The Broken Christ on Death Row: Moving Toward Restorative Justice
Sr. Helen Prejean
The very broken Body of Christ is what Sr. Helen Prejean witnessed with the state execution of Patrick Sonnier in 1984.  A very broken legal and penal system allows the state to torture and murder those who are deemed “the worst of the worst”.  Sr. Helen’s life as a Christian religious woman began to change course as she has made it her life’s work to abolish the death penalty in the United States.  As a natural born southern storyteller, she realized that what the state did in secret had to be exposed and then, and only then, would the heart and soul of the US begin to change in favor of abolition.  Sr. Helen’s life and story are a testimony to what happens when the broken body of Christ sends us forth toward activism on behalf of justice.  We become what we share.  A movement from prayer to action on behalf of all those marginalized in society is the evolution her life’s path, her own River of Fire.  This is sacrament in its fullest sense. 
 Living as a Eucharistic People
John Thomas Lane SSS
How do we take our life, our brokenness and recognize the presence of Christ in others? We are on our own Emmaus Journey. We are called to live the Mass, serve the liturgy and witness as a disciple of Christ. We will explore our Eucharistic spirituality that the Mass offers us as we make it more part of our lives and our ministry in service to the Body of Christ. 
 Christ of the Fringes
As Pope Francis has stated though his various communications, Chris can be found in the fringes (peripheries) of society.  It is there that we discover how our society is BROKEN.  It is when we encounter the BLESSED people on the fringes, that we tend to encounter Christ himself.  It is also on these populations on the fringes, that Christ has SENT us, not to save, but to encounter and journey, to be saved.  In this workshop Richard Cheri and Dr. Ansel Augustine will share their unique experiences as Black Catholics from New Orleans and how this has impacted their faith and how their respective communities and demographics challenge the Church to be One Body of Christ.

Ansel Augustine
Richard Cheri
 Singing the Lord's Song in Time of Trouble: How Can the Eucharist Be a Celebration of Reconciliation, Hope and Joy?
John Baldovin SJ
We need to look to the liturgy for guidance, inspiration, and strength in these tumultuous times. How can we celebrate to let Christ’s presence and work in us shine forth in our world today?
 Don't Give Up! Eucharist and Reluctant Catholics
Michael Ruzicki
There are a number of reluctant Catholics who still return to our parishes for Sunday liturgies, sacraments, and funerals. How can our careful and deliberate words and actions foster an environment of love and welcome? In which ways can our music ministry programs express the hospitality and compassion of Christ? Participants in this session will examine a full-community approach and practical steps needed to reach out, listen to, heal, and celebrate the return of our brothers and sisters.
 Eucharistic Adoration: Know the History as You Enter the Mystery
Why has adoration become the choice over mass for many? The conversation begins with the question: What are you looking for?

Studies have shown that today’s youth encounter God during adoration but lack this encounter at mass. The observation from a theological perspective is that mass is the place where heaven meets earth. The Liturgy is the place where we receive the risen Christ and become the risen Christ to the world. It is to be the source and summit of our lives. But the reality is that adoration has become the choice for many. Especially many of the youth. This workshop will create a dialogue to discuss how this reality may affect the church in the future. What are we really looking for?

John Angotti
Rick Hilgartner
Ansel Augustine
 Liturgy as the Primary Tool for Catechists
Catechists are not teachers of a subject but rather, are facilitators of an encounter. The key to facilitating encounters with the Divine is to rely on a “language of mystery” which is the language of liturgy. One of the basic principles of Catholic liturgy is that our rites and rituals shape us and form us. They tell us who we are, what we believe, and they give direction for how we are to “live, move and have our being.” In this engaging workshop, participants will be led in exploring the formational power of liturgical rites, music, text, actions and the cycles and seasons of the liturgical year, which all serve to create a climate of prayer in the faith formation setting.

