Subject: Spirit & Song

Comparison of OCP Hymnals and Missals

OCP Flagship Hymnals

With the recent publication of Glory & Praise, Fourth Edition, we should take a look at the four major hymnals published by Oregon Catholic Press (OCP) to see how they stack up against each other.

Glory & Praise serves as a contemporary-leaning, cross-generational collection. In contrast, other flagship OCP hymnals favor heavy traditional repertoires or exclusively modern styles.


Core Structural Differences
The table below details how Glory & Praise, Fourth Edition matches up against Journeysongs, Third Edition and other core OCP options:

Hymnal Musical Focus / Style Approximate Track Count Target Community
Glory & Praise (4th Edition) Cross-generational 50/50 mix; leans heavily into guitar/piano-driven Catholic folk, pop, and modern worship classics. ~800 titles Parishes seeking a vibrant, accessible assembly style with strong roots in the post-Vatican II folk movement.
Journeysongs (3rd Edition) Balanced traditional-leaning; incorporates extensive Latin chant, historic hymns, and classical organ-driven liturgies alongside essential contemporary titles. Over 850 titles Standard, multi-generational parishes that prioritize choral, organ, and classic cantor-driven music.
Spirit & Song 100% Contemporary; modern praise & worship driven by full bands (electric guitars, drums, keyboards). ~360 titles Youth ministries, Newman centers, or specialized contemporary parish Masses.
Flor y Canto (4th Edition) Multicultural/Spanish focus; features diverse rhythmic styles from varying Spanish-speaking cultures alongside bilingual arrangements. ~740 titles Parishes supporting active Hispanic ministries or looking to build fully integrated, bilingual liturgies.

Lent Resources from Spirit & Song

Nick Alexander here... Robert Feduccia, of Spirit & Song shared with me as to what songs in their repertoire that are most befitting for the season of Lent.
  1. 40 Days by Matt Maher
    Well produced and unabashedly Catholic in its devotion...
  2. Change Me by Tom Booth
    "Ultimately, the call to change is the call to love. Like Mary... May we say 'yes' and be changed." – Tom Booth
  3. Be With Me, Lord by Sarah Hart
    A poignant duet with Curtis Stephan pleading for God's help... and a superb new setting of Psalm 91.
  4. Revive Us, O God by Jesse Manibusan
    Jesse's third album is a musical testament to this transforming power in our lives.
  5. River of Life by Josh Blakesley
    Joshua's catchy choruses make you want to sing along...
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