Breakouts
There are six blocks of Breakout sessions (A-F), across the three days of the conference. For each Breakout block there is a choice from up to nine workshops (1-9). The details of each workshop are listed below, grouped by each Breakout session (A-F).
Please review the breakout sessions before registering for the conference. During the registration process you will be asked to specify your choices for each of the breakout blocks (A-F) and your choice of Mini-Keynote options. Once you have decided on your choices, you can Register.
Block A 1/10/2025 1:30 - 2:30
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A-1: Lisa Bright & Richard McMahon - The Church as Sacrament: A Transformative OpportunityThe Church is in Christ like a sacrament or as a sign and instrument both of a very closely knit union with God and of the unity of the whole human race' (Lumen Gentium 1). Sometimes we may feel that this statement is a static reality rather than a lived experience. This workshop will break open this statement from Lumen Gentium, offering perspectives of how we understand this in our world today and how we can empower the Body of Christ to be a transformative presence in the community.
Lisa Bright
Lisa Bright is co-director of Synodal Consulting, empowering Parish communities to develop vision and mission, supporting them in planning, leadership development, community engagement and project management. She is also a Parish leader and engages with people of all ages and backgrounds by walking with them on their journey of life and faith. Lisa has served on the NSW State Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society and on various committees and boards for Religious Communities. This followed five years of working for the St Vincent de Paul Society in Youth Coordination on a local and State level. Lisa also owns a consulting company, working with church and community groups like Grief Care and the Pastoral Ministry Network in community engagement. She also accompanies families in funeral preparation and engages in project and conference management.
Richard McMahon
Richard McMahon is married with four children, living in Sydney. He is co-director of Synodal Consulting and is also the executive officer for Spiritual Care Australia, an association dedicated to supporting professionalism in pastoral care, spiritual care and chaplaincy. At parish, diocesan and national levels, Richard has offered adult enrichment courses, shaped mission approaches via strategic plans, and engaged with a range of people in parishes, education, social services, and church movements. He is the co-chair of the Pastoral Ministry Network in NSW. Richard possesses a great passion for faith as it is lived through our Catholic Church, and delights in accompanying people as they deepen their encounter with Jesus Christ to explore how they can creatively live out God’s mission in today’s world. -
A-2: Kelly Spencer - Liturgy & Prayer Experiences to Support Family Faith FormationThe workshop will unpack Australia’s current ecclesial, familial, and societal diversity and the contemporary needs of families. Kelly will share her experiences in leading liturgy and prayer within schools with families and young children. She will talk through and share a variety of formation resources that have been developed by the Catholic Identity and Mission team from Catholic Education South Australia. Participants will have the opportunity to dialogue with others and explore liturgical opportunities to connect with families to joyfully ‘open up’ and share the Catholic faith. Kelly believes in the importance of ensuring that faith formation experiences are reimagined and designed to deeply connect by listening to families and embracing their current realities and perspectives.
Kelly Spencer
Kelly is an Education Advisor at Catholic Education South Australia and works specifically in the area of Family Faith Formation. She has worked as an Early Years educator in Catholic Education for over ten years where she has also held various leadership positions. Kelly is an accredited Godly Play Storyteller and has a deep passion for children’s spirituality. She holds a Master of Education (Leadership and Management) and a Master of Professional Studies in Theology. -
A-3: Dr Susan Crowe - RCIA - Team as MinistryThis workshop will explore the concept of ministry and the role of the RCIA Team including the spiritual, intellectual and practical aspects of this membership. It will also look at the part the Parish community plays in supporting the RCIA Team as well as their role in the journey of the Catechumen.