 

D. Todd Williamson
Joe Paprocki
 Online & Onsite: Liturgical Hybridity and the Future of Liturgy
Fr. Ricky Manalo
Whether we embrace them or not, livestream masses are here to stay. The question is to what extent do our online worship practices interconnect (or dare I suggest, integrate) with our onsite liturgies. There is a bold new world before us and we need not be fearful of what the future holds. This dynamic presentation will point us towards the future.
 Reinventing the Classic Choral Canon
Tim Sharp
This presentation highlights the pivotal moments of choral music expression and highlights the theological and musical objectives achieved within these choral landmarks. This presentation offers practical application of choral works to contemporary worship.
 Songs of the Soil and the Soul
Bishop Fernand Cheri
This workshop will lead participants through the development of the Black Religious Music tradition.  It will show how the values of African and African American Catholic Spirituality are expressed in our musical heritage.  It will trace the richness of Black folklore from the field songs, to church hymnody, anthems and gospel tradition.  It will investigate the development of gospel music – traditional gospel, contemporary gospel and gospel rap as it continues to address the Black experience today.  Come and be blessed to learn how we tell the story of the sojourn with God through our songs.
 Using an ABUNDANCE of God's Gifts at ONE MASS!
How and why inculturation can and should be used in any liturgy: It would explain the difference between multicultural and inculturation. A 3 person panel representing 3 cultures (African American; Hispanic or Latino; Mexican or Native American Berta added Asian) would explain how liturgical rituals can be enhanced by cultural traditions . Ex: during the Christmas season African American communities might also celebrate Kwanzaa and use Praise dancing. Mexican communities have a major celebration for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The panel would explain how these cultural traditions and other musical and prayer filled nuances could enhance ANY liturgy. Catholic means universal, thereby: being Catholic calls us to use all of God's gifts.

Rufino Zaragoza
Valerie Lee-Jeter
Paul Nguyen
 15 Minutes of Mindfulness
Meredith Augustin
This 15 minute meditation incorporates a variety of  techniques to help expand our awareness of the present moment. It addresses the physical body, the mental body, and the breath - as well as sounds that arise in the present moment. 
 Hispanic, Latino, Latina, Latinx. . . What's in a Name?
Yurida Ramírez
Decoding the names. The title says it all. 
 How to Pray While I'm Working
Kathleen Basi
Whether we’re paid or volunteers, leading music for worship means we are “on the job” when we’re at Mass. Too often, we get so caught up in the “work,” we’re too busy to actually pray! Explore ideas to help you worship better while ministering.
 Inclusion and Diversity in the Parish Choir
Trish Foti
Reconsider structuring of the age requirements of memberships of a choir to reflect musical task and skill set. An experiment of including teens in our traditional choir by invitation provided an exciting avenue for evangelization of our youth and increased musicianship in our elders.
 The Divine Mercy Chaplet in Song
Matt Maher
Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet with Matt Maher and cast the burden of your sins into God's inexhaustible ocean of grace and mercy. 
 The Song of the Lord in an Alien Land
Paul Inwood
How can we sing when we are scared of singing? What can we sing when we ave been changed, both in ourselves and in our attitudes to those around us? A short meditation on the deeper questions that are so important today.     
 "Gracias & Maraming Salamat" - Adventures of a Music Minister in Multiculturalism
Anthony Sievert
The Catholic Church has done a great deal to recognize the importance of multicultural liturgy, as an opportunity to promote unity  and collaboration in our communities of faith.  In this session, Mr. Sievert shares his experiences collaborating on liturgies with the Filipino and Hispanic communities in his parish, and offers practical musical suggestions for celebrating "Simbang Gabi", "Birhen Ng Antipolo", as well as a bi-lingual celebration of the  Paschal Triduum.  Enriched by the cultural influences of your parish, and grateful for a successful musical collaboration, you will find yourself saying, "Gracias" and "Maraming Salamat"!    
 "I Have Come to Make All Things New," Liturgical Life After COVID-19
John Angotti
What have we lost? What have we gained? How to keep your assembly engaged, informed, and safe. John brings his experience as Director of Music and Liturgy from one of the most active parishes in the Nashville, TN area.
 A Directory for Masses with Children Crash-Course
The Directory for Masses with Children reminds us to ensure that children don't feel "neglected" in parish Eucharist and that "some account should be taken of their presence." This workshop will explore topics such as creating family-friendly liturgies, planning vibrant liturgies for Catholic schools, taking advantage of First Communion to incorporate liturgical formation, and more!

