March 26, 2019

#057: Evangelization, Inclusion, and the Culture Wars (with Fr. James Martin, SJ) - REPLAY

March 26, 2019

This is a special re-broadcast of our episode from April, 2018.

Just as the Advent season prepares us for the Incarnation, and the Lenten season prepares us for the Resurrection, we know that the celebration of the Easter season prepares us for Commissioning: “Go, make disciples of all nations.” The Gospel readings of this season serve as a primer in discipleship: the model of the Good Shepherd, the vines bearing much fruit, the command to love one another as Christ has loved us. Yet, though it is, indeed, Good News, spreading the Gospel is hard work! There are many barriers in our way: limits of time and resources, an unfriendly or inhospitable popular culture, and – sometimes the biggest barrier of all – ourselves.

In today’s episode, we explore the topic of evangelization – how do we in pastoral ministry reach beyond those already active and in attendance? What works? What doesn’t? What mindset must we cultivate in order to be successful? We’ll also discuss two subsidiary topics: maintaining healthy balance, and navigating the culture wars being waged within the Church. To do so, we’ll hear from two people renowned for their efforts at evangelization: Fr. James Martin, SJ, and Jean Vanier.

SHOW NOTES

Fr. James Martin, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America magazine, consultor to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communications, and author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestsellers “Building A Bridge,” "Jesus: A Pilgrimage," and "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything." You can find out more about his ministry and speaking engagements on his Facebook page.

To listen to more conversation with Fr. Jim, listen to the special feature from the Open Your Hymnal podcast.

To learn more about Jean Vanier, visit the L'Arche website.

The recording of "Hosea” was produced by OCP. The piano recording of "Break Bread Together" was performed by Fr. Robert Koopmann, OSB, on the album Sacred Improvisations.

Visit NPM's digital resource library, referenced at the end of the episode.

All content of this podcast is property of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.

March 18, 2019

#056: Engaging Young People with the One Call Institute (with Jes Garceau)

March 18, 2019

One of the many ways that NPM is able to support the work of pastoral musicians is through institutes. These programs feature a smaller, more intimate, more intense learning environment. In the coming weeks, we’ll be featuring these institutes in our Ministry Monday conversations.

I am proud to co-direct the One Call Institute, a proud member program of NPM. Taking place this coming summer from June 25 to June 30, the focus of One Call is to engage, support, and empower young people to use their gifts of music and leadership in service to the Church. We also shape adults who work in ministry, equipping them with the skills, information, and attitudes necessary to continue the work of engaging young people in their home communities. As an aside, you should know that applications are due on April 15, and our registrations have been pouring in.

Today, I am pleased to welcome Jes Garceau, another One Call co-director to the show. Yes, we’ll talk about the program in the hopes that you’ll consider sending young people from your parish, and perhaps consider attending yourself. I hope you’ll listen as we share important details about the program. Beyond this, I’m really pleased that you will hear from Jes herself. With a background in liturgical ministry and corporate management, Jes is one of the most important voices and resources in effective ministry organization and administration. We’ll also hear a selection from composer Sally Ann Morris in this week’s “Ministry Moment”.

SHOW NOTES

You can read more about Jes by visiting the “About Us” page of the One Call Institute website.

To find out more information about One Call, and to complete your application, visit the “Apply” page today!

The recording of “All That is Hidden” (Bernadette Farrell) is published by OCP. The recordings of “Will You Hold Me in the Light?” (Adam Tice/Sally Ann Morris), and “Jerusalem, My Destiny” (Rory Cooney) are published by GIA Publications.

Visit NPM's digital resource library, referenced at the end of the episode.

March 11, 2019

#055: Understanding Lent as Pilgrimage

March 11, 2019

Many of us have a complex relationship with Lent. It’s a season that some love and some dread. It’s often a season that, intellectually, we appreciate and anticipate but, in reality, experience in a way that leaves us wanting more. Purely from a practical perspective, Lent is sometimes difficult to experience in a full and meaningful way when we are so occupied with preparations for the Triduum and Easter season.

That’s the place where we are beginning today: the ways that Lent prepares us for the Triduum and for Easter. If we think about this time of year as a “unified sequence,” as our guest writer calls it, we can see more clearly the influences that shape the ways we think about Lent, the way we experience it, and – ultimately – the way we experience the Easter joy. We’ll hear today from an article written by Sr. Patricia Gallagher, OP, and we’ll hear a beautiful setting of a text by Saint Clare in a musical “Ministry Moment.”

SHOW NOTES

You can read the full article, “Take Another Look at Lent: As Pilgrimage,” on the NPM website.

The recording of “Tis Good Lord to be Here” (Joseph Robinson) is published by OCP. The recordings of “Lenten Suite” (arr. Paul Tate), “The Mirror of Eternity” (James Chepponis), and “Jerusalem, My Destiny” (Rory Cooney) are published by GIA Publications.

Visit NPM's digital resource library, referenced at the end of the episode.