Dr Susan Crowe
Susan has been a member of the RCIA team in the Parish of St Patrick’s Cathedral Ballarat, for over thirty years. She was originally invited to be a Catechist and over the years has taken on other roles in the Team. For the past five years she has been the co-ordinator of the RCIA Team in the parish and runs many of the formation sessions. Susan has also been the diocesan representative for Ballarat, at various state and national conferences and has been invited to present sessions at a number of these gatherings. Susan has served on the organising committee when state conferences were hosted in Ballarat Diocese. -
A-4: Helen Bachmann - Art is Story - Liturgical Art Connects Story with FaithArt is story. Through art, understanding can be gained that is not achievable via written text alone. Art has the potential to allow us to truly see, moving beyond simply looking. Art often enables instantaneous understanding and the multi-layered nature of strong images also has the potential to invite the viewer into a deeper experience with each viewing. In this workshop, Helen will guide us through story in many artworks, produced by a variety of artists (including her own work). Participants will be invited to ‘read’ the stories that are presented through the art pieces, inviting each viewer to consider their own story that they bring to the viewing. Through art, meaning is open - there is not one correct answer. Each participant will be invited to experience each piece in their own way; to read the story that they are invited into through spending time with each piece.
Helen Bachmann
Helen Bachmann is a Mununjali woman of the Yugambeh Nation, the area that is now known as the Beaudesert area of Southern Queensland. Helen was raised in a Catholic household and has strong connection and dedication to her Catholic faith while also acknowledging and valuing her Aboriginal spirituality. This deep spirituality is firmly situated in all aspects of her life but comes through especially in her faith and her art. Her Christianity is forever in dialogue with her Aboriginal spirituality. Sometimes the interaction is seamless, other times it causes an experience of interruption. Helen is currently a doctoral candidate at ACU where she works an Indenous student success officer. -
A-5: The Willow Music Team - Made in AustraliaGen Bryant, Lauren Bierer, Peter Bierer & Gina Ogilvie invite you to discover and experience Australian music that enriches our local faith communities. This hands-on workshop for parishes and schools showcases accessible music for liturgy, prayer, retreats, and social outreach. Through singing together, we'll explore authentic expressions of faith that speak to contemporary Australian congregations. Practical ideas on how to introduce new compositions to your community will also be offered. Join us in experiencing the transformative power of music that reflects our Australian grassroots church and strengthens our shared pilgrimage of hope.
The Willow Music Team
The Willow Music Team are experienced pastoral musicians and composers who bring decades of combined experience in sacred and liturgical music ministry. Their engaging and prayerful approach to music ministry, coupled with their passion for Australian sacred music, is evident in their accessible musical arrangements, performances and inspiring teaching style. Members of the team have extensive local and international experience. Their musical expertise and enthusiastic spirit creates an environment where musicians of all skill levels can flourish. Together, they will celebrate and give witness to the value and gift of intergenerational collaboration. -
A-6: Beth Doherty - An Attitude of Beatitude - Social Justice Anthems for the Church - For the Creative GoodBeth Doherty's presentation will be informed by her recently published book, "An Attitude of Beatitude," which focusses on how the eight Beatititudes can be presented to Catholic schools and all people of good will to bring about a change in thinking and increase intentionality around social justice and altruism. Through sharing some of her journey as a songwriter and church musician, Beth will show how she intersects and integrates her love for music and justice, and how music can be used for social justice advocacy in the Church. Songs that have been written specifically for use in Masses and school settings, including some of Beth's own compositions, will illustrate how Gospel themes of radical inclusion, justice and a preferential option for the poor can be promoted and embraced through music.
Beth Doherty
Beth Doherty is a storyteller, teacher and musician living in Canberra, Australia. Since the age of 14 she has participated in parish-based music ministry, composing songs with often provocative but seeking lyrics and sounds. Her latest album is a compilation of worship music with social justice themes. Beth has spent many years working in international aid and development, as well as mission and liturgy in Australian schools. She is the author of three books. -
A-7: Steph Jorna - Leading to Encounter: The Power of Music in Student Faith ExperiencesMusic is a powerful tool for helping everyone, particularly young people, encounter God and each other. However, it can be a challenge to find music that young people connect with, that meets them where they are, uses language that speaks to them, and is theologically appropriate. On top of that it is even more of a challenge to find music that can help lead young people into an authentic encounter with each other and God. This workshop will explore a wide range of music that can be used for psychologically safe retreat and formation experiences, liturgy and prayer experiences for all ages and in particular for young people.