Michael Mangan
James Wahl
Andrew Chin
 A History of the Mass
Rita Thiron
How did our current Eucharistic Celebration take shape?What rich traditions have remained unchanged
 African American Music Reading Session
Lynné Gray
Join voices as we read some excellent African American pieces.
 Aprendamos a Leer Música - Canto a Primera Vista - Reading Music - Learning to Sight Sing - taught in Spanish
Julio DeLeon
This break out session will be geared toward the Hispanic members of NPM, and thus will be presented completely in Spanish. A skill-building session which includes learning to read simple melodies and rhythms and sight-singing.
 At the Digital Banquet of the Lord: Livestreaming Masses with Sacramental Integrity
Fr. Ricky Manalo
How do we better liturgically form online presiders, lectors and musicians to promote liturgical engagement, as distinct from serving as online entertainers. This presentation provides a methodology for joining technology with the liturgy and online prayer
 Balancing Music, Ministry, and Motherhood: PART DEUX
Join Meredith and Lorraine for a continuation of the popular 2020 workshop:  Balancing Music, Ministry, and Motherhood. (Although participation in last year's session is not required). Through music, faith-sharing, and story telling, we will explore ways to strengthen your inner self, set realistic goals and establish a plan for change that leads to a dronger domestic church and vibrant music ministry, while maintaining good spiritual and physical health.

Meredith Augustin
Lorraine Hess
 Basics: Praying the Liturgy of the Hours
Janét Sullivan Whitaker
The Liturgy of the Hours unites the global Church and enables her to “pray continually.” (1Thess 5:16) This workshop offers a practical introduction to this prayer form, using the book “Shorter Christian Prayer.” Geared toward lay leaders, musicians, presiders, and preachers, this workshop will also include tips on building an accessible repertoire of chant tones for singing the psalms and canticles.
 Beyond the Three Judgments: Selecting Music, Building a Repertory
Dr. Steven R. Janco
Though the “three judgments” have provided a simple tool for evaluating music for particular liturgies, they were developed 50 years ago and are limited in scope. Explore additional issues that also need careful consideration, including the theology and quality of sung texts and the development of a repertory that reflects the breadth of Catholic teaching and spirituality and inspires active discipleship.
 Broken to Shared and Sent
We may have felt broken over the last year, with the pandemic, abuse revelations, racial unrest, and all the challenges and difficulties from those events. Through our trials, we share our faith in Christ through song, gaining strength to be sent out as Christ's disciples, taking the Good News to a world in need of hope and comfort. Join us in singing songs and prayers that can sustain us in times of trial.

Carol Browning
Bex Gaunt
Zachary Stachowski
 But I Don't Get Anything Out of Mass: Helping Parishioners Appreciate Liturgy
Michael Ruzicki
Whether we are celebrating the Sacraments, Holy Week, or the Sundays of Ordinary Time, we must consider that there may be many in our congregations that lack the ability, through no fault of their own, to connect the liturgy to their daily lives. This session will offer suggestions that will help “make Mass matter” in the parish community. Simply: prepare, celebrate, reflect. The Catechism states that “the liturgy is the privileged place for catechizing the people of God.” How do we make this a reality so that all may understand the power of the liturgy?

 

 

 
 Christ Broken, Shared and Sent in the Liturgy of the Hours
Christopher Ferraro
The Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist have a complementary relationship as the Hours extend the praise, thanksgiving and petition offered in the Mass. And, both the Hours and the Eucharist are rooted in the prayer of Christ. We'll explore how parish communities can offer opportunities to pray the Liturgy of the Hours in person and virtually.
 Don't Just Do Something, Sit There!
Lorraine Hess
Some find silence awkward, yet silence at strategic times during the liturgy can enhance the liturgy and draw attention to "what just happened." Learn how to use silence in music ministry to say something profound!
 Eucharist and Justice: How the Church's Prayer Calls Us to Mission
As liturgists and music ministers, we find ourselves in a privileged place to help facilitate healing and promote justice within our parishes through ritual and music. In this session, by exploring the church’s euchology, we will examine how the liturgy calls us to be people of mercy and justice so that “hatred is overcome by love, revenge gives way to forgiveness, and discord is changed to mutual respect” (EPII for Reconciliation).

