PORTLAND, Ore. (OCP) / October 3, 2013 / This week, established contemporary Catholic music leader—OCP (Oregon Catholic Press), released its newest hymnal for Catholic worship: Spirit & Song. Based on research and borne from Blessed Pope John Paul II’s call to a New Evangelization, Spirit & Song gives Catholic leaders a new way to reach the youth and young adults in the Church.
“‘What is the question that keeps you up at night?’ That’s what we asked hundreds of music ministers from all over the country,” said Spirit & Song General Manager, Robert Feduccia. Their answer was always the same, ‘How do I reach the youth and young adults in my parish?’ They’re all looking for a way to help young people build personal connections to the Liturgy—to our Faith. Our answer is the new Spirit & Song.”
A true reflection of modern Catholic worship, the repertoire of Spirit & Song draws from traditional hymns like “All Creatures of Our God and King” arranged for contemporary ensembles, enduring titles from the 1970s and 80s like “Here I Am, Lord” and songs from both today’s best, contemporary Catholic and Evangelical songwriters like, “Your Grace Is Enough.”
“Regardless of the source, each song is theologically sound—vetted by a committee of Liturgical experts to ensure their authentic adherence to the ancient Catholic faith,” explained Rick Modlin, Manager of Music Development. “We created a resource that spans the entire breadth of Catholic worship with music for Liturgy of the Hours; songs for seasons from Advent and Christmas to Holy Week, Easter and Ordinary time, plus selections for rites, rituals, solemnities and other special occasions in the Catholic faith.”
The new hymnal also showcases Mass settings—approved by the Bishop’s Committee on Divine Worship—with language from the Roman Missal, Third Edition. Five total Masses are made up of two revised settings of familiar favorites, Mass of a Joyful Heart and Mass of St. Timothy, and three new settings including the debut of Mass of the Desert, composed by contemporary Catholic music legend Tom Booth.
While traditional resources including accompaniments for Keyboard, Guitar and Solo Instruments plus the full 18-CD library (arranged by liturgical use) will all be available soon, perhaps the most exciting new piece to the Spirit & Song hymnal is the groundbreaking All-Inclusive Digital Edition. Rolling out October 25th, 2013, musicians will be able to purchase an all-access music reproduction license that includes accompaniments, assembly editions, chords over text editions, MP3s and more.
To learn more about the new Spirit & Song visit ocp.org/spirit-song. Media requests including review copies, interviews and more may be sent directly to Erin McClellan, 503.460.5363 or [email protected].
About OCP
OCP, a not-for-profit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources based in Portland, Oregon, has been in operation for more than 90 years. Worship programs produced by OCP are used in over two-thirds of Catholic churches in the United States and are distributed worldwide. Find OCP on Facebook at Facebook.com/OCPmusic.
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