Steph Jorna
Steph Jorna is a Brisbane based singer-songwriter, youth leader and teacher now working for the Brisbane Archdiocese as Synod Coordinator and Project Officer-Inclusion. Prior to co-leading Brisbane’s Synod with Bishop Tim Norton SVD, Steph designed and implemented Brisbane Catholic Education’s system approach to student formation and youth ministry. Steph has facilitated student formation experiences for thousands of students from Prep to Year 12, mentored youth leaders and provided staff Professional Development on music ministry and shaping and facilitating effective, empowering and psychologically safe retreats where young people encounter the Other through each other. As a songwriter Steph has published two Christian albums and has written many school songs. -
A-8: Josie Ryan - Cantor Masterclass (Repeated in B-7)Following her Masterclass in the Brisbane APMN conference, Josie again offers liturgical and vocal feedback to parish cantors. This year we will allocate time slots in advance to this very popular offering. Please indicate if you wish to sing solo in the session when you register.
Josie Ryan
Josie Ryan is a graduate of the Australian Catholic University in Religious Education and Liturgy. Previously, she studied Historical Performance Practice (solo voice) at the Royal Conservatory, The Hague ,and Music Education at Sydney Conservatorium.J osie works at school, parish and cathedral level in choral and solo singing and conducting. She is Liturgy Co-Ordinator at Loreto Kirribilli, a K-12 Sydney independent Catholic girls' school. Josie currently serves on the National Liturgical Music Council of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference. She has previously been the NSW Catholic representative for the Royal Schools of Church Music (Australia), a committee member for the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network, and the board of advisors for ACU's Centre for Liturgy.
Block B 1/10/2025 3:15 - 4:15
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B-1: Rita Ferrone - From Minor Rites to Minor Orders and Beyond: The Changing Role of Women in Liturgical MinistryAmong the many opportunities that have opened up for women in the Church, liturgical ministry and the leadership of prayer continue to be an area of promise and challenge. We will survey the development of liturgical ministry from the Second Vatican Council to the Synod on Synodality, highlighting the rites of Christian initiation and the recent opening of the instituted ministries to women. This session will include a practicum in how catechists may celebrate the blessings and minor exorcisms of the catechumenate.
Rita Ferrone
Rita Ferrone is an independent scholar, writer, and speaker on issues of liturgy and catechesis in the Roman Catholic Church. The adult catechumenate has been a special focus of her work. She is the author of several books on liturgy, including a Pastoral Guide to Pope Francis's Desiderio Desideravi (Liturgical Press), and Liturgy: Sacrosanctum Concilium (Paulist), and is a contributor to the intercontinental commentary, Vatican II: Event and Mandate (forthcoming). She is also co-author of the adult liturgical formation resources Foundations in Faith and Living the Eucharist. Rita is a frequent contributor to Catholic periodicals, both scholarly and general, and is a columnist for Commonweal magazine, a lay journal of opinion. Her views have also appeared in the mainstream media, including CNN International, and the Washington Post. She is married, and lives in New York. -
B-2: Elizabeth Fort - Praying with the PrefaceThis workshop explores the Prefaces of the Eucharistic Prayers. It offers some chosen Prefaces for consideration. What are they saying to us as we listen to them today? After exploring some of the words and themes that emerge, participants will be introduced to a form of prayer, using simple artistic techniques and the words of a chosen preface. Participants consider which Prefaces are most suitable for exploration with a chosen audience- ie students, RCIA groups, Parishioners in a formation experience....
Elizabeth Fort
Elizabeth Fort is the leader of her Parish Liturgy Group and Music Liturgy group. She is currently a Primary school teacher in suburban Brisbane, after many years of experience as an Education Officer Religious Education and as an APRE in Brisbane Primary schools. Elizabeth has a Master of Religious Education and a Grad Cert in Theology (Liturgy). Her interests lay in Social Justice, encouraging an understanding of the Parts of the Mass and in Liturgical Music. -
B-3: Katie Poli - Liturgy in Motion: Dynamic Approaches to Liturgical Practice in Primary School EducationThis workshop offers a creative exploration into the integration of music, dance, drama, and meditation into primary school classroom liturgies, mirroring the conference's theme of transformation through shared celebration. Participants will experience practical, joyous, and reflective activities that are easily integrated into daily classroom settings, enriching the journey of faith and making it a vibrant part of everyday learning. With a focus on drawing children into the heart of the Gospel message through sensory-rich activities, the session will also explore strategies for integrating these elements within the P-6 curriculum, and innovative methods for creatively assessing student progress.
