERE!
Your registration provides full access to the retreat program, Ryan Everson’s keynote talks, and the community dinner. All registrants are warmly invited to attend the St. Damascus Gild Sacred Music Concert as guests of honor.
St. Damascus Gild Musician’s Retreat Day
To use your God-given gifts to glorify God is the highest calling of the musician.
St. Damascus Gild invites you to the third and final “Glimpse” event of 2026—a day of spiritual renewal, artistic formation, and professional fellowship. Hosted at the beautiful St. Patrick Catholic Church Parish Hall in Iowa City, this retreat is designed for the artist who seeks to move beyond the ordinary and into the profound stewardship of their talent.
Led by national composer Ryan Everson, we will explore the Renewal of Sacred Music—educating musicians on its rich history, profound roots, and the calling to breathe new life into timeless traditions. Since the days of the early church, these masterfully crafted arts have held a unique power to move and elevate human souls for centuries. Join us in deepening our appreciation for musical excellence, renewing the call of the musician to restore these ‘lost arts’ and use our gifts to glorify God.
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The Vision:
This gathering is a true retreat for the soul, designed to offer spiritual renewal alongside artistic formation. We believe that to create music of transcendent beauty, the artist must first be formed in the sacred purpose of their calling as a musician. Whether you are a vocalist or an instrumentalist, this day provides the sacred space, the study, and the professional fellowship needed to refine your gifts for the glorification of God.
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Who Should Attend:
We welcome all dedicated vocalists and instrumentalists—professional artists and devoted students alike. This retreat is specifically designed for:

Choir Members & Cantors: Those looking to unite vocal technique with a deeper prayer life.
Music Directors & Organists: Leaders seeking fresh inspiration and theological formation for their ministries.
Instrumentalists: Musicians of all disciplines who wish to explore how technical skill serves a higher purpose.
Students & Aspiring Artists: Young musicians eager to learn from established professionals.

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Featured Keynote & Composer:
Ryan Everson is a seminarian for the Diocese of Phoenix and the executive director of Angelico Sacred Music (ASM). A graduate of the Arizona State University School of Music, Ryan is an accomplished composer whose work has been premiered/performed by the professional choirs of University of Notre Dame, U of Mary, and the Catholic University of America. He is dedicated to renewing sacred choral music, helping musicians bridge the gap between technical excellence and prayerful devotion.
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Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 1:30 – 7:30 PM (Includes Retreat Program, Dinner, & Public Concert)
Location: St. Patrick Catholic Church, Iowa City
Registration: $35/ticket (Includes the full retreat program and community dinner)
Group Rate: $25/ticket for groups of 10 or more

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Musician’s Retreat Day Schedule
Arrival & Welcome

1:15 PM | Doors Open & Check-In

📍 Location: Parish Hall

1:30 PM | Welcome & Opening Prayer

General Sessions

1:35 PM | Keynote I: Beyond the Notes: The Living Power of Sacred Music

Presented by: Ryan Everson

2:15 PM | Break (A time for quiet prayer and reflection)
2:30 PM | Keynote II: Restoring the Craft: Your Call to the Renewal

Presented by: Ryan Everson

3:15 PM | Unveiling St. Damascus Gild: An Interactive Showcase

Presented by: Emily Blake

Social & Worship

4:00 PM | Break/Social

Light refreshments provided

4:30 PM | Vigil Mass (Optional)

Attendees are warmly encouraged to sit together as a community.

Evening Reception & Finale

5:30 PM | Musician’s Retreat Community Dinner

📍 Location: Parish Hall
Note: Dinner is provided for all registered attendees.

6:30 PM | Sacred Music Concert

📍 Location: Main Sanctuary
Open to all retreat attendees and the public.

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The Evening Performance
The day concludes with a public performance that brings the themes of our retreat to life through song.
*Special Highlight: Featuring live performances of several original compositions by our keynote speaker, Ryan Everson.

Concert Admission: The 6:30 PM St. Damascus Gild Sacred Music Concert is open to the public (a free-will offering is gratefully accepted). All retreat participants are warmly invited to join us as our honored guests to experience this performance.
Note on Participation: The Musician’s Retreat is an open program for all vocalists and instrumentalists to focus on spiritual and professional growth. Please note that the evening concert features a specific, pre-curated ensemble and does not include a rehearsal or performance component for retreat attendees.
Questions? Please contact us at: info@stdamascusgild.org

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Together, let us glorify God by sharing His Goodness, Truth, and Beauty with the world.

