JANUARY 2024
CALLED BY BAPTISM, STRENGTHENED BY GRACE
O
ne of the most awe-inspiring sights I have ever witnessed is the power and the majesty of Niagara Falls. A few years ago, my family
and I had the opportunity to visit both the American and the Canadian sides of this natural wonder. In retrospect, I realize I was keenly struck by the almost constant interplay of light and water droplets that so often conspired to produce a lovely rainbow—a symbol of God’s mercy and grace shining faithfully through the mist.
Te theme of this issue (and of the 2024 NPM Convention in Kansas City) is “Fountains of Faith,” inspired by our host city’s fame as the “City of Fountains.” As you will learn in the convention brochure (beginning on p. 35), Kansas City has more than 200 registered fountains, which serve as a beautiful reminder of our baptism and the abundant grace and mercy God continually showers upon us.
In this issue, Fr. Paul Colloton, OSFS, DMin, emphasizes the significance of Baptism and its impact on our ministry and our lives as disciples of Jesus. In anticipation of the release of the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, Diana Macalintal offers manageable ways to incorporate the musical acclamations of the rites of the catechumenate in the liturgy. David Anderson provides suggestions for music directors to deepen the wellspring of spirituality with their music ministers through the regular practice of prayer. Steven Janco examines the role of the Communion song during Mass as a call to holiness and mission. Hank Bauer and David Mathers present an in-depth preview of NPM’s forthcoming resource document, “Hiring a Director of Music: A Handbook and Guide.”
“ By virtue of our baptism, we are called to mission, called to bring about God’s Kingdom here on earth.”
Before heading to the airport on our last day at Niagara, my family and I visited the nearby Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Te mission of the Heritage Center is “to reveal authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls that inspire visitors to recognize modern injustices that stem from slavery and take action toward an equitable society” (
niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org). I found those stories of bravery and selflessness nearly as awe- inspiring as the falls themselves. What a moving testament to the human spirit, and what an example for us to follow!
By virtue of our baptism, we are called to mission, called to bring about God’s Kingdom here on earth, in ways both big and small, strengthened by the grace of God. May we take to heart our baptismal call as pastoral musicians and as children of God, as we strive to live out this wondrous call to holiness!
Nancy Douglass Managing Editor
pmeditor@npm.org
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