Katie Poli
Katie has a Masters of Education, Postgrad Certificates in Arts Education and Higher Education, and Bachelor degrees in Music and Education (Early Childhood). She has worked as a generalist and specialist (music and drama) classroom teacher, piano teacher and choir director and has experience planning liturgies in schools. She has also worked as a lecturer and tutor, and as a professional development speaker. -
B-4: Dr Ursula de Jong, Fr Anthony Doran & Sr Jill O'Brien sgs - Places & Spaces of Hope - Pop-up ChapelsSchool communities often need to create spaces for worship in buildings designed and used for radically different purposes. So, how does a community create a worship space - a pop-up chapel - which is faithful to good liturgical principles? How do we create spaces where members of a given community may be transformed though an encounter with the Risen Christ? What symbols are required? What are the pitfalls to avoid? Beginning with some recent examples of pop-up worship spaces e.g. the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch NZ, the workshop will cover some basic principles of liturgical design and examine some core liturgical symbols to be included. Changes throughout the liturgical year will also be examined. The workshop will then look at the practicalities of creating a pop-up chapel and offer participants practical examples to take back to their communities.
Dr Ursula de Jong
Dr Ursula de Jong is an architectural historian and researcher of place, and has written widely in both areas. She is an environmental activist and heritage advocate. She is Hon Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Deakin University, Geelong; she is a member of NLAAC [the National Liturgical Architecture and Art Council, advising the Australian Catholic Bishops; she is full member of the Heritage Council, Victoria; a member of ICOMOS [the International Council on Monuments and Sites], and foundation member of SAHANZ [the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand]. She chairs the parish leadership team [SPPC] in her parish of Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.
Fr Anthony Doran
Rev Anthony J Doran is a priest of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. He is a member of the National Liturgical Architecture and Art Council, a Past President of the Australian Academy of Liturgy, and a member of Societas Liturgica.
Sr Jill O'Brien sgs
Jill O’Brien is a Sister of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict. Her ministries have included teaching in Catholic and public schools, parish work, university chaplaincy and adult education with a particular emphasis on liturgical education. Jill is currently chaplain at Yarra Theological Union in Melbourne. -
B-5: Paul Mason - Power • Beauty • Music ... How to Evangelise?If "the criterion that must inspire every composition and performance of songs and sacred music is the beauty that invites prayer" (John Paul II, Chirograph On Sacred Music) and "Evangelisation with joy becomes beauty in the liturgy" (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium), how do we choose music compositions for the Mass that have the power to express evangelisation with joy? This workshop will examine exemplar compositions of the various genres and forms of liturgical song within the Mass that empower the assembly's performance of the composition to express evangelisation with joy, becoming the beauty that invites prayer. The review builds on the Diocese of Wollongong's Guidelines: Music Within the Mass and Vision for Liturgical Ministry, as well as Paul Mason's previous articles Musicam Sacram 50 Years On: A Gift That Keeps On Giving (AJL 15:3 and 15:4) and The Joy and Beauty of Sunday (presented in Melbourne at the 2019 APMN Conference.
