Training for parish Hispanic music ministry groups builds skills, community

This year, the Diocese of Metuchen held the second edition of musical training for Hispanic parish music ministry groups, an initiative offered by the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. This event was designed to provide musical training and deepen participants’ understanding of the role of music in worship.

On Jan. 18, some 200 musicians, including cantors, choir members, and music ministry groups from various parishes across the Diocese, were invited to participate in a day-long event that began early in the morning. The training was led by the OCP Institute, which is associated with Oregon Catholic Press (OCP), an organization dedicated to providing resources, training, and professional development for liturgical musicians. The workshop was conducted by Damaris Thillet, a talented singer and instrumentalist, and Iván Díaz, a musician and composer.

The presenters emphasized that the human voice is the greatest instrument and a gift from God, meant to praise him through song. During the workshop, the importance of adapting voices to the needs of the community, the acoustics of the worship space, and the liturgical context was highlighted. Key topics included breathing techniques for singing, the role of instrumentation in accompaniment, vocal articulation, and how to achieve a balanced choral sound. They also underscored that simplicity is where beauty resides and reminded participants that music should serve the liturgy, not the other way around.

Among the participants, members of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish in Flemington shared their experiences. Santos and Cristina Laines, a couple involved in the music ministry – she sings in the choir, and he plays the guitar – expressed how singing for the Lord has allowed them to discover hidden talents. They expressed their gratitude for the training, which provided them with new tools to enrich their ministry, including fresh song selections and better ways to accompany the congregation during Mass.

Juan and Idalia Laines, also from St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, are another couple committed to the music ministry. Juan plays the bass, while Idalia sings in the choir. They shared their joy in continuing to grow in their ministry with patience, support, and motivation, all in order to offer melodies to the Lord.

Ángel Rivera, a choir member, along with Sara Alfaro, Edith Hernández, and Génesis Ortiz, described the training day as an enriching experience. They highlighted the joy of sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and rehearsing together, affirming that music is a divine gift meant to glorify God.

Santos Cabrera and his two children, Emanuel and Samuel, from the Santa Inés Parish in the Diocese of Paterson, also participated in the training. They left with many ideas and melodies for the upcoming Lenten and Easter celebrations, supported by the “Flor y Canto” books. Santos, who plays the guitar and saxophone, and his children, who sing in the choir, expressed their enthusiasm for sharing what they had learned with their community.

At the end of the day, Deacon Edgar Chaves, director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, thanked the parish music ministry groups for their participation and encouraged them to continue their formation and keep accompanying the communities with their music. Through these training sessions, participants have deepened their understanding of the role of music in the liturgy. They are now inspired to continue offering their talents in service to God and his people, recognizing that music is a powerful expression of our faith and a beautiful gift to honor Him.





These sessions not only provided new techniques but also sparked a sense of unity and commitment among participants, as they reflected on the sacred purpose of their ministry.