About Us
The Center for Learning provides programs and resources to make Catholic ministries more effective. Ministry can be hard, and it’s only gotten harder in recent years. We’re all expected to do more with less, leading to burnout and unwanted turnover. That’s why we accompany ministers in their work, offering opportunities for formation as well as long-term support through personalized coaching, professional learning communities, education and more.
The Center for Learning is a division of OCP. A not-for-profit Catholic publishing company, OCP is committed to providing the very best resources, music and service to Catholic parishes and worshipers all over the world. As the Church has grown and evolved, we have sought to grow and change with it so that we can continue to fulfill our mission of publishing products, resources and music that bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all.
Meet the Team
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Matt Reichert
DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR LEARNING
Matt Reichert has served the church in a variety of capacities. As an educator, Matt has been an administrator, board member, middle and high school teacher, and undergraduate professor. As a pastoral musician and liturgist, Matt has worked in parishes, schools, and university campus ministry. Matt is a frequent workshop leader and has presented at parishes, dioceses, and conferences across the country including NPM and NCEA conferences, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. He formerly served as director of outreach and engagement at GIA Publications and was the founding host of NPM's "Ministry Monday" podcast.
Matt holds his B.A. in history and English from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and two master’s degrees from the University of Notre Dame in education and leadership. In addition to teaching and consulting, Matt is an avid reader, gardener, beekeeper, and woodworker.
Matt lives in Richmond, Minnesota, with his wife and four daughters.
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Koren Ruiz
DIRECTOR, HISPANIC INITIATIVES
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.
“As a pastor, I don’t have as much time to spend with my staff as I (or they) need. I can see the difference [Center for Learning ministry] coaching has made for my staff. They are more effective, and our whole staff is benefitting from their ideas and energy. I wish every member of my staff received coaching like this. It is worth every penny.”
FAQs
Does my parish need to use OCP products to participate in the Center for Learning?
No! The Center’s mission is educative, not commercial. As such, there is no requirement that participants use products published by OCP and the Center’s programs will not be used as marketing opportunities.
What is ministry coaching?
Our coaches are experienced ministers who can help you work through problems in your ministry and provide educated advice as well as a listening ear. They provide individualized, customized ministry support, helping to develop desired competencies, skills and confidence. Ministry coaching is not mental health care, therapy, counseling or spiritual direction. That said, it can be a therapeutic experience and is certainly not devoid of a spiritual component.
Do I have to be a musician?
No! The Center for Learning isn’t just for musicians or liturgists. Along with music directors and liturgical ministers, we work with pastors, deacons, youth ministers, parish leaders and staff, diocesan leaders and staff, Catholic school leaders and staff, and more.
I am interested but I don’t want people to think I can’t do my job. What should I do?
A lot of people are hesitant to sign up for ministry coaching or professional learning communities because it’s hard to ask for help. But the Center for Learning’s programs are designed to provide education and support, not rescue bad ministers. Some pastors ask their ministers to sign up for coaching for just that reason – they want to improve performance and decrease burnout. We think that working to improve the effectiveness of your ministry through coaching or other efforts is a sign that you can do your job and want to do it well.
Does the Center for Learning offer any Spanish-language or bilingual resources?
Yes! The Center for Learning helps administrate Instituto OCP and OCP Workshop Series, Spanish-language events which offer liturgical formation and training for Hispanic pastoral musicians all across the United States. And we hope to expand our Spanish-language and bilingual offerings soon, including the addition of Spanish-language ministry coaching and more.