The NPM Cantor Steering Committee works to serve the needs of approximately 2400 cantors in NPM. As a community of peers, we hope to empower cantors to embrace our role as leaders of prayer.   We also strive to be animators of the community's worship and work collaboratively with music directors. We encourage cantors to take responsibility for our development and serve as mentors to others entering this ministry.

Mission Statement The purpose of the Cantor Interest Section is to assist cantors to grow in the spiritual qualities, the liturgical knowledge, and the musical skills needed to fulfill their specific role as ministers of music serving the liturgical prayer of the assembly.

• Cantor Subcommittees: Three new subcommittees formed with the purpose of furthering the new Strategic Plan.
• Institutes and Events: Check here for information on Cantor Institutes and cantor events at the yearly convention.
• Certification: We are pleased to offer cantors the opportunity to be a part of the Basic Cantor Certificate process.  This assessment seeks to encourage cantors to develop the skills necessary for more effective ministry and to strengthen our identity as leaders of prayer. In addition, we are pleased to announce that plans for the Intermediate Cantor Certificate (ICC) have been approved by the NPM Certification Committee!  The curriculum will be written this year and we will be ready to accept applications beginning next summer.
• Resources: This section offers reading lists for both beginning and experienced cantors, including cantor textbooks, as well as books and articles on voice, Scripture, the psalms, pastoral ministry, and other related topics. 
• E-mail Address: Please feel free to contact us at Plecz@aol.com with questions or comments. A member of the Standing Committee will respond as soon as possible.
• The Cantor Interest Section now has a Facebook page!  Search for "National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) Cantors and join us! 

Study and formation are critical to cantor development. While this begins at the parish level, cantors are encouraged to seek out programs offered by diocesan offices and the NPM Cantor Express program, presented in various locations throughout the country each year. Cantors are further encouraged to subscribe to The Liturgical Singer, a quarterly newsletter, that features articles specifically for cantors, choirs, ensemble singers, presiders, and deacons.
 
God bless you as you continue your journey as a cantor!  Know that we are here for YOU!

Mary Lynn Pleczkowski, Chair
NPM Standing Committee for Cantors

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