SEPTEMBER 2022
making in the borderland region to be “a wondrous reflection of the blended cultures and vibrant faith among the people there.” For Peter, composing is a ministry in itself, one that “carries on the venerable tradition of Church-inspired artistry gifted through the ages by the Spirit to the people of God as they sing their praises in His honor.”
On receiving the Pastoral Musician of the Year Award, Peter says, “I’m still rather stunned. I look back with profound appreciation for this often-unexpected but always Spirit-led journey on which I find myself.” Peter says that receiving this award is not just an acknowledgment of his past accomplishments but also a reminder of the important work left to do. In whatever role he assumes, Peter knows that he is called “to continue the work of empowerment for the voices that are still under-represented, unheard, under- served, and excluded.”
Asked about the role of pastoral musicians in the care of creation, Peter responded, “When we sing Psalm 104 each year at Pentecost, we’re not calling upon God to send down a magical dove to swoop over the land to freshen up the forests and flowers in some sort of Disney-esque beauty wash; we’re really asking God to send His Spirit to enflame us to do the hard work of Christian discipleship, each in our own ‘worlds.’” He continued, saying, “All of us, through our
lives and ministry, have a responsibility to ‘renew the face of the earth’ in ways both literal (ongoing care for our planetary home) and figurative (spreading the Good News by our baptismal call). For that reason, we never cease calling on the Spirit to be tested and strengthened.”
Editor’s note: Peter’s piece, “Veni, Sancte Spiritus” (GIA Publications)—composed for the 2022 NPM National Convention—echoes the theme of this issue, “Renew the Face of the Earth.” From the first intonation to its thunderous finish, the song evokes excitement and joy as it calls on the Holy Spirit in Pentecost-inspired, multilingual fashion.
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