The Rapid City Chapter of National Pastoral Musicians hosted their fall meeting and St. Cecilia banquet on October 8, at Our Lady of the Black Hills Church in Piedmont.

After welcoming attendees to the meeting, Fr. Andrzej Wyrostek began the day’s presentations with a discussion on the USCCB document “Music and the Proclamation of God’s Word.” Father Wyrostek noted that in liturgy, music is a powerful catalyst for the proclamation of the Word of God.

Tammy Schnittgrund facilitated a Cantor Master Class. Several cantors from diocesan parishes sang a prepared Psalm, then through coaching and demonstration, she helped them understand and utilize six focus areas to improve their cantor skill set.

Following the luncheon, the business meeting and awards ceremony commenced. Bonnie Josten was re-elected to her 3rd two-year term as Chapter Co-Director, and she also elected to serve as Co-Programming Coordinator. Carman Timmerman was elected as Secretary/Treasurer. Following the awards, Bishop Peter Muhich commissioned the music ministers. Closing out the day was a panel discussion on recruiting and retain choir members.