In the June edition of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians’ (NPM) newsletter, the Pastoral Music Notebook, Paul Colloton announced his resignation from the NPM National Staff. Below is his letter to the members of NPM.
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We read in Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” To the list included in verses 2–8 I add: a time to serve NPM as Director of Continuing Education and a time to move on.
It has been my privilege to serve the National Association of Pastoral Musicians as Director of Continuing Education for almost 13.5 years. During my time of transfer from the Order of Preachers to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, I was asked to engage in Oblate ministries that involved more preaching, presiding, and teaching about spirituality than I had been doing prior to that time. Preaching days of reflection and teaching were part of my ministry as NPM’s Director of Continuing Education, but the needs of the Association required that I engage in more administration than had been the case when I was originally invited to come and work for the Association.
It has become increasingly clear to me that I draw more energy from the pastoral and educational portions of my job and life than the administrative. While I have gifts for administration, it does not feed my heart and spirit as much as preaching, presiding, offering spiritual direction, teaching, and giving workshops. Thus, it seems to be a good time for me to move on and explore how I can better use those gifts. The fact that NPM is in its own time of transition, while awaiting a new president, seems to make this opportune for NPM as well.
I thank Rev. Virgil Funk for inviting me to come to NPM. I also thank the staff members with whom I have had the privilege to work over the years, who have affirmed and challenged me and brought joy into my life. My thanks as well to all those members who have welcomed my ministry, especially those who have invited me to serve their communities through workshops, retreats, and visits.
My resignation from the NPM National Staff will be effective August 31, 2014. I hope to be of assistance until then and to continue to support the work of NPM in the future. And I hope to see many of you in St. Louis!
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