Contact: Erin McClellan, OCP, 503-460-5363, erinm@ocp.org

PORTLAND, Ore. / LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 22, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Since 1996 the National Association of Pastoral Musicians have recognized individuals that have made exceptional musical contributions to the American Catholic Church with the Jubilate Deo Award. This year's recipient: beloved Catholic group of composers, The St. Louis Jesuits.

"This award is not only highly deserved, but very long overdue," says OCP publisher, John Limb. "The St. Louis Jesuits are ground-breaking composers in the area of liturgical music. They were among the first to marry texts based on Scripture with melodies that were well crafted and memorable. Not only have they influenced the spiritual lives of millions of Catholics in the pews, but they have also influenced the music of almost every liturgical composer who's written and been published since Vatican II."

Though many people may not know them by name, Tim Manion, Dan Schutte and Jesuit Fathers Bob Dufford, John Foley and Roc O'Connor have produced classics that have been staples of worship for more than 30 years, including "Be Not Afraid," "Here I Am, Lord," "Lift Up Your Hearts," "One Bread, One Body" and "This Alone."

After releasing several best-selling collections as a group, including Neither Silver Nor Gold, Earthen Vessels and Lord of Light, the five decided to work and write music independently, with several members producing solo albums for several years. However, they came together in February 2006 releasing their reunion collection, Morning Light, published by OCP.

The Jubilate Deo Award will be presented to the St. Louis Jesuits on Thursday, July 21, at the Pastoral Musicians' breakfast during the conference.

Interview and photo requests should be directed to Erin McClellan at 503-460-5363 or erinm@ocp.org. For more information about The St. Louis Jesuits or the other resources available from OCP, please call 1-800-LITURGY (548-8749) or visit ocp.org.

About OCP
OCP, a not-for-profit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources in Portland, Oregon, has been in operation for more than 80 years. Worship programs produced by OCP are used in more than two-thirds of Catholic churches in the United States and are distributed worldwide. More information is available at 1-800-LITURGY (548-8749) and ocp.org, Facebook.com/OCPmusic.