FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
far too much darkness during these last two years. W
Tis issue of Pastoral Music focuses on “Becoming Our Best Selves.” I’ve written before about getting “back to better,” and I’d like to paraphrase Catholic author Matthew Kelly and say that I now have a genuine opportunity to become the best version of myself. However, this change does not come easily. Looking for those silver linings is necessary. For example, who would have thought an “endemic” disease would be a welcome transition from a global pandemic? Te word “endemic” often conveys a pervasive issue; now, it will signal light and transformation.
You might be asking, how is NPM becoming the best version of itself? Great question. First, we’re returning to in-person programming, including the 2022 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, and we’ll offer a day-long program entirely in Spanish for musicians, lectors, ministers of hospitality, and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. We’re exploring ways to build affordable skills-based programming for dioceses around the country, and we’ll continue to offer virtual content like Ministry Monday and the Lunchtime Concert Series, as well as brand new content.
In mid-February, we held the first in-person Colloquium since January 2020. Our theme, “Open Hearts and Minds: Intercultural Mystagogia for
hen we say, “there’s a silver lining,” we’re often trying to find a bright spot amidst the darkness. Let’s face it: there has been
Pastoral Leaders,” is more important than ever. Every member of our communities must feel as though they can be their best and authentic self. I know we have a long way to go; I humbly ask you to walk with NPM and to be a part of the work. It is only with all voices included in the conversation that we can move forward to be the best possible association for all pastoral musicians and those who love the sung liturgy. In the front of my notebooks that I use for all of my NPM meetings, I write the following words from a member, “Good liturgy meets people in their lived condition at that particular moment.” Tis phrase has become one of my guiding principles for my work with NPM—to give the resources and support to our members and all pastoral musicians in order to let them become their best selves and, in turn, serve their communities.
As you’re reading this letter, we will be in the final days of Lent. How have we transformed into something better? How have we evolved from the caterpillar to the butterfly? How have I become my best self? Te mystagogy, the understanding, that comes when I strive to journey to the best version of myself is not a silver lining, but the very heart of my walk with Christ.
Jennifer Kluge Executive Director
director@npm.org
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