Timothy A. Johnston
Danielle Noe
 Hospitality: Our First Priority
Lorraine Hess
Hospitality should be part of everyone's ministry. Yet, how do we, as ministers of music, keep hospitality in our parish communities and in our liturgies when we are socially distanced; while there is no physical sign of peace; and, despite the challenge of communicating while wearing masks? Come explore creative ways to keep hospitality at the forefront of our mission, our music, and our liturgies, so that all who gather in our churches feel loved and welcomed.
 How to Lead Modern Worship Music at Mass
What does it mean to worship? A worship leader is called to facilitate an encounter with Christ and increase prayer. Since God deserves our very best, all pastoral musicians require intentional and prayerful preparation.

Chris Nolin
Gabriel Wanous
 Leading the Hispanic Community When You are Not Hispanic
Angela Flynn
This session is addressed to music directors and leaders who are not Hispanic or whose first language is not Spanish but are called to minister to Hispanic communities. Oftentimes, language barriers or cultural differences make it challenging for those in leadership to serve and guide their communities. Come and explore ways to connect, understand, and become a source of support and leadership to Hispanic pastoral musicians by overcoming these barriers.
 Liturgy in a Cultural Diverse Community: Advanced Topics
Rufino Zaragoza
For those who are well seasoned in intercultural celebrations and already familiar  with the 2012 FDLC document by Mark Francis. A deeper exploration of models, techniques, and approaches in current use by liturgists and musicians who prepare celebrations with multiple cultures and languages. Music examples will focus on celebrations including English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
 Master Classes for Young Cantors
So many of us began serving as cantors when we were young. Geared toward high school aged cantors, this presentation will make sure the cantors are equiped with all the necessary skills to serve as cantor.

Tammy Schnittgrund
Rosemarie Gondek
 Music for the Journey
Paul Inwood
We have become painfully aware of how vital music is in the healing process and in marking the turning-points in our lives. Come and sing pieces that will feed your soul and rest deep in your heart. 
 Preparing Eucharistic Liturgies with Non-Liturgists
Timothy A. Johnston
Whether we are collaborating with wedding couples, funeral families, school teachers, or religious educators, we have all experienced the joys and struggles of preparing various liturgies. This session will provide some basic tips and ideas on how to express the vision of the rites, communicate the importance of full community participation, and explain the significance of the rubrics.  Furthermore, we will discuss ways in which liturgical celebrations can be appropriately adapted to meet the needs and desires of your community. 

 
 Re-forming Your Choirs in a Post-COVID Age
Paul French
Calling our choirs back to their ministerial roles after being inactive for more than a year will be challenging. Tips for negotiating a smooth transition to get back to singing, and to engage/motivate new members to join the ministry of music. For directors of both adult and children's choirs.
 Taking the Fear Out of the Intermediate Cantor Certificate Essays
Dr. Hartin and Ms. Gondek will lead you through the in’s and out’s of writing the two essays needed to complete the Intermediate Cantor Certificate.