Paul Mason
Paul Mason is a composer and writer, and publisher of Liturgical Song. Paul chairs the Wollongong DLC, is Consultant to the NLC and Music Coordinator at Wollongong Cathedral parish. Paul is founding member and past President of APMN (2011-2015), past member of NLMC and NLMB (2012-2021), and member of AAL. Paul held Diocesan Liturgy Coordinator and Pastoral Associate positions for 17 years, General Manager positions at Fujitsu and Ericsson for 14 years, and National Sales Manager positions at Burroughs and Unisys for 15 years. Paul’s liturgical music articles are widely published. See Profiles in Catholicism: https://www.catholicprofiles.org/post/an-interview-with-paul-mason -
B-6: Catholic Education - Diocese of Wollongong - Dhanga Bangala Mudung - Bread & Cup of Life‘Dhanga Bangala Mudung’. These are Dharawal words, spoken by Aboriginal peoples from the Illawarra and Macarthur regions of NSW Australia. This phrase means ‘bread and cup of life’. You might hear these words among others as part of Yabun - singing and beating in time. In this instance, during the communion procession of a Eucharistic liturgy.Presented by Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, this workshop explores Indigenous inculturation of the Mass. From gathering to sending forth, examples of language, gesture, ritual, artifact and instrumentation will be showcased to demonstrate how each part of the Mass can be enriched through culture.
Catholic Education - Diocese of Wollongong
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong is home to 38 primary, secondary, and K-12 schools, throughout the Macarthur, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, and Shoalhaven regions of NSW, Australia. From the mountain to the sea, from the freshwater to the saltwater, these lands span across Dharawal, Yuin, and Gundungurra country to offer a rich intersection of history, wisdom and culture. Demonstrating an authentic dialogue and collaboration, presenters for this workshop consist of team members from ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education’ and ‘Catholic Life, Education and Mission’ service areas. -
B-7: Josie Ryan - Cantor Masterclass (Repeat of A-8)Following her Masterclass in the Brisbane APMN conference, Josie again offers liturgical and vocal feedback to parish cantors. This year we will allocate time slots in advance to this very popular offering. Please indicate if you wish to sing solo in the session when you register.
Josie Ryan
Josie Ryan is a graduate of the Australian Catholic University in Religious Education and Liturgy. Previously, she studied Historical Performance Practice (solo voice) at the Royal Conservatory, The Hague ,and Music Education at Sydney Conservatorium.J osie works at school, parish and cathedral level in choral and solo singing and conducting. She is Liturgy Co-Ordinator at Loreto Kirribilli, a K-12 Sydney independent Catholic girls' school. Josie currently serves on the National Liturgical Music Council of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference. She has previously been the NSW Catholic representative for the Royal Schools of Church Music (Australia), a committee member for the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network, and the board of advisors for ACU's Centre for Liturgy. -
B-8: Monica O'Brien - Music Copyright Essentials – For Parishes & SchoolsThe use of music in worship through projection, printing, and digital reproduction in parishes, schools and Christian organisations carries important ethical and legal copyright obligations. This workshop unpacks the key features of ONE LICENSE, a comprehensive music licensing service providing access to works from leading local and international Catholic and mainline Protestant publishers and composers. Learn about the new Audio Music Reproduction License (for legally embedding sound recordings into slide presentations & using MIDI files) plus Reprint and Podcast/Streaming Licenses. General copyright principles and best practices will be covered, with time dedicated for your questions.
Monica O'Brien
Monica O'Brien has been involved in Music Ministry and Music Publishing for over three decades. She is the co-founder of Willow Publishing Pty Ltd, the leading publisher of Catholic music in Australia, and the Australian and New Zealand representative for One Licence. She has a comprehensive knowledge of copyright concerning the use of sacred music in worship and catechesis. -
B-9: Shanti Michael - A Pastoral Approach to Incorporating Gregorian Chant and Choral Music in the Liturgy.There has been much discussion and debate on music that is suited for the liturgy. This workshop will discuss the recent inculturation of the traditional liturgy as part of the diverse tapestry of the Catholic Church, and how that has influenced music in the liturgy over the past 15 years. We will address practical approaches on how to preserve the living heritage of chant and classical choral music in the liturgy in a pastorally appropriate manner without dispensing the current contemporary and vernacular musical repertoire for the liturgy. We will discuss liturgical and theological perspectives, review resources, examine practical liturgical planning for diverse communities, and discuss ways to fundraise and financially support and train musicians and music ministries to perform this music at a high standard.
