JANUARY 2022


FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


O


ne year ago, I began my journey as the next Executive Director of NPM. I look back on that time and recall the excitement, the


trepidation, and just a touch of surrealism that I had been called to serve our Church and you, our members, in such a profound way.


From my own experience, I know that the Holy Spirit is always at work and led me to NPM. Te Holy Spirit is the voice that calls me to action. Sometimes the voice is the whisper so faint that it’s barely audible, and sometimes it speaks so loudly that my ears ring. How does the Holy Spirit speak to you and work in your life?


Our theme for the 45th Annual Convention, “Tested by Fire: Renewed & Transformed,” illuminates how the fire of the Holy Spirit molds us into something new. Te crucible of these past two years, as we’ve navigated a global pandemic, have not only transformed us, but hopefully renewed our faith in God. I can’t imagine where I would be without my faith since March 2020. I recall the difference between Easter 2020 when our spiritual fast from in-person liturgy had just begun, and Easter 2021 when we celebrated the Resurrection together, albeit masked and waving at the Sign of Peace. My faith carried me through the times in between those Easter celebrations.


Of course, when we are gathered together as a faith community, we can feel the power of the Spirit at work. We know how important it is to gather ,and we are committed to in-person events in 2022, most notably our Colloquium for Premium NPM members in February in Nashville and our annual convention in Louisville. Our convention will also offer a virtual


option the following week for those who cannot join us in Louisville. More programming for the spring and summer will be announced soon, and I encourage you to stay tuned.


What’s ahead for NPM in 2022? Serving our members is at the heart of NPM, and it will be no different this year. NPM is a national organization made up of members and chapters living out our mission in their own dioceses. Terefore, we’ll focus on growing new chapters and supporting existing ones better than ever before. We’ll lean into the Synod on Synodality* to determine the best role for NPM in the process and how we should be involved in the dialogue. We’ll continue to build and enhance our outstanding volunteer leadership structure, with Board members, Regional Representatives, Forum Chairs, Chapter Directors, and so many more playing a part to best serve our Church, our parishes, and one another.


I look forward to Year Two of my journey, and I ask you to continue to pray for me!


Jennifer Kluge Executive Director director@npm.org


* Be sure to read the letter about the Synod on page 32 from Valerie Lee-Jeter, member of the Board of Directors.


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