Portland parish youth attend summer music institute

T eens, from left, Lauren Copeland,  Samuel Guzman and Caitlyn Martinez participatyed in summer music institute.

Cindy Longoria, Cntributed photo

Three high school students and one adult from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church participated in this year’s "Music Ministry Alive" summer institute held at St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, Minnesota. The goal of the program is to help each participant grow as an individual so that they can better serve as leaders and ministers in the Church.”
 
Lauren Copeland, Samuel Guzman, and Caitlyn Martinez submitted recordings in order to be accepted into the five-day program. Applicants also had to be actively involved in their church’s music program and have a desire to deepen that commitment. Paula Smith attended the adult track, offered for adult leaders who are involved in mentoring young people in leadership roles in the church, led by Father Ricky Manalo. 
 
The program consists of daily prayer, workshops and special events where youth participants learn more about the aspects of music leadership such as liturgy planning, ministry and Scripture study. The program offers many opportunities for participants to sharpen their musical skills. Participants are invited to sing solos, participate in liturgical dance and to play and take private lessons in their designated instrument.