This episode of Ministry Monday is sponsored by the NPM National Convention. The 2023 National Convention, “Walking with the Saints,” will take place in Reno, Nevada, from July 10-14 and virtually from July 18-20. Both the in person and virtual convention opportunities include prayer, learning, networking, and of course, music from which to grow and expand in pastoral ministry. Advance registration closes on June 1! For more information and how to register today, visit npm.org.

Today’s episode explores the world of pipe organ repertoire. I so often hear discussions of high-level performance pieces fit for excellent organ concerts, but so often we may not take the time to discuss an organ repertoire that’s manageable and attainable for all levels of skill, and on a pastoral musician’s available time frame for learning. Organists who may have started as pianists and are learning how to play organ, or maybe organists who are, quite frankly, overcommitted to other tasks, can find beautiful, accessible organ music that supports the Mass each week.

That is the starting point from which I begin my conversation today.

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Happy Easter! We hope your Holy Week and Easter Sunday celebrations were filled with music, prayer and joy at the Resurrection of our Lord. We know this episode comes to you on Easter Monday, a day where pastoral musicians are hopefully resting after Holy Week. We hope that this episode from the Ministry Monday archives allows you to strike while the iron is hot, whether that is today or later on in the Octave of Easter.

One of the best practices I learned from a fellow pastoral minister was to take the time to write down what went well - and what didn’t - almost immediately after a momentous liturgy took place. For events like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Triduum, it helped me to refine the following year’s preparations and made my work more efficient. If I needed an extra song at the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, for example, I knew to add another one just in case for next year. Truthfully, I also wrote down what didn’t work, and earmarked that for next year.

And so we listen into the episode. You’ll hear former Ministry Monday host Matt Reichert interview Mike about this topic, with the hopes that it helps you to pause, regroup, and prepare for next year.

Now is a wonderful time to take advantage of ONE LICENSE’s Single-Use and Event Licenses for the Easter, confirmation, and graduation seasons! If you plan to use copyrighted music in your Triduum worship services, or for an upcoming confirmation or graduation service, a Single-Use or Event License can be a great fit - especially for those who do not already participate in an Annual Reprint License.
These licenses can also be bundled with our Podcast / Streaming License.
Learn more about your licensing options at www.onelicense.net.

The marriage of melody to text is the essence of hymnody at its core. Both play a critical part in a hymn’s efficacy, both in conveying a message and encouraging a full participation by the worshipping assembly singing it. Today we focus on the text of a hymn: what is the genesis of a hymn text? How important is the relationship to text and a common hymn tune? What are some of the things we, as composers, or we as pastoral ministers need to listen for? Alan Hommerding shares his reflections on text-writing and the power of words we can embrace by simply singing a hymn.