npm portland chapter gathering – 9/12/2026
Pastoral musicians from across the Portland area gathered on Saturday, September 12 to network, share prayer and sing together. This event was graciously hosted by Our Lady of the Lake Church in Lake Oswego. Over 60 people were in attendance.
The event opened with a song followed by a prayer from Agnes Zueger. The main program was provided by Chris Brunelle, Music Director at Holy Family Parish and Mika Thomas, Music Coordinator at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. They reviewed some new music from OCP that was first published in the 2026 Breaking Bread book or that will be published for the 2027 book, coming out this Advent.
The selected songs were chosen to give the attendees ideas for celebrations during the upcoming Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter seasons.
The event closed with a moving prayer by Father Virgil Funk, founder and president emeritus of the Association of Pastoral Musicians.
Our next chapter gathering is November 21 at St Andrew Catholic Church.
NPM Portland Chapter Gathering – 5/31/2026
Our recent in-person event was held on Saturday May 30 at Willamette Park on the river.
Attendees enjoyed networking, prayer, biblical Mad-Libs, and the featured presentation by treasurer and flautist Wendy Hein covering:
• Survival Skills for Wind and String Players in Liturgical Ensembles.
• Considerations for Directors Working with Wind and String Players.
Each topic had a list of 10 helpful tips for smooth integration of solo instruments into liturgical services.
Many of these tips are handy for other instruments as well, not just solo instruments.
Click here to see Wendy’s tips.
After lunch, a number of attendees enjoyed lunch together at a nearby restaurant, for additional networking and camaraderie.
NPM On The Road – 7/31/2025
| Our NPM On the Road Portland conference on July 31 and August 1 was filled with networking, learning, prayer and music. Thank you … * to everyone who attended the conference from the Pacific Northwest and from across the United States. * to the parish and staff of St. Pius X Catholic community in NW Portland, Oregon who hosted the conference * to all of the presenters, musicians and volunteers * the Core Committee for the tireless hours of preparation, planning and day-of activities. Watch for photos from the conference in future newsletters. Blessings to you and your parish music ministry. Agnes Zueger NPM Portland Oregon Chapter Director |