We continue to pray for #Ukraine and echo the Holy Father's call for all Catholics to fast on Ash Wednesday, March 2 in a special way for peace and an end to war. Mary, Queen of Peace, protect us from war! #PrayforUkraine

Today begins NPM's mini-series on the Exsultet. This week we speak to Fr. Paul Turner about the historical roots of the Exsultet: when was it first sung? Why are deacons so often chosen for the role? And why mention bees?! ministrymonday.org/episodes/2022/… Video: youtu.be/V9rtwveUYVw

Today we are joining Pope Francis and millions of Catholics across the world praying and fasting for peace in Ukraine. We invite you to do the same.

Today we celebrate the women that shape us and love us into being; those who fight against the injustices of our society today; women in religious life who are our spiritual guides; and those among us who lead and serve the Church in lay ministry. #InternationalWomensDay2022

ICYMI: 2021 Plenum speaker Dr. Ansel Augustine just released his newest book, "Leveling the Praying Field: Can the Church We Love, Love Us Back?". Dr. Augustine offers a personal and historical perspective on issues of race and inequality in the church: amzn.to/3sVKOZD

ICYMI: Part 2 of Ministry Monday's Exsultet series breaks down learning the sacred chant for priests, deacons and elected laypersons who are preparing it for this Easter Vigil. Check it out wherever you listen to podcasts and at ministrymonday.org.

Amen!

Applications are still being accepted for 2022-2023 NPM Academic Scholarships! Applicants must have an active NPM membership and be enrolled in a field pertaining to pastoral music. Must be postmarked by 4/5. More details: npm.org/events/npm-aca…

May Christ always be within our hearts to comfort us, to restore us, to aid us, and to guide us. May the example of St. Patrick inspire us to preach the Gospel tirelessly to all those we meet today.

An as Association, pastoral musicians have a unique and important voice to share. Join us for one of the three Synod Listening Sessions, offered by NPM for pastoral musicians from March 28-30. Learn more and register here: npm.org/2022/03/17/npm…

Holy Week is the time to be at the top of your ministerial game. Fr. Rivers encouraged dutiful and diligent preparation for liturgy; in that spirit we share a great resource for preparing the chants of the Roman Missal. Check out NPM National's website: npm.org/formation/chan….

Saint Catherine of Siena, on your feast day, pray for us!

PSA: the National Catholic Educational Association is offering a great webinar tomorrow (May 10) at 4 pm EST on "Building a Flourishing Catholic School Music Program". For more information and how to register (via Zoom), register here: bit.ly/3Fwyh3b

NPM is proud to announce that the 2022 Pastoral Musician of the Year award recipient is Peter Kolar, and the 2022 Jubilate Deo award recipient is Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman, C.PP.S.! They will be celebrated at the 2022 National Convention. More info: bit.ly/3miXBAV

Don't miss Bob Hurd and Ken Canedo's workshop "We Should Glory" at NPM on June 29, 2022. You can access the complete OCP schedule of workshops, concerts and more and access a complete schedule here go.ocp.org/3NX4xjz.

There's still time to register for NPM's 45th Annual Convention! Registration for the In-Person Convention ends TODAY, June 20th. Can't join us in person? Registration for the Virtual Contention ends June 28th. Learn more here at the NPM website: bit.ly/3H7nX2z

How am I spending this birthday? Heading off on the road, Starbucks Canada bday beverage in hand, to Louisville, KY for the annual NPM National Convention — my first one since the beginning of COVID. Excited to reconnect with friends and colleagues. ☺️

#npmlouisville2022 begins this week! Safe travels everyone! ✈️🚗

Unable to join us in person for the in person National Convention this year? Join us July 5-7 for the NPM Virtual Convention. Pricing for the Virtual Convention starts at $143, and registration closes tonight! For more info & how to register, visit npm.org/2022-national-….

Please keep Bishop Seitz in your prayers.