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02/19/2026

We are saddened to learn of the death of Fr. James Chepponis. For nearly 30 years, he served as the Director of Music for the Office of Worship in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and was a well loved liturgical composer.

A friend of the Archdiocese, in 2019, he visited Notre Dame Seminary to present several workshops for our seminarians and music ministers.

Known for pieces such as “Festival Alleluia”, “Go Up to the Altar of God”, and “The Melodic Gloria”, he also was responsible for the compilation of the Worship hymnal.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

12/01/2025

11/23/2025

On the Jubilee of Choirs, Pope Leo XIV reminded choir members that their service is “a true ministry that requires preparation, commitment… and above all, a deep spiritual life” so that they may help others pray through their singing.

On the Jubilee of Choirs, Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass, urging choristers to live their ministry as a sign of ecclesial unity, singing “in unison” as ...

11/22/2025

A Special Message on the Memorial of St. Cecilia

Dear fellow NPM members,

As we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Cecilia, we extend heartfelt gratitude for your ministry. It’s always a moment of renewal for those who serve the Church through music—a reminder of our vocation, our mission, and our shared song.

Tradition tells us that Saint Cecilia “sang in her heart to the Lord” even amid the music of her wedding celebration. Her example invites us to ask: How do we sing to the Lord in our hearts? As pastoral musicians, we are called not only to create beautiful sound but to form assemblies who pray, hope, lament, and give thanks through song. It gives us a chance to pause and examine our ministry:

🎵Does our music help the faithful fully and actively participate in the liturgy?
🎵Do we help worshippers find their own voice of prayer?
🎵Does our sung prayer arise from gratitude, humility, and love for God’s people?

Saint Augustine, in a reading traditionally prayed on this feast, exhorts us to “sing a new song not with our lips but with our lives.” Our music-making is not an embellishment to the liturgy—it is an essential expression of the Gospel. Every note we sing, every chord we play, allows Christ’s message to sound forth to a world in need.

Music in the liturgy does more than accompany ritual. It changes hearts. It shapes disciples. It sends forth the assembly as witnesses. And you are at the forefront of that work to support the Church today.

As we honor Saint Cecilia, our prayer is that God will bless your ministry abundantly. May the new song you sing—through both your music and your life—continue to deepen your service and strengthen the People of God.

Saint Cecilia, patroness of musicians, pray for us!

The NPM Board of Directors
Dolores Martinez, Chair
Anna Betancourt, Vice Chair
Meyer Chambers
Christopher Ferraro
Paul Ford
Janet Loo
Janèt Sullivan Whitaker
Jennifer Kluge, Executive Director

11/16/2025

On Nov. 18, Archbishop James F. Checchio will be formally welcomed to his new office as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. So, what's a coadjutor archbishop and who is Archbishop Checchio? Keep reading to learn more!

11/06/2025

🚨 PSA: Scam Alert! 🚨

We’ve been made aware that some scam emails are circulating again — pretending to be from NPM staff members. If you receive a suspicious message, please check the sender’s address. Legitimate messages from us will always come from an .org email.

❌ Do not respond or forward the message.
✅ Do report it as spam and take a quick screenshot.

Thank you for staying alert and helping us keep our community safe!

09/26/2025

Any composers in this group?

Submit your entry for the official Theme Song of World Youth Day 2027!

For WYD Seoul 2027, the chosen theme is “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

The Local Organizing Committee of WYD Seoul 2027, together with the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, is inviting musicians and composers worldwide to create the official song that will accompany millions of young people at the next World Youth Day celebration.

It is not simply background music, but a melody that echoes throughout the gathering, helping young people connect with one another and with the heart of the event.

09/11/2025

07/31/2025

Today Pope Leo XIV has confirmed that Saint John Henry Newman will be declared a Doctor of the Church. We invite you to listen to this Ministry Monday episode from the NPM archives. Steven C. Warner (Composer and Director Emeritus, Notre Dame Folk Choir) shares his reflection on the Saint John Henry Newman as he attended his canonization in 2019. It is a great insight into the work of this soon-to-be Doctor of our faith.

Listen now: https://www.ministrymonday.org/episodes/2019/10/28/walking-with-st-john-henry-newman-with-steven-c-warner

More information: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-07/st-john-henry-newman-set-to-become-newest-doctor-of-the-church.html

07/25/2025

The finalists for the Catholic Music Awards, often called the Catholic Grammys, have been announced and the winners will be announced at the Award ...

07/10/2025

are invited to join the Young Adults of St. Patrick's Church, New Orleans for their next "Answers & Appetizers" gathering this Sunday, July 13th from 6 - 9 PM in Reynolds Hall on the parish campus.

Members of the St. Patrick's Choir will offer demonstrations and instructions on how to sing Gregorian chant and "sing-along with the Pope!" 🎼

Please e-mail Marti Luke at [email protected] to RSVP for the evening!