Ministry Monday

National Association of Catholic Church Musicians (NACCM)
  • 4.4 (19)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semimonthly

An indispensable resource for all those engaged in ministry, this weekly podcast covers important practical issues for today's parish ministers.

  1. Oct 5

    #281: Sacred Music at an Historic Moment: Fulton Sheen’s Beatification (with Monty Bennett)

    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.

  2. Sep 21

    #280: Introducing...the 2026 Chapter of the Year

    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.

  3. Sep 7

    #279: A Major Step: Sharpen Your Skills with Music Ministry Leadership Certification

    In today’s episode we explore how pastoral musicians can elevate their liturgical and musical knowledge, thus serving their communities with renewed confidence. We’re joined by Michael Ruzicki from Liturgy Training Publications (LTP) to discuss the brand new Music Ministry Leadership Certification, available in partnership with NPM through LTP’s “Essentials of Catholic Liturgy” program. Whether you are a seasoned director or just starting out, discover how this certification provides the practical tools, theological foundation, and spiritual formation needed to thrive.

  4. Jun 8

    #278: Serving in Worship Beyond the Page: Accessibility, Ability, and the Calling to Lead

    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.

  5. May 25

    #277: The Story Series with Brother Louis Canter, OEF

    Today our “Story Series” continues with a conversation I had with Brother Louis Canter. Brother Louis is a member of the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans and founder of Franciscan Ministry of Peace. Louis has been involved with ecumenical and inter faith dialogue. His work as a composer and concert artist for International Liturgical Publications has offered him a wide variety of opportunities for dialogue with many faith communities. Brother Louis was kind enough to sit down with me and discuss how he decided to become a Brother of Ecumenical Franciscans, his pastoral music initiatives, and why he thinks NPM is as important as ever in our ministry of the Church today.

  6. May 11

    #276: Sung Prayer and Spiritual Encounter in the Psalms (with Fr. Michael Joncas)

    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.

  7. Apr 27

    #275: The Story Series with Rodolfo López and Estela García-López

    Ministry Monday’s Story Series continues with Rodolfo López and Estela García-López, a husband and wife duo who serve in music ministry in the pacific northwest and are two of NPM’s Pastoral Musicians of the Year. Rudy López and Estela García-López are pastoral musicians, composers, and event presenters originally from Los Angeles, California, and from Portland, Oregon, for the last twenty-six years. They have been committed to enriching the liturgy -- in both English and Spanish--through music. They have served as music directors, cantors, choristers, and instrumentalists in parishes throughout Southern California and Portland, Oregon, for over four decades. Today I sit with Rudy and Stella and discuss their pastoral music journey with its joys, challenges, and many blessings.

  8. Apr 13

    #274: The Story Series with Rick Gibala

    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.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

An indispensable resource for all those engaged in ministry, this weekly podcast covers important practical issues for today's parish ministers.

Information

  • Creator
    National Association of Catholic Church Musicians (NACCM)
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    280
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © National Association of Catholic Church Musicians (NACCM)
  • Show Website
    Ministry Monday

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