Mass of Renewal

William Gokelman and David Kauffman awarded first place by NPM Members

The National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) announced on July 16, 2010 that Mass of Renewal by William Gokelman and David Kauffman of San Antonio, Texas, was voted the winner of a new Mass setting competition sponsored by NPM. Over the last 18 months, more than 160 entries were submitted from which a panel of five independent judges selected four finalists. The final four compositions were sung by and then voted on by all 2,000+ NPM members (choir directors & music ministers) who attended the national convention this summer in Detroit, MI.

“Our hope was to write a musical setting of the mass that wouldn’t get in the way of the prayer experience,” said Bill Gokelman, co-writer of Mass of Renewal and Chairman of the Music department at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX.

Gokelman and Kauffman’s composition may be sung with various combinations of instruments, including guitar, piano, organ, brass, and even full orchestra. This setting is quite adaptable and can be used by the congregation alone, with the participation of an SATB choir or in a contemporary Youth Mass setting. Spanish versions and Contemporary/Youth Editions for Life Teen Mass are available.