Ministry Monday

In this episode, members of our Board of Directors and NACCM’s Executive Director sit down together for a candid conversation about a major milestone in our organization's journey. We explore the genesis of our recent name change: why it happened, what it signifies for our future, and how it aligns with our broader mission. The team also addresses some of the most common questions and feedback we’ve received from our community so far.

Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just tuning in, this conversation offers a transparent look at where we’ve been and where we’re headed next.

Today we’re stepping inside a truly monumental moment in modern Church history. When a beatification takes place, the music doesn't just accompany the liturgies—it gives voice to the joy and devotion of the entire faithful. The recent beatification of Blessed Fulton Sheen is no exception. Joining us today is long-time NPM member Monty Bennett, who served as the assistant organist for the beatification liturgy. Monty shares what it was like to support such an historic celebration, how the musical team selected and rehearsed the repertoire, and the unique pastoral responsibility that comes with playing for an altar crowded with history and grace. Not only that, we get to hear the special story about the organ used for the Beatification liturgies, and where it is now.

Every year, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians honors an outstanding local body that embodies the heart of our mission—fostering vibrant liturgical music, forming ministers, and building bridges across parish borders. We are thrilled to highlight NPM's 2026 Chapter of the Year: the Detroit Chapter!

From dynamic workshops and mentorship initiatives to supporting church musicians through every season of ministry, the Detroit Chapter has set a powerful standard for what it means to serve the local Church.

Joining us today are leaders from the Detroit chapter to share their journey, discuss the strategies that built their thriving community, and offer actionable inspiration for chapters and pastoral musicians everywhere. Whether you're looking to revitalize your local NPM chapter or simply seeking fresh ideas for local collaboration, this conversation is for you.

Today's Ministry Monday features Annie Donnellon, an NPM certified cantor, as well as Rebecca Schaffer Wells and Joe Simmons, both cantors and leaders in the field. In this Ministry Monday episode, we explore the call to being a cantor in ministry, ways to strengthen ministerial and musical skills, and considerations for Directors of Music to support inclusion for both blind and sighted cantors for music ministers in a program.

In today’s episode, we turn our attention to the Responsorial Psalm—one of the most familiar, beautiful moments in the celebration of Mass. What is the purpose of the Responsorial Psalm within the Liturgy of the Word? And how does it invite the assembly into prayer through Scripture and music?

We are honored to welcome Fr. Michael Joncas to guide this conversation. Known for his deep insight into liturgy and sacred music, Fr. Joncas helps us explore the theological, spiritual, and pastoral significance of the psalm, and why the Church continues to call us not only to hear the Word, but to sing it back in faith.

Whether you are a cantor, music director, clergy member, or simply someone who prays with the liturgy each week, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation for the Responsorial Psalm as Scripture in song and prayer for the gathered Church.

Introducing "The Story Series", a recurring series of episodes on Ministry Monday! The Story Series interviews pastoral musicians across the country and shares their pastoral music journey, both in its rewards and challenges along the way.

Today we speak with Rick Gibala, a lifelong pastoral musician who started his ministry in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He was the first layperson to be the Diocesan Director of Music, and founded the Pittsburgh NPM chapter. His ministry led him to the DC-Virginia area where he's ministered there since 1986. Rick shares how he began to serve in pastoral ministry, what brought him to Virginia, and why he thinks NPM remains a critical part of music ministry in the Church today.

Pastoral ministry seeks to include all those who feel called to offer their talents for praise and service to the Church. Music is a unique ministry in that, while we want all to join us, those who participate must have some sort of experience in music. It doesn’t necessarily need to be professional experience - singing in the shower can count as experience for a new potential choir member, and a simple handbell workshop can familiarize a music minister with starting in the handbell choir. But when it comes to instrumental ensembles, how do we make sure that all those who join us with their instruments in hand feel rooted in an ensemble and confident to work within it?

Today we speak to Luke Rosen about just that. Since 2019, Luke Rosen has served as the Director of Choral Music at Evergreen Local Schools, where he has taught middle school and high school choir, music theory, songwriting, and voice class. For 15 years before that, he served as Director of Choral and Liturgical Music at St. John’s Jesuit High School. In addition Luke is a published composer with multiple companies, including ECS, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, OCP, Liturgical Press, and GIA/WLP. Today we speak from compositional, directorial, and ministerial viewpoints, all focused on arranging for the unexpected. It’s a great conversation as we approach Holy Week.