Bend sits on the Deschutes River at the foot of the Cascades, high in the Central Oregon desert. Come a day early or stay a day after: mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and a walkable riverside downtown are all close at hand.
Afternoons are often in the 80s and nights can dip into the 40s. Bring layers, a hat, and sunscreen.
The air is dry and the sun is strong at this elevation. Drink more water than you think you need.
Central Oregon’s airport is about 25 minutes north of Bend, with rental cars, taxis, and rideshare. Travel details →
Most of these are within a few minutes of the conference.
Bend’s beloved historic downtown church, where every liturgy of the conference is celebrated and the Gregorian Chant Workshop is held. Stop in to pray before the Blessed Sacrament during your stay.
Shady lawns along the Deschutes River, a short walk from downtown shops and restaurants. Lovely at sunset.
An easy riverside path linking downtown and the Old Mill District, with shops, dining, and river views along the way.
A cinder cone in the middle of town. Walk or drive to the summit for a 360° view of the Cascade peaks.
Wildlife, living history, and the story of the high desert, set among the pines. Plan two to three hours.
Shops, restaurants, and riverside patios around the historic mill’s smokestacks. Summer evenings often bring outdoor concerts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Central Oregon’s landscapes are unlike anywhere else. Drive times are approximate from downtown Bend.
Towering volcanic cliffs above the Crooked River. Walk the flat river trail or climb Misery Ridge for the famous view. Go early; it gets hot.
A 97-foot waterfall a few steps from the parking area, with longer forest trails beyond. A recreation pass is required to park.
Ride the summer chairlift toward the summit for sweeping views of the Three Sisters and the Cascade Lakes.
Still mountain water reflecting South Sister along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Bring a picnic, or rent a kayak.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument: drive up a volcano at Lava Lands, then walk a mile-long lava tube. The cave requires a timed reservation.
A charming Western-style town beneath the Three Sisters peaks, with galleries, cafés, and shops. Stop in to pray at St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church.
About 25 minutes south: nature trails by day and telescope viewing under dark skies by night.
snco.org ↗Bend is famous for its craft breweries, many with family-friendly patios and good food. Downtown has wine bars and tasting rooms, and near Smith Rock, Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards (named for the Three Sisters peaks) pours estate wines with mountain views.
Bend Ale Trail ↗Faith, Hope & Charity ↗The city’s visitor bureau has lodging, restaurants, events, and maps.
visitbend.com ↗Photos via Wikimedia Commons: U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest R / Public domain · Another Believer / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bonnie Moreland / Public domain · Ian Poellet / CC BY-SA 3.0 · USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory / Public domain · Acroterion / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Roc0ast3r / CC0 · Stephen Foiles / CC BY 2.0 · Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives / CC BY 4.0 (Historic St. Francis of Assisi Church, sky edited) · Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives / CC BY 4.0
New summer photos: U.S. Forest Service / Public domain · BLM Oregon & Washington / Public domain · Orygun / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bruno Rijsman / CC BY-SA 2.0 · Beastes35 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives / CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · Hasmik Ghazaryan Olson on Unsplash
“I would urge every Catholic to attend this conference and drink deeply, or taste for the first time, the glorious, rich, and ever new heritage of the Church for which Our Lord gave His life.”
“The depth and quality of the presenters and the presentations far surpassed my expectations. All of you will know in heaven what great good this effort has done for the Salvation of Souls.”
“This year, I grew deeper in love with God. At the Sacred Liturgy Conference, I experience what I was made for.... Heaven.”
“I loved the spiritual dimension of the conference: the Masses, the prayers, the talks, and getting to know the other attendees. It felt like a retreat.”
“I learned so much about the teachings of the Church. It changed the way I experience Mass and my personal role in the sacred liturgy.”
“The speakers were superb and the liturgies impeccable. This conference was truly a gift to myself and all who attended.”
“The Q&A class at the end was inspiring, motivating and intimate. I felt like we were gathered around the family table discussing how to move forward.”
“The conference increased my understanding and gratitude for the richness and beauty of our faith. God Bless you for putting on this conference.”
Learn to sing the sacred chant rooted in the ancient tradition of the Church, a tradition that reaches back to the Apostles and has been handed down through countless generations of saints.
A “how-to” workshop on singing the Church’s ancient and sacred music as prayer. This is for all who want to learn and enhance their knowledge and skills of sacred music, including beginners and experienced singers. Beginners will learn to read the square notes, and those already experienced with Gregorian chant will deepen their understanding.
Together we will learn the foundations of the chant: reading the notation, praying the Latin texts, and finding the natural flow of the melody. Participants will learn to chant as the one voice of the Body of Christ, singing the Ordinary of the Mass for the liturgical celebrations during the conference.
Singers of every level are welcome.
Optional add-on · $50. Select the workshop when you register.