PORTLAND, Ore. — OCP is proud to announce the launch of the Center for Learning, a new division offering programs and resources to make Catholic ministries more effective. The Center for Learning goes beyond traditional webinars and workshops (which it also offers) to provide individualized support for liturgical and pastoral ministers through ministry coaching, professional learning communities and more.
Led by director Matt Reichert, the Center for Learning’s unique programs help ministry professionals to succeed, improving their effectiveness and fostering longevity in their service to the Church. “We know that ministry is difficult,” Reichert said. “Not only do we (pastoral ministers) face familiar challenges like recruiting volunteers, evangelization, budgets and so forth, we are also dealing with growing disaffiliation, burnout, and incivility inside and outside the Church. Compounding this, we are increasingly isolated as there are fewer people working in ministry and fewer opportunities for professional community. The Center for Learning is here to say, ‘yes, this is difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone.’”
The Center’s personalized coaching and consulting services provide one-on-one support for liturgical and pastoral ministers in parishes, Catholic schools and other ministries and its professional learning communities help build relationships between diverse ministers who can support and learn from one another. The Center is also the new home of OCP’s longstanding Spanish-language Institutos, offering liturgical formation and training for Hispanic pastoral musicians, as well as OCP’s successful Spanish-language Workshop Series. It will continue to produce new educational and formational events, diverse ministry resources and more to serve the Church’s ministers.
“In developing the Center, we were very much aware of – and grateful for – the incredible work that other organizations and publishers are doing to support pastoral ministers,” Reichert emphasized. “None of what we’re doing is meant to replace what already exists. Instead, we’re trying to fill the gaps in a way that is complimentary to existing conferences, conventions and certificate programs.”
All programs, services and resources from the Center for Learning are open to anyone who serves in ministry. Participants do not have to use any products published by OCP and the Center’s programs will not be used as marketing opportunities.
“The Center for Learning is the latest example of how OCP continues to adapt to the evolving needs of Catholic ministers. It’s part of our ongoing mission to provide the Church with the very best resources and service,” said OCP publisher Wade Wisler. “Though we are best known for our music, missals and hymnals, OCP does much more than that. We strive always to partner with parishes and music directors, and to do whatever we can to help them in their ministries. By offering these educational and formational opportunities, OCP is helping them to be more effective and successful. We are thrilled to have Matt leading these efforts. With his extensive background in education, ministry, and creative thought leadership, he will ensure that the Center provides church ministers with the content, guidance and support they need.”
Learn more about the Center for Learning at ocp.org/learning.
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About OCP
OCP, a not-for-profit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources based in Portland, Oregon, has been in operation for over 100 years. Worship programs produced by OCP are used in Catholic churches and faith communities across the United States and worldwide. Find OCP on Facebook at Facebook.com/OCPmusic.
Contact:
Kelcee Marcum
OCP
503-460-5358
kelceem@ocp.org
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