Writer’s Workshop: Summer 2026
2026-07-23 18:30 - 20:00 | St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Solon, IA, 1749 Racine Ave NE, Solon, IA, 52333, United States
Get tickets HERE!
This is a ticketed event to cover the cost of the materials and refreshments provided.
St. Damascus Gild: Writer’s Workshop
Glorifying God Through the Written Word
Join St. Damascus Gild for our second “Glimpse” event of 2026! We are thrilled to host this unique, hands-on writing experience—the first of many workshops to come. While we are officially launching our nonprofit this December in preparation for a full 2027 season of events, we invite you to join us now for this special preview.
This evening is more than just a talk; it is an invitation to explore your calling through the craft of storytelling. Led by local, published author Sean McVeigh, we will discuss the writer’s journey and how God calls us to use our voices to glorify Him.
Who Should Attend?
This event is for every writer. Whether you are an aspiring author with a story to tell, a student looking to sharpen your skills, or someone who simply enjoys storytelling, there is a place for you here.

Aspiring Writers: Gain insights from a published author on the calling and craft of writing.
Families & Couples: A creative and meaningful way to spend an evening together.
All Skill Levels: From beginners to lifelong wordsmiths, all ages are welcome to participate.
Students: Are you a student? This is definitely for you. We would love to see you there! 1/2 price tickets for students in college, high school, or grade school. Use “STUDENT26” code during check out!

Event Details

When: Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
Where: St. Mary Parish Hall, Solon, IA
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Registration: $10 per ticket. This fee covers all professional writing materials and refreshments provided. Discounted student tickets: $5

About Our Guest Speaker
Sean McVeigh is a local published author and professional speaker known for his engaging storytelling and unique ability to connect with diverse audiences. With several titles already published and five new books currently in progress, Sean brings a wealth of industry experience to our workshop. Whether writing for teens, adults, or outdoors enthusiasts, Sean specializes in helping others discover how to use their creative gifts for a higher purpose.
Evening Schedule

6:30 PM | Welcome & Opening Prayer
6:45 PM | Author Talk: Writing with a Higher Purpose with Sean McVeigh.
7:15 PM | Community Break (Dessert and materials provided)
7:25 PM | Guided Writing Exercise: A low-pressure, informal session designed to help you find your unique voice. This is a personal exercise for your own reflection—there is no requirement to share your work with the group.
7:45 PM | Open Q&A with Sean McVeigh
8:00 PM | Final Prayer & Closing

Come share in community, get to know a local author, and dive deeper into the art of writing. You will leave feeling inspired and uplifted. We look forward to seeing you there!

Visual Arts Workshop: Spring 2026
2026-04-19 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Pius X Parish Hall, 4949 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, United States
Get tickets HERE!
This is a ticketed events to cover the cost of the event space and materials. All materials are provided including the paint, canvas, brushes, apron, and the use of an easel!

About the Event:
Sacred Art Workshop: A Hands-On Art Event at St. Pius X! 🎨

Join St. Damascus Gild for our first “Glimpse” event of 2026! We are thrilled to host this unique, hands-on painting experience—the first of many visual art workshops to come. While we are officially launching our nonprofit in December 2026 to prepare for a full 2027 season of sacred art events, we invite you to join us now for this special preview.
This afternoon is more than just an art workshop; it is a “glimpse” into our mission and an opportunity to reflect on our faith through creativity. The workshop will be led by experienced and faith-filled local artists who will guide you in creating art that glorifies God.
Art with a Higher Purpose
Every painting offered at this event is Christ-centered, designed to help you create a beautiful visual reminder of your faith. We are offering three original, pre-painted example designs to choose from, tailored to your comfort level:

Beginner: Focused on simple, bold symbols of faith and vibrant colors (Age Recommendation: 4+)
Intermediate: Introducing techniques for added detail, light, and depth. (Age Recommendation 8+)
Advanced: For those looking to explore intricate textures and spiritual themes.

No matter which design you choose, our instructors have broken down the journey into a simple 5-step self-paced process. You’ll learn the basic building blocks of creating a masterpiece—from the first stroke to the final detail—at your own speed.
Who Should Attend?
This is a community event! We welcome:

Families: Grandparents with grandkids, parents with kids, aunts/uncles with their nieces/nephews.
Couples: Enjoy meaningful quality time as you explore your artistic side together.
Individuals: Individual creators of all skill levels looking to uplift their soul to God through sacred art.
Ages: All are welcome!

Event Details

When: Sunday, April 19th, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: St. Pius X
Materials: We provide everything you need! You will receive an 8×10” canvas, paint, an apron, brushes, and the use of an easel.

