Two experienced musicians to lead sacred music for the diocese

Two highly experienced musicians have been chosen to be the music directors for the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Office of Sacred Music and Saint Paul Cathedral Parish. John Sittard will be the new director and Luke Ponce will be the associate director. Their responsibilities will include serving as principal organists, directing the diocesan and cathedral choirs, and developing the skills and formation of diocesan musicians.

Sittard, who is expected to start in mid-March, has spent three decades directing cathedral and large parish music programs, building choirs and expanding repertoires. He is most recently from the Cathedral of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in Madison, Wis., where he directed the diocesan choir and professional scola, was principal organist and established workshops and a sacred music series.

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, his first post was assistant organist at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. His positions have included director of music and liturgy at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg. Sittard is also a composer.

“I love what I do,” Sittard said. “Music is such a wonderful tool in evangelization because beauty draws people into an encounter with that which is Divine, particularly people who have fallen away from the Church or who don’t know Christ.”

Ponce, the assistant director, has strong diocesan ties, serving most recently as director of music and liturgy at Divine Redeemer Parish in Sewickley. He received his undergraduate degree in sacred music and organ from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, followed by a master’s degree in the same from Duquesne University. He is expected to start in late January 2026.

In addition to Divine Redeemer, Ponce has been director of music at Saint Peter Church in Steubenville, Ohio, and associate director of music at Mary Queen of Saints Parish in Aliquippa.

“One of the most exciting aspects of music ministry in the Diocese of Pittsburgh is working with so many dedicated and talented musicians across our parishes. These experiences have not only encouraged me in my own musical endeavors but nourished my spiritual life and been to me an experience of God’s grace,” Ponce said.

Luke Ponce

John Sittard