NPM Skills Enrichment Seminar Speakers

Janet Natale

New Jersey native Janet Natale is a cantor and clinician who ministers in the (Arch)dioceses of Newark, New York, Paterson and beyond. Janet was Director of Music Ministries and Cantor at Saint James the Apostle Church in Springfield, NJ for over 20 years, where she was responsible for six choirs ranging in age from elementary school through adult. She has served on the board of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians at the local and national level and as regional coordinator of the American Federation of Pueri Cantores New York Festival. She completed her musical training at the Hartt School of Music, of the University of Hartford. A prolific performer, Janet most recently appeared in a concert of Rutter’s Magnificat, at Maryknoll Society Center in Ossining, NY and in recital at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

Tony Varas

A native of Tampa, Florida, Tony Varas is a liturgist, musician and pastoral leader imbued with the spirit of the second Vatican Council. Since the late 1970s he has witnessed the transformation of Catholic liturgy, firsthand, as a Pastoral Musician.  As a diocesan worship director for over 21 years, Tony is aware of the common challenges faced by pastoral ministers, as well as concerns that are particular to specific regions of the country. In addition to his service as Director of Worship for the Diocese of Metuchen, NJ, he continues to help parishes build their music ministry. Tony holds degrees from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Arts in Liturgy and Music from St. Joseph’s College, Indiana. He is a parent, a scholar and a passionate enthusiast for liturgy that truly is the work of all the people.