Shanti Michael
Shanti Michael is the Founder and Director of Chorus Ecclesiae Australia, a not-for-profit vocal ensemble dedicated to preserving Chant and Sacred Choral music in the liturgy in churches that do not have a full-time music program. She is an experienced choral conductor specialising in Music and Liturgy in multicultural communities, and holds a Master of Sacred Music from the University of Notre Dame, USA. She has worked as a parish Music Director, conductor, voice teacher, and arts administrator in Melbourne, Oregon and Kuala Lumpur. She is currently completing a second Master of Music in Performance Teaching at the University of Melbourne.
Block C 2/10/2025 11:30 - 12:30
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C-1: Dr Carmel Pilcher RSJ - The Sunday Eucharist - The Church Exercising Priestly MinistrySeveral Eucharistic Congresses have been held in Australia, notably among them, 1928 in Sydney where a great procession of the Blessed Sacrament gathered large numbers of Catholics, and in 1973 in Melbourne, soon after the Council, where a large focus was on a series of Masses highlighting the diverse nature of the Catholic church in Australia, perhaps the most memorable being the Mass celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. In 2028 Sydney will host an International Eucharistic Congress. What will its major focus be? The Eucharistic Congress recently held in 2024 in the USA, as part of their Eucharistic revival, returned the focus to devotion of the Blessed Sacrament with very little emphasis on liturgy, even though the Second Vatican Council called all the baptised church to actively exercise their priestly ministry as sacrament of Christ's Body, especially at the Sunday Eucharist. This presentation will explore why it is necessary, especially at this time of synodality, to once again return the focus of Sunday Eucharist to participation as one church gathered at one table in communion with Christ, strengthened to go out to serve Christ's mission in the world.
Dr Carmel Pilcher RSJ
Carmel Pilcher, Sister of St Joseph, is based in Sydney but has worked extensively in many dioceses across Australia and beyond. In recent years she taught liturgy and sacraments at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva, Fiji, and currently assists Archbishop Peter Loy Chong and his liturgical leaders with inculturating Fijian church worship. Carmel’s doctoral thesis, ‘The Prophetic Character of Eucharist,’ argues that early church leaders taught that the Eucharistic celebration could only be true to Christ's memory if it mirrored a united community, one that reached out to 'widows and orphans' the poor and disadvantaged. Carmel continues to explore prophetic Eucharist in the 21st century. Her current work as a member of the 'Vatican II - Legacy and Mandate, Sacrosantum Concilium commentary group', together with the Church's vision of Synodality, and a resurgence of liturgical inculturation assists greatly in this study. -
C-2: Michael Mangan - Welcome Pilgrims! - Welcome & Hospitality Ministry for Transformation & EvangelisationHow welcoming is your parish? Is there a strong sense of community in your weekend liturgies? Do newcomers and visitors feel like they belong? Are families coming for infant baptism or sacramental preparation ignored or embraced? First impressions count. Welcome and hospitality are fundamental tenets of Christianity. Join Michael to explore the transformational opportunities for community-building and evangelisation through intentional Welcome & Hospitality strategies before, during and after parish liturgical celebrations.
Michael Mangan
Michael Mangan is a composer, liturgist and educator. A former school music specialist, he has composed over 270 liturgical and catechetical pieces which are sung in parishes and schools throughout Australia, NZ & North America. In addition to graduate and post-graduate degrees in Arts, Music and Education, Michael holds a Master of Theology in Liturgical Studies. He is National Chair of the APMN, Liturgy Education Consultant at Liturgy Brisbane, and leads the liturgy and music ministry teams at All Saints Catholic Parish in Brisbane. -
C-3: Dr Jennifer O'Brien - You Have Put on Christ': Exploration of the Sacrament of BaptismThe enormity of the transformation that Baptism brings about was certainly understood by the early Christians. Over the centuries this understanding was blunted by the nationalisation of Christianity and a minimisation of the rite itself. Today, we no longer live in a Christian world and the challenge that Baptism presents is more akin to that experienced in the earliest years of the Church. However, if the true significance of Baptism was understood by Catholics our churches could well be bursting at the seams. This paper will explore the nature and marvel of this sacrament and its dramatic effect on every aspect of our lives.