Rosemarie Gondek
Gail Hartin
 Text Painting Through Ensemble Texture
Kathleen Basi
Varying the musical texture within individual pieces of pastoral music deepens the prayer experience by highlighting phrases or verses of the text. This allows the text to come alive for the praying, singing assembly in a fresh way. We will use familiar hymns and songs to demonstrate how to layer accompaniment and obbligato instruments and vary vocal textures.
 The Beauty of the Liturgy/La Belleza de la Liturgia
Julio DeLeon
A session unpacking the beauty of the liturgy for the Latino community, including the role that music and music ministers (cantors, choir, music leaders, choir directors, etc.) play in the liturgy.
 The Cantor as Pastoral Musician
Gail Hartin
The cantor's role in the liturgy has many layers. Each of these roles depends on our ability to be a dedicated pastoral musician. Come learn how these roles relate to each other and how they impact our leadership to the assembly.
 The Choral Conductor as Problem Solver
Paul French
Twenty-five absolutely practical and immediate solutions to help your choirs sing better. (For directors of both adult and children's choirs.)
 The Hidden Gems of the Roman Missal
Christopher Ferraro
 While the third edition of the Roman Missal has been in use for a decade now, many its beautiful ritual options go unnoticed and unused. We'll explore how a parish's worship life can be invigorated by creatively utilizing some of the hidden gems and ritual options of the Roman Missal. 
 The Singing Body of Christ: Men Wanted
Janét Sullivan Whitaker
On average, our assemblies are just 39% male, placing male voices in the minority in our communal song. This workshop will explore ways of engaging and empowering he men in our assemblies to sing. In doing so, the the worship of the community is energized. Addressing this imbalance can lead to more inclusivity in all lay ministries. 
 Unity in Our Diversity
ValLimar Jansen
ValLimar Jansen will share practical methods pastoral musicians can employ to encourage diversity, inclusivity and racial justice, in liturgical settings.
 Vibrato and Breaks: Tips to Improve These Vocal Challenges
Barbara Leyden
Using a master class format, the presenter will demonstrate how adjusting the soft palate and tongue postition and reducing tongue tension combined with balanced air pressure/vocal cord support improves vocal tone in singers. Development in this area will be particularly helpful for women's and aging voices. Many workshops give an opportunity of healthy vocal production; this presentation will focus intently on two aspects that often result in immediate blossoming of and flexibity in tone qualtiy.
 Virtual Choirs for Dummies
Teresa Yoder
Virtual choirs began as a novelty, but now they are common practice. At their best, virtual choirs create opportunities to make music together in large groups despite the limitations of rehearsal and worship spaces. But, as anyone who has attempted a virtual choir knows, they are a lot of work and require strategic thinking and technical skill. Come and learn about best practices for designing virtual choir experiences, discover resources and software solutions and resources, and more!
 Vocal Coaching for Cantors (and Accompanists)
Barbara Leyden
Using vocal coaching techniques to improve communication, diction, body language, and interpretation. Building a coaching/communicative relationship between cantor and instrumentalist.
Coaching Demonstration. Continuation. Focusing on applying singing diction and ensemble musicianship within the music ministry. Coaching demonstration
 Voice for Instrumentalists
David Sievers
This interactive presentation will include pedagogical exercises to improve vocal technique from an instrumentalist's perspective as well as assist instrumentalists n developing a vocabulary to improve the singing of their choir members.
 Voice Technique 101: The Semantics of Singing
David Sievers
What we say matters in a choir rehearsal. Learn a common pedagogical language that the typical choir member can understand and utilize in rehearsal and in liturgies, improving their technique along the way.
 An Evening of Fun and Humor
A time of laughter and joy exploring different facets of our faith lives as only Oddwalk (and friends) can. 
 Catholic Music Like Gumbo
New Orleans is a melting pot of music from all over the world. Catholic recording artists from around the country collaborate in a melting pot of diverse music from the parts of the country they call "home." The theme of this concert is Eucharist as "Thanksgiving," grateful for all the genres of music that help us worship. A high energy, participative concert with each artist singing original sacred music and one song from the genre of their home (Cajun, Gospel, Jazz, Bluegrass, Latin, Rock, etc.).
 In Spirit and Truth
Open the gift of African American sacred music! This evening of song offers the opportunity to sing along with a selection of rich, deeply felt music, built on good ground, that has transformed the way so many Catholic parishes worship and live their faith./Songs of our brokenness, our shared humanity and companionship on the formative journey, with Jesus and one another.
 Many Voices, One Song: Unity in Diversity
An evening of music, prayer, ritual, and stories which present God as One, multifaceted and beautiful. This diverse group of musicians, through stories and prayers of their heritage show that we, a holy people, are one, multifaceted and beautiful. By sharing stories of our roots, people come together in emotion, empathy, and a common “core” of humanity. Ultimately, an hour of celebrating unity in diversity, unity in God, equally diverse and beautiful
 Music of Women: Bringing Healing & Unity
Music of female composers , in different styles and languages, inspiring peace, unity, hope and healing.
 New Faces in Liturgical Music
Experience a powerful afternoon of new inspiritng liturgical music from today's top Catholic worship leaders/songwriters from around the country and beyond.
 
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