After fifty years . . .
Where have we come?
What still remains to be done?
What have we learned?
This we know: What was true in 1963
continues to be true in 2013:
“In the restoration and promotion of
the sacred liturgy, this full and active
participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14).

Top Ten Reasons
to attend the NPM Convention
in Washington, DC
July 29–August 2, 2013
- Learning
Deepening knowledge, building skills
- Singing and Praying
Joining hearts and voices
- Music
Performances to delight and inspire
- Ministry
Reflecting on the call to serve God’s
people at prayer
- Resources
New music and products to support
your ministry
- People
Friends old and new who share your
commitment and passion
- Time Out
Opportunity for retreat and refreshment
- History
A city where government leaders continue
to shape events
- Culture
Dazzling art, architecture, music, and
more
- Heritage of Faith
A region settled by seekers of religious
freedom and nurtured by the faith
of freed slaves and immigrants from
around the world

Washington, DC:
A Capital City!
Washington is a city rich in history and culture, diverse in its racial and ethnic make-up,
and filled with attractions for people of all ages. Come to our nation’s capital to visit
familiar sites like the United States Capitol, White House, National Mall, Frederick
Douglass National Historic Site, and the many monuments, memorials, museums,
churches, and historical landmarks that dot this amazing city.
Washington may be known for its significance as a center of government and diplomacy,
but this city and its surrounding areas have a rich place in the history of American
Catholics. Catholicism was brought to Maryland in 1634 when Jesuit Father Andrew
White celebrated the first Mass held in the original thirteen colonies, on the shores of
St. Clement’s Island. From that humble beginning in St. Mary’s County to the thriving,
diverse Catholic community which exists today, the story of the Archdiocese of
Washington is one of struggle, hope, and faith.
Founded as a haven for Catholics and a place of religious toleration, Maryland was
the site of the Religious Act of 1649—the first legislation a representative body ever
enacted for religious freedom. Sadly, this freedom did not last. Between 1690 and 1776,
Catholics in Maryland suffered under oppressive penal laws. They persevered, however,
and many became patriots for the cause of American independence.
Despite these early obstacles, the Catholic faith flourished. Historic parishes abound
today, including St. Francis Xavier, Newtowne, which dates to 1640; St. Patrick, the
first Catholic church in the original Federal City; and St. Augustine, founded by freed
slaves in 1858 and canonically established in 1865. Archbishop John Carroll, appointed
the first archbishop of the United States in 1789, was born in Upper Marlboro. Georgetown
University, the nation’s first Catholic college, was founded here in 1789. The
Archdiocese also is home to The Catholic University of America.
Many years ago, the Archdiocese of Washington was referred to as a mosaic of faith.
That is more true now than ever before. The local church is enriched by the gifts of
people from many cultures and many nations who gather to celebrate their faith in the
Eucharist, to participate in parish life, and to reach out to others in need. The Archdiocese
opens its doors to welcome new neighbors through Masses and activities in
more than twenty languages and through outreach including immigration assistance,
legal and medical care, employment, education, and more.
Features
Young Adults Social "Meet-Ups"
A chance to meet other young adults (ages
22–35) in an informal, social atmosphere.
Three “meet-ups” will be held during
the convention week for those interested
in meeting others their age involved in
music ministry. The group will meet at a
predetermined central location for each
gathering during the dinner or late evening
hours. Watch the NPM Youth Facebook page
for more details.
| The Hovda Lectures
Robert W. Hovda (1920–1992), a presbyter of the Diocese of Fargo, North
Dakota, was a leader in the liturgical movement in the United States.
The National Association of Pastoral Musicians has chosen to honor
the memory and work of Father Hovda through a series of “Hovda
Lectures” presented biennially at its convention. This year’s lectures,
the sixth in the series, offer an in-depth exploration of the Constitution
on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium and pastoral music.
A-03 Sacrosanctum Concilium: Liturgical Music and the Call to Active Participation
B-03 Sacrosanctum Concilium and the Renewal of Music Minstries
C-03 Sacrosanctum Concilium and the Relationship of Sacred Music and Culture
D-03 Sacrosanctum Concilium, Gregorian Chant, & the Church’s Treasure of Sacred Music
E-03 The Liturgical and Musical Heritage of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy |
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Cantor Certificate On-Site Adjudications
Wednesday, July 31, 5:00–8:00 pm and Thursday, August 1, 12:00 n–3:00 pm
- Cantors may complete requirements for all the NPM Cantor Certificates during
the 2013 Annual Convention. A limited number of candiates will be accepted.
- Basic Cantor Certificate (BCC) applicants are required to attend Breakout A-15 on
Tuesday morning during which the written exam of 5-10 minutes will be administered.
- The singing portion—and additional testing for other certificates—will be offered
on Wednesday, July 31, 5:00–8:00 pm and Thursday, August 1, 12:00 noon–3:00 pm.
- Note: The Cantor Colleague Certificate (CCC) Liturgy Exam cannot be offered
on-site.
- Full convention registration is required to apply for BCC or CCC at convention.
- BCC onsite application form
- CCC onsite application form
Pre-registration required; no on-site registration. Application deadline: Postmarked by July 5, 2013.
Learn more. |
Convention Schedule
Registration Hours
Sunday:
4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Monday:
7:30 am–1:30 pm,
3:30 pm–7:30 pm
Tuesday:
8:00 am–1:30 pm
Wednesday:
7:30 - 9:00 am, 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Thursday:
9:30 am–noon
Friday:
8:00 am–9:00 am
Exhibit Hours
Monday: 10:00 pm – 12:00 M
Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 2:45 - 5:45 pm, 7:45 - 12:00 M
Thursday: 11:45 am–6:00 pm
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St. Cecilia mosaic, National
Shrine
of the Immaculate
Conception |
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