APMN Newsletter December 2025

Welcome to our December 2025 APMN Newsletter!

We have had a lot happening over the last six months, so it has been "awhile between drinks!".

Almost 400 pastoral musicians, composers, liturgists and educators shared a transformational three days at the national music and liturgy conference held at the Hilton Adelaide from 1 – 3 October. The event offered a smorgasbord of experiences and formation opportunities featuring five keynotes, six mini-keynotes, over 50 diverse workshop presentations. As always, one of the key strengths of the gathering was the opportunity to meet and network with others from throughout Australia and beyond.

Hopefully, you enjoy our offerings. Know of our prayers for the Advent and Christmas season.

As we move toward the close of the year and deeper into the rhythms of Advent, we are reminded of the extraordinary ministry entrusted to those who serve through music. 

Pope Leo’s recent Jubilee of Choirs homily offers a profound reflection for all of us: our work is not performance, but prayer; not self-expression, but service. Choirs, he reminds us, are “small families” within the Church—communities bound by discipline, mutual care, and a shared desire to help the People of God lift their hearts to the divine.

Here is an excerpt from that homily:

"You belong to choirs that carry out their ministry primarily in liturgical settings ... This ministry requires discipline and a spirit of service, especially when preparing for a solemn liturgy or an important event in your communities. The choir is a small family of individuals united by their love of music and the service they offer ....You are not on stage, but rather a part of that community, endeavouring to help it grow in unity by inspiring and engaging its members."

This edition of the APMN newsletter celebrates exactly that spirit.