Last weekend, I had just returned from the annual convention of the NPM (National Pastoral Musicians) that was held in Baltimore.  I try to go every two years, but it had been at least four years since I had been able to attend.  It is a very enriching gathering.  Events are scheduled from 7 or 8 in the morning until 10 or 11 at night.  To eat (or breathe!) you have to miss some things!

Nonetheless, what I did get to attend was often prayerful, informative, educational, etc….  The principle talks (the Plenum Addresses) were particularly good this year.  While there, I met up with people from our sister parish in Appalachia.  Also in attendance were Tom Kaczmarek, our Music Director, and some of our cantors.  I am sure we will have some beautiful music added to our repertoire.

It is also sort of neat to be rubbing elbows with musicians like Chris Walker ( Celtic Alleluia), Marty Haugen ( Gather Us In; All Are Welcome), David Haas ( Blessed Are They; You Are Mine; and our current Gloria), Michael Joncas ( On Eagle’s Wings; We Come To Your Feast), and some of the other newer composers, such as Jesse Manibusen ( Open My Eyes) or Steve Agrisano ( Go Make A Difference; A Rightful Place)—and so many more.  By the way, our own Tom Kaczmarek has his music published by WLP (World Library Press), one of the “Big Three” publishers at the convention!

It is great to be renewed and refreshed in our ministries by things like this.  Next year, I hope to attend the Life Teen conference, so I can try to keep up with the youngest generation of thinkers and religious/liturgical music and music makers.  Music is not just incidental to our worship as Catholics.  It opens doors for God’s Spirit to enter our worship and our lives in ways words alone cannot.  Music (with or without words) can calm the heart and souls and open us to God.  We are blessed to enjoy a quality music ministry at St. Mikes and a beautiful choir made up of volunteers who give many hours to this ministry they love.