This episode of Ministry Monday is brought to you by CLEF – Catholic Liturgical Ensemble Formation.
CLEF offers in-person and online resources for ensemble musicians, including the annual CLEF Summer Program. Join us July 26-31, 2026 in Ohio for an immersive week of music, prayer, and community specifically designed for ensemble musicians. Experience vocal and instrumental ensemble sessions, clinic day breakouts, private coaching, and more. Visit clef.life for details.
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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Bio: Rick Gibala
Richard P. Gibala is a distinguished pastoral musician, conductor, and leader in Catholic liturgical music whose career has spanned decades of dedicated service to the Church. A 1970 graduate of Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he has contributed extensively to both diocesan and national music ministry.
Gibala served as Music Coordinator for the Diocese of Pittsburgh from 1978 to 1986 before becoming National Chapter Coordinator for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), a role he held from 1986 to 2000. In recognition of his significant contributions to pastoral music, he was named NPM’s Pastoral Musician of the Year in 1999. He also served as Dean of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists from 1999 to 2001.
A respected leader in professional gatherings, Gibala chaired the 2001 NPM national convention in Washington, DC, and the 2003 American Guild of Organists regional convention in Northern Virginia. In 2000, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree in sacred choral music.
As a composer, his works include “Litany for the Breaking of Bread” (GIA Publications, Inc.) and “Advent Carol” (Morning Star Publications). He is also the author of the cookbook With Harp, Lyre, and Spatula, reflecting his creativity beyond music.
Gibala’s ministry has included directing music for the funeral of Barbara Olson following the September 11 tragedy, as well as serving as a guest conductor for choral festivals across the United States, including in Charleston, Washington, DC, Scranton, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. An experienced organ consultant, he has advised more than 30 churches in Pennsylvania and Northern Virginia.
In a notable moment of national and ecclesial significance, his musical setting for the Universal Prayer was sung at the Papal Mass in September 2016, underscoring his lasting impact on the liturgical life of the Church.
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