National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) changes name to National Association of Catholic Church Musicians (NACCM)

Embracing our new name, ‘National Association of Catholic Church Musicians,’ firmly roots us in our Catholic tradition while expanding our pastoral mission to support, educate and inspire every musician called to serve in Church ministry.”

Meyer Chambers, chairman, NACCM Board of Directors

The National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) announced an official name change to the National Association of Catholic Church Musicians (NACCM).

This rebranding reflects a renewed focus on the organization’s Catholic heritage and mission while continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting sacred music ministers across all backgrounds.

The local chapter serving the Diocese of Jefferson City will be known going forward as the NACCM Jefferson City, Missouri, Chapter.

“Our new name, the National Association of Catholic Church Musicians (NACCM), directly reflects our Catholic identity and honors our Catholic foundation, including our status as an integrated auxiliary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB),” said NACCM Executive Director Jennifer Kluge.

She said NACCM will increase the association’s visibility and reach “to truly be the place for all who serve the Church through music.”

Ron Sayer, director of the Jefferson City Chapter, noted that “the chapter is here for parish musicians, cantors, instrumentalists, and liturgists, helping them to enhance skills, share best practices, and guide the implementation of diocesan liturgical musical directives.

He said NACCM will continue to maintain its close, collaborative partnership with the USCCB, and its Committee on Divine Worship, through the guidance of Episcopal Moderator Bishop Mark Seitz.

“Together, they coordinate on educational initiatives, resources, and certification standards for lay ecclesial ministers and music directors,” Mr. Sayer noted.

The NACCM is an association of musicians, clergy and liturgists dedicated to fostering the art of musical liturgy.

Since 1976, the organization has functioned as a professional networking and continuing education association for musical leaders, choir directors, organists, cantors and parish musicians.

NACCM serves its members through education, publication, diocesan chapters, and national gatherings, providing formation and community for all who serve the Church through music.

The adoption of the new name clarifies the association’s core alignment with the Catholic Church in the United States and strengthens its commitment to fostering high-quality liturgical music.

“Our mission has always been grounded in supporting those who enrich liturgical worship through music,” stated Meyer Chambers, Chair of the NACCM Board of Directors “Embracing our new name, ‘National Association of Catholic Church Musicians,’ firmly roots us in our Catholic tradition while expanding our pastoral mission to support, educate and inspire every musician called to serve in Church ministry.”

Beginning with conversations during the National Council meeting at the 2024 Convention, leadership has been exploring a name change with the board, National Council, and stakeholders.

The association’s membership was given a poll and multiple Town Hall Zoom sessions to voice their thoughts about the possibility of the change throughout Spring 2026.

During the 2026 Members’ Meeting at the Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.), Ms. Kluge announced that the organization would move forward with the name change.

Under the new name, the organization will maintain all existing programs, educational resources, certifications, national conventions and regional trainings.

While the name change took effect immediately, all official communications and publication materials will incorporate the prior name for six months.

Contact Mr. Sayer at ronsay@aol.com for information about NACCM and this diocese’s chapter.