Dr Jennifer O'Brien
For over thirty years Jenny O’Brien has been a liturgy educator for the Adelaide Archdiocese. She gained her Doctorate in Sacred Liturgy from Sant’Anselmo, Rome and also holds Masters degrees in Theology and Religious Education. Jenny has been active on local, national and international levels, having served 9 years on the National Liturgical Council, 11 on the National Liturgical Music Council, and 6 years as a Council member of Societas Liturgica. She is a long-term member of the Australian Academy of Liturgy and was South Australian Chapter Convenor for a number of years. She was a foundational member of the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network and contributes regularly to their Conferences and Newsletters. In her local parish of Brighton, SA, she coordinates the team of musicians and serves as both organist and cantor. Her most recent publication is a translation of Paul de Clerck’s masterpiece on the development of the Universal Prayer in the Roman Rite. -
C-4: Sue Orchison - Symbols of the Eternal: IconographySue created this workshop several years ago as a way of fostering an experience of creative Catholic spirituality. The approach has provided a ‘portal’ through which aspects of spirituality might be explored by young and old. The focus is on spirituality through Iconography and opens an avenue for an experience of God and a response to God in faith, prayer and creativity. The workshop will explore the spirituality of Icons using symbols. Participants will emboss a small gold circle using, for example, a symbol of the Cross from 6TH Century Byzantium, a circular panel from Hagia Sophia, Turkey, or the Fleur de Lis which is symbolic of the Mother of God. Sue will guide participants to create their own prayer focus using methods and skills employed in iconography for centuries and which she has learnt over 20 years following this treasured craft. Cost per participant - $25 to cover materials. Extra cost per participant - $25 to cover materials.
Sue Orchison
Sue Orchison began writing icons in 2005 and has grown to love the process, tradition, spirituality and preciousness. She has always enjoyed painting but iconography is her heart’s delight. A highlight was six months spent at Bethlehem Icon School, Palestine in 2018. Sue has studied with several iconography masters and Iconography draws her into a deeper place of prayer and worship. An iconographer works for the beautification of the Church and her people. Sue's icons hang at the Apostolic Nunciature, St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra, a Way of the Cross series in St Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral, Goulburn, as well as churches, schools, religious orders’ houses and private homes. -
C-5: Peter Bierer & Lauren Bierer - Together on the Way: The role of music in a synodal ChurchSynodality is now the norm! This workshop is an exploration of the way music plays an essential role in communion, participation and mission and how music enhances discernment and dialogue in liturgical and non-liturgical settings. Participants will have the opportunity to learn new music and sing along to familiar favorites while learning synodal techniques for musicians.
Peter Bierer
With over 25 years of pastoral ministry experience in pastoral ministry in parishes, schools, universities and diocesan leadership, as well as pastoral music, songwriting and performing in the USA and Australia, Peter and Lauren offer both theological and practical perspectives on ministry and mission. Peter Bierer is the Assistant Director of Pastoral Life and Mission in the Archdiocese of Adelaide and has been a key leader in the synodal processes for the diocese.Lauren Bierer
Lauren Bierer is an experienced pastoral musician and composer in Adelaide and serves as a Pastoral Support for Community Life and Worship in the Archdiocese of Adelaide. They live in Adelaide have four beautiful children. -
C-6: Lisa Robson - Liturgical Singing in the Primary SchoolThis workshop will explore music suitable for primary school liturgical use. It will consider children's vocal ranges, how to encourage reluctant singers, and building confidence in your own vocal leadership. Discover where to source repertoire, from traditional to modern, and a have chance to share your own favourites. A feel-good practical workshop in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
Lisa Robson
Lisa Robson is a singer and pianist whose liturgical music making with children has been a decades-long practice through her role as music specialist teacher at Our Lady of the Visitation School in Taperoo. For many years she has trained primary school choirs for participation in the Catholic Schools’ Music Festival and has been a long-standing committee member of that organisation. Currently a member of Adelaide Philharmonic Chorus, Lisa’s early choral experiences included touring with The Cathedral Choir of St. Francis Xavier through Europe, a highlight of which was singing in the Vatican for Pope John Paul II. Lisa credits her vocal training with Brian Gilbertson as a key experience for freeing the voice and enjoying musicianship in all its forms and expressions. -
C-7: Timothy Hart - The Guitar in Worship - A Pilgrim's InstrumentThe guitar is the instrument of a pilgrim… It’s always waiting to sing a song with you, wherever you are in the journey. (Nanci Griffith). Liturgy teaches, a pilgrim’s journey is not an individual undertaking, but rather something communal. This workshop explores the diversity of the acoustic guitar as an instrument for use in divine worship. Participants will consider the role of the guitarist as a ‘music minister’, informed by key Church documents. Meeting the needs of the liturgical celebration will be explored through the elements of music. Performance techniques will be demonstrated to show how the guitar can be used to lead and support congregational singing, while tone and texture will be explored to create ‘beauty’ and set the mood for various seasons and prayer settings.
