With more than thirty Institutos completed in dioceses across the United States, the Instituto has earned the reputation of a rewarding opportunity and effective liturgical training for Hispanic liturgical musicians.

The OCP Instituto offers three modules: Module One is primarily for parish pastoral musicians, to introduce them to liturgical music ministry. Module Two is directed to the same audience but is also extended to all liturgical ministers. Likewise, Module Three is intended to address a wider audience of not only liturgical ministers but other pastoral agents, such as catechists, youth ministers and beyond.

Module One:

An introduction to Music in the Liturgy and the role of musicians in the celebration of the Eucharist

With Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, as a foundational guide, this module presents the key precepts of music in the Eucharistic Liturgy. The keynote places a particular emphasis on the role of the musician as disciple and minister, and provides tools for participants to continue to learn after they leave. Module One also includes specialized sessions/workshops on techniques and musicianship for vocalists, guitarists, percussionists, and more. The foundational resources for Module One are Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship and Flor y Canto.

Module Two:

An overview of sacramental theology, liturgical theology, and Eucharistic theology, within a historical and pastoral context

This module focuses on the revised rituals of the sacraments, the Roman Missal, and the catechesis which accompanies these rites. Special emphasis will be placed on the Lectionary, the prayer texts, and the symbolic action of each rite in order to consider ways of leading a community in developing a catechesis and understanding, which will open up the meaning of the rites, particularly when the community gathers on Sunday.

Participants will discover that “catechesis is intrinsically bound to every liturgical and sacramental action” and that “catechesis both precedes the liturgy and springs from it” (General Directory for Catechesis, 33). Resources include: Misal Romano, Leccionario, Sacrosanctum Concilium, General Instruction to the Roman Missal, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, Art and Environment in Catholic Worship, Liturgiam Authenticum, and, Flor y Canto.

Module Three:

Explores the relationship between music and spirituality in the context of the Eucharistic celebration

Module Three is a retreat that includes a cognitive dimension, introducing participants to the spirituality of the liturgy. The presentations are divided into four movements patterned after the dynamic and flow in Eucharistic Liturgy: Gathering, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Sending Forth, which are bookended with sung Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. The use of music, prayer, silence, space/place, symbols, rituals, images, etc. are selected, shaped and sequenced to foster a rich engagement with each of the four movements of the day. Resources include: Misal Romano, Leccionario, Sacrosanctum Concilium, The Sacred Scriptures, Liturgiam Authenticum, and, Flor y Canto.

Contact OCP to discuss bringing an OCP Instituto to your region.

Combining the best elements of retreats and Reading Sessions, participants will experience Sing Praise to God as a day of renewal and inspiration. Large group session will include prayer, an inspirational keynote presentation, and Reading Sessions. In these sessions, music will be both the tool used for teaching and the means of inspiration. Break outs are designed to provide opportunities for Music Directors to review music that best suits their communities. Each break out will present a different genre of music; the schedule permits Music Directors to select two breakouts. The day culminates with a large group sing through, and Closing Prayer, sending participants off renewed, and with a great deal of music appropriate for their communities.

Reading Session offer participants an opportunity to explore select titles published by OCP. Presenters for the keynote and Reading Sessions include OCP staff and composers, as well as local experts. Sing Praise to God is presented by OCP, in partnership with a local host – a parish, NPM chapter, diocese, to name a few.

Dates and locations to be announced. Contact OCP to discuss bringing Sing Praise to God to your region.