Liturgical Formation and Training for Pastoral Musicians
Instituto OCP provides liturgical formation and musical education to enrich and empower Catholic music ministries. Rooted in the Church’s teachings—particularly Sacrosanctum Concilium, Musicam Sacram, and Sing to the Lord—we serve culturally diverse communities across the United States, with particular attention to Hispanic pastoral musicians.
Sing to the Lord Formation Event
Led by two to four experienced pastoral musicians, this team offers sound theological teaching and practical wisdom inspired by Sing to the Lord:
Music in Divine Worship (Cantemos al Señor: La Música en el Culto Divino) and the rich repertoire of OCP’s Flor y Canto hymnal.
Formation Workshops
One-day formation experiences for pastoral musicians designed to provide in-depth training on a single topic from one expert presenter.
Program Details Program Catalog FAQs Program InquiryMeet the Team
Trudy Vandehey
Formational Events Operations Manager
trudyv@ocp.org
Amie Kelley
Formational Events Specialist
amiek@ocp.org
Koren Ruiz
Composer, choir director and liturgical presenter, Koren Ruiz believes that music is the best evangelical tool given to us. With a passion for service and stewardship, Koren has embodied that belief through more than 15 years of music ministry and composition. Often ministering alongside his wife and essential partner in ministry, Jessica Ruiz, Koren leads parishes across the nation in concerts, liturgical prayer events, formational events and workshops on Christian stewardship, and guitar-centered skill building workshops like “Guitar Rhythms” and “The Guitar Player in the Liturgical Setting.” Koren and Jessica have two albums published with OCP: Tú Me Sostendrás, released in 2014, and Tu Amor Es Fiel, released in 2019, as well as songs in OCP’s Spanish-language contemporary collections. Koren has also participated in the OCP Instituto event series. Koren holds a bachelor of business administration and a bachelor of organizational psychology from Western Oregon University. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Portland. When he is not traveling, he serves the community of Ascension Parish in Portland, Oregon, as choir director. He is also president and founder of Corresponsables de Dios, a consulting organization which promotes the concept of stewardship of the Church's mission through various programs, conferences and Catholic music.
Oscar Castellanos
Oscar Castellanos joined OCP as the Bilingual Programs and Hispanic Initiatives Manager. Oscar manages our Spanish and Bilingual formational programs. Oscar is fully bilingual/bicultural (English & Spanish), and comes with excellent experience in program management, public speaking, teaching, and pastoral ministry with Hispanic communities. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy & Religious Studies, as well a master’s degree in Theology from Mt. Angel Seminary. Oscar also studied theology at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA and the University of Notre Dame, IN as part of the Master of Divinity program. He is about to complete his doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership with Marian University, IN. Outside of OCP, Oscar loves spending time with his family; especially his 3 children: Santi, Miranda, and Febe. He also loves walking his dogs and refereeing high school soccer.