Amanda Plazek Bruce

#075: "One Step Enough For Me": Journeying with St. John Henry Newman (with Steven C. Warner)

Just a few weeks ago we celebrated the canonization of five new “blesseds” into the sainthood, one of which was Saint John Henry Newman, Cardinal of the Church. Saint Newman was instrumental in the founding of the Catholic University of Ireland in 1854, which, in time evolved into University College Dublin, today the largest university in Ireland.

Saint John Henry Newman’s life has impacted countless people across the world, but today we speak to Steven Warner, who works at the Notre Dame Newman Center for Faith & Reason in Dublin, Ireland.

#074: Passing the Torch (with Amanda Bruce)

Amanda Bruce

Amanda Bruce

Today’s show is all about transitions. I’m happy to be joined by Amanda Bruce, the new Interactive Media Director for NPM. We’ll hear from Amanda about her new role within the association and the important work she will be doing. 

But first, and on a more personal level, this will be my last episode as host of “Ministry Monday.” Hosting this program has been a unique honor and privilege. It has allowed me to hold conversations with pastoral ministers, composers, teachers, authors, and witnesses from across the country. It has allowed me to help animate the importance of NPM in a new way using a new medium. Most importantly, it has allowed me to connect with so many of you, our faithful listeners. It is my sincere hope that, in some way, this program has been able to serve as a “ministry companion.” At a time when serving in ministry can feel lonely or isolated, I hope that these conversations have helped you feel connected, appreciated, and valued. 

I am overjoyed that NPM will be continuing “Ministry Monday,” and that Amanda Bruce will serve as host. The work of NPM is more important than ever because your work – the work of pastoral ministry – is more important than ever. 

And so, before we get to today’s interview, I want to share with you two important thoughts from two different voices – one from the very beginning of NPM, and one from the more recent past. I hope that they can serve as both a reminder and a challenge as we all continue to work and serve. 

SHOW NOTES

You can learn more about Amanda Bruce by visiting the Ministry Monday “about us” page.

You can read the full text of the articles by Fr. Elmer Pfeil and Dr. Tony Alonso on the NPM website.

The music you heard in today’s episode is from the album “Sacred Improvisations,” performed by Fr. Robert Koopmann, OSB.

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.

#021: Live from the convention! (with Amanda Plazek Bruce)

Amanda Plazek Bruce

Amanda Plazek Bruce

It’s convention week, and today Ministry Monday is coming to you from the exhibit hall at the 2018 NPM national convention in Baltimore, Maryland. The convention started literally minutes ago with the ringing the NPM bell and the official welcome from NPM president Stephen Petrunak. The energy level is high, and participants are meeting friends old and new. 

For me, this week will bring a marathon of interviews future episodes of this podcast, the Open Your Hymnal podcast, and live broadcasts of convention plenum addresses and keynote sessions. Of course, like any good convention, I am sure there will be times for reuniting and socializing. 

Today’s episode features a conversation with Amanda Plazek Bruce. Amanda is the chair of the NPM technology interest section, and one of the live broadcast cohosts for the week. In addition to her work for NPM, Amanda is an example of how important conventions like this can be, both in terms of professional learning and in terms of mentorship and invitation. 

 

SHOW NOTES

Follow the NPM convention on Facebook. While you are there, be sure to post your own favorite or memorable convention experience, and tell us about how you were invited and encouraged.  Also, tune in to the NPM YouTube page for live broadcasts of keynote addresses, plenum sessions, and select evening concerts.

To learn more about the 41st national convention, visit the 2018 NPM convention website

The recording of "Lord You Give the Great Commission" was produced by OCP, and the recording of "Give Us Peace" was produced by GIA Publications.

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.