The five-day NPM Pastoral Liturgy Institute is designed to provide a basic foundation of knowledge about Roman Catholic liturgy for pastoral musicians and those with whom they work and minister (priests, deacons, pastoral associates, ministers of religious education, liturgy committee members). The primary audience is pastoral musicians who seek a broader liturgical education than is available through single workshops, diocesan conferences, or NPM conventions but who do not need—or have time for—a full semester course or degree. The goal is to help pastoral musicians understand the liturgical principles and sacramental rites which are the context for their music and develop the pastoral skills necessary for effective ministry. A special emphasis will be placed on the vital role of music in celebration. Registration opens Monday, July 26, at 9:00 am., and the program begins with prayer at 10:00 am. The program ends with closing prayer on Friday at 11:00am. Meals include Monday lunch through Friday breakfast.

Session schedule includes: Basic principles of liturgy, music, and church environment and art; liturgical documents; Sunday Eucharist and other sacramental rites of the Catholic Church; information on how to prepare for and implement the new Roman Missal, and the variety of prayer forms available to Catholic communities. Sessions are held morning, afternoon, and evening every day (from approximately 8:30 am to 9:00 pm) with the exception of Wednesday evening—a free evening.

Visit www.npm.org for more details.