Integral to the mission of Catholic schools is formation in liturgy and liturgical music. The Church calls on schools "to cultivate the repertoire of sacred music inherited from the past, to engage the creative efforts of contemporary composers and the diverse repertoires of various cultures, and to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy worthily." (Sing to the Lord #54) Further, we are to "foster the joy of singing" and develop a liturgical repertoire that supports the parish Sunday liturgy. This is a tall order for Catholic Schools, but it is also a refreshingly clear directive, rich with opportunity and challenge. It's the classic "both/and" of Catholicism, and a profound responsibility! How do we do it well?

Presented by: Rex Rund 

Director of Music & Liturgy, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Carmel, IN

Rex Benjamin Rund has been Director of Music and Liturgy at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Carmel, Indiana for 22 years. He oversees a liturgical music program of well over 200 singers and instrumentalists of all generations, including two children's choirs. The parish K-8 school liturgical choir leads three all-school Masses each week. Before working in liturgical music full time, Rex taught school music for five years, both in Austria and stateside. He holds a B.Mus. in music education and a masters in choral conducting from Eastern Illinois University and is a lifelong member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Rex is former national chair of the Choir Director section of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), and has served on the faculty of the NPM Choir Director Institute. He has been a workshop presenter for NPM conventions, Notre Dame Liturgy Week, and for various parishes.