After 50 Years, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians Renames Itself the National Association of Catholic Church Musicians
The National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) announced on October 6 that it has officially renamed itself the National Association of Catholic Church Musicians (NACCM), effective immediately, to state its Catholic identity more clearly. The former name will be retained in the association's communications and publications for six months.
Founded in 1976, the association serves choir directors, organists, cantors, parish musicians, clergy and liturgists, supporting church music ministry through education, publications, local chapters and national conventions. Executive Director Jennifer Kluge said the new name reflects the association's Catholic identity; NACCM is an integrated auxiliary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Board Chair Meyer Chambers also publicly supported the change.
The name change had been explored since the 2024 National Convention; the association polled its members and held online town hall sessions in the spring of 2026, and announced the new name at its 2026 Members' Meeting at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. All programs, certifications, conventions and regional trainings will continue unchanged.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 圣路易斯主教座堂（资料图），公共领域。 / The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (file photo), public domain.
