UIW to Host National Association of Pastoral Musicians for Mini-Conference
On Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) will be hosting the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) as they present their “On the Road” mini-conference on the Broadway campus. The “On the Road” event will be hosted in six different locations across the country throughout the summer, including San Antonio, welcoming music ministers from various parishes to enjoy a concert, multiple workshop options, prayer opportunities, a choral reading session, networking opportunities and a keynote address by Mr. Peter Kolar, director of the Diocesan Choir in the El Paso Diocese (npm.org).
UIW’s Director of Music Ministries and Coordinator of Liturgy and Media, Lena Gokelman, has been excitedly preparing for NPM’s Broadway campus visit as a San Antonio-event lead and a long-standing member of the organization. She first became a member of NPM in 1979 as a junior in high school and has been extremely pleased with the opportunities NPM has personally afforded her.
“From as early as I can remember, my heart always resonated with ministry — especially music ministry. Being a part of NPM has nurtured that love in so many ways,” said Lena. “I’ve been a member now for 45 years and have met pastoral musicians from all over the world, have experienced music of many cultures and styles and served alongside other colleagues and develop employment resources that have provided national guidance for musicians and churches. My greatest joy, however, has been the privilege of introducing and mentoring young musicians into an association of musicians that has ignited their love of ministry, and for some, has made a profound impact on their careers.”
Wanting students to experience the benefits of NPM, Lena encouraged UIW students to attend NPM conferences and related events. Through their peer ministry intern program, supportive scholarships from NPM and other funding, Mission and Ministry have been able to invite students to NPM national conventions since 2008. Notably, in 2019, the UIW Cardinal Singers were invited to be a performing ensemble at the national convention hosted in Raleigh, NC.
This year, the UIW Cardinal Singers have been welcomed back as 2025 convention performers to perform their concert “Being Light.”
“NPM has traditionally invited musical ensembles and solo performers to add to the whole experience of their conferences,” shared William Gokelman, UIW director of Choirs and husband to Lena. “We will dovetail into contributing towards NPM’s mission of fostering the art of musical liturgy by including some music that is liturgical or informs liturgical experiences, and by performing the music in a way that encourages prayerful reflection.”
Many of the convention activities attendees can experience will be offered bilingually, in both English and Spanish. San Antonio is the only event location that will be offering bilingual opportunities, helping to create unification by sharing innovative experiences amongst a broad community of parishes.
“No matter the region, parish, the language we speak, the skill level of the musician or musical style … the goal is the same: that the music we offer serves the Sacred Liturgy in such a way that, through the texts we sing and our “full, conscious and active participation” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 14), we are drawn to an experience of, and connection with, the divine — praising and glorifying God. The music of our worship not only inspires, but it passes on our faith,” said Lena.
Click here to learn more about NPM and it’s “On the Road” events.