Best of all? You get to keep your masterpiece! Come make a memory, share in fellowship, and leave with a Christ-centered work of art for your home.

Information Night RESCHEDULED For 2/27/26
2026-02-27 18:30 - 19:30 | St. Pius X Parish Hall, 4949 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, United States
Join us for an exclusive, one-hour information night to learn about our organization and the exciting year ahead! This event is designed to give you direct insight into our mission and future plans.
*RESCHEDULED EVENT DETAILS:

📅 Date: Friday, February 27
⏰ Time: 6:30PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: St. Pius X Parish Hall – 4949 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
💸 Cost: Free Admission

What to Expect:

👋 Socializing: Enjoy light refreshments and engage in conversation with our executive director.
📊 Firsthand Information: Get direct updates and insights from members of our board of directors.
💡 Future Vision: Learn about upcoming initiatives and the strategic direction of our organization.

Who Should Attend:
We warmly welcome all members of the community interested in our work. This evening is tailored for a diverse audience, including:

Families & Youth Advocates: Parents, guardians, and mentors interested in community programs and resources.
Emerging Leaders: Young adults and students looking for networking opportunities and community engagement.
Community & Business Leaders:Professionals, entrepreneurs, and local stakeholders aiming to collaborate and make an impact.
Creatives & Innovators: Artists, designers, and visionaries eager to contribute their perspectives to our future projects.
Engaged Citizens: Anyone passionate about the future direction and success of our community.

Benefits & Purpose of Attending:
This information night provides a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with leadership, ask questions directly, and understand how our work impacts the community. Your attendance ensures you are fully informed about our goals and how you can be involved in our continued success.

Information Night 2/8/26
2026-02-08 14:00 - 15:00 | St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, 120 5th St NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52405, United States
Join us for an exclusive, one-hour information night to learn about our organization and the exciting year ahead! This event is designed to give you direct insight into our mission and future plans.
Event Details:

📅 Date: Sunday, February 8
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: St. Patrick’s Parish Hall – 120 5th St NW, Cedar Rapids, IA
💸 Cost: Free Admission

What to Expect:

👋 Socializing: Enjoy light refreshments and engage in conversation with our executive director.
📊 Firsthand Information: Get direct updates and insights from members of our board of directors.
💡 Future Vision: Learn about upcoming initiatives and the strategic direction of our organization.

Who Should Attend:
We warmly welcome all members of the community interested in our work. This evening is tailored for a diverse audience, including:

Families & Youth Advocates: Parents, guardians, and mentors interested in community programs and resources.
Emerging Leaders: Young adults and students looking for networking opportunities and community engagement.
Community & Business Leaders:Professionals, entrepreneurs, and local stakeholders aiming to collaborate and make an impact.
Creatives & Innovators: Artists, designers, and visionaries eager to contribute their perspectives to our future projects.
Engaged Citizens: Anyone passionate about the future direction and success of our community.

Benefits & Purpose of Attending:
This information night provides a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with leadership, ask questions directly, and understand how our work impacts the community. Your attendance ensures you are fully informed about our goals and how you can be involved in our continued success.

Information Night 1/20/26
2026-01-20 18:00 - 19:00 | St. Pius X Parish Hall, 4949 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, United States
Join us for an exclusive, one-hour information night to learn about our organization and the exciting year ahead! This event is designed to give you direct insight into our mission and future plans.
Event Details:

📅 Date: January 20
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: St. Pius X Parish Hall – 4949Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
💸 Cost: Free Admission

What to Expect:

👋 Socializing: Enjoy light refreshments and engage in conversation with our executive director.
📊 Firsthand Information: Get direct updates and insights from members of our board of directors.
💡 Future Vision: Learn about upcoming initiatives and the strategic direction of our organization.

Who Should Attend:
We warmly welcome all members of the community interested in our work. This evening is tailored for a diverse audience, including:

Families & Youth Advocates: Parents, guardians, and mentors interested in community programs and resources.
Emerging Leaders: Young adults and students looking for networking opportunities and community engagement.
Community & Business Leaders:Professionals, entrepreneurs, and local stakeholders aiming to collaborate and make an impact.
Creatives & Innovators: Artists, designers, and visionaries eager to contribute their perspectives to our future projects.
Engaged Citizens: Anyone passionate about the future direction and success of our community.

Benefits & Purpose of Attending:
This information night provides a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with leadership, ask questions directly, and understand how our work impacts the community. Your attendance ensures you are fully informed about our goals and how you can be involved in our continued success.
