The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) invites Catholic composers, hymn-writers, and poets to submit entries for the Eucharistic Revival Musical Competition. The goal of this competition is to express and renew our zeal for the Eucharist through poetry and song.
“The Musical Competition is just the beginning of a number of initiatives on the horizon for the Revival in 2023 that celebrate the beauty and mystery of the Eucharist,” said Tim Glemkowski, Executive Director of the National Eucharistic Congress, Inc. “Beauty is the mark of a loving God, and we are excited to see creative expressions from talented Catholic artists that embrace the beauty of Christ and give new light, color, and voice to the truths of our faith.”
There are two categories for competition, hymn-writing and theme song.
Submissions for the hymn-writing category should contain text for a new hymn, suitable for assembly singing, related to the Eucharistic Revival and its mission, and it should proclaim the doctrine of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist in accordance to expressing our unity as the Body of Christ.
Submissions for the theme song category should be an original musical composition related to the Eucharistic Revival and its mission, and inspired by the Eucharist. It may be composed for any style of choir, schola, mixed choir and assembly, solo, or instrumental works.
All submissions must be new, original works, previously unpublished or publicly performed or sung. All entrants must certify that their submissions are their own, original creative work. Submissions will be evaluated along the criteria of poetry, musicality, creativity, theological and doctrinal soundness, beauty, appropriateness for liturgical use, and the expression of the mission of the Eucharistic Revival.
Winning submissions in each category will be featured at the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis and used in liturgies and events surrounding the Eucharistic Revival across the country, in addition to a $2,500 cash prize.
Complete guidelines and requirements for this musical competition are available in English and Spanish.
The standard entrance fee is $25. Submissions will be accepted through April 21, 2023 through this link. Only one entry per participant.
Winners will be announced June 9, 2023.