Timothy Hart
Timothy Hart is a Creative Ministry specialist and Catholic Educator from the Diocese of Wollongong. As a spirit filled song-writer, and independent music-producer, Timothy composes works for catechesis, liturgy and prayer. Timothy’s liturgical anthems such as the 2017 ACYF theme song ‘Joyful Generation’, are known for raising the roof and bringing the joy. Similarly, his RE TV program Pray School is watched in classrooms and lounge rooms throughout Australia, inspiring the next generation of faithful. Timothy lives with his wife and five children in the Southern Highlands of NSW where he embraces the mantra to ‘inspire joy and hope.’ -
C-8: Gen Bryant - Hope is Alive! An approach to engaging young people through music ministry.In a world where young people are often searching for purpose and connection, music ministry provides a unique and powerful way to engage their hearts and minds. Hope is Alive! explores how music can serve as a vibrant tool for fostering faith, leadership, and community, inspiring young people to discover their voices and become leaders who bring hope and light to their communities. In this workshop, Gen highlights how music ministry can be a transformative experience, empowering the next generation to live out their faith with passion and purpose.
Gen Bryant
Gen is an independent musician, composer, public speaker, and team builder, who has been involved in school and parish ministry across Australia for 20 years. Based in Melbourne, but not bound by borders, Gen connects, engages, and inspires communities through her involvement in, and development of, school workshops and concerts, faith formation days, sacramental programs, praise and worship gatherings, school retreats, and staff spirituality days. Gen is currently completing her Masters in Teaching and is determined to continue to build upon her knowledge and experience to help positively impact the lives of the youth in Australia. Over recent years, Gen has been mentoring other like-minded young Catholics with a similar passion and mission, forming an inclusive, energetic, and inspirational young ministry team, “The GB Team”. The GB Team is empowered with a mission to serve and walk humbly and compassionately with the next generation.
Block D 2/10/2025 1:30 - 2:30
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D-1: Fr Andrew Doohan & Sr Louise Gannon rsj - Forming the Sacramental Life of the Church: Stepping out in Hope to Renew a Common Liturgical and Sacramental Life in ParishesAfter receiving a request to assist in delivering liturgical formation in a group of parishes that share common leadership, the Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Liturgy Council set out to develop and deliver a program of liturgical formation. In consultation, the group of parishes decided to adopt this journey as a significant part of their celebration of the Jubilee Year, and beyond! This presentation outlines the process of development and delivery, and shares the outcomes to date of this continuing project.
Fr Andrew Doohan
Fr Andrew Doohan is Master of Ceremonies and Chair of the Diocesan Liturgy Council in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
Sr Louise Gannon rsj
Louise Gannon rsj has worked in liturgical ministry in the diocese for many years guiding the Diocesan Liturgy Council and until recently as the Manager of Worship and Prayer. Together Andrew and Louise are engaged in facilitating formation and worship that is 'creatively faithful,': faithful to the liturgical principles and rites of the Church, and seeking to be relevant and meaningful to all the faithful. -
D-2: Sr Elizabeth Young rsm - Liturgy on the Margins: Faithful to Tradition, Faithful to the Faithful.As pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee year, we will reflect on the practice of liturgy with marginal people or situations. How can we share the best of the Church's Tradition and also create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that values the reality of the participants? How can our preparatory work create fruitful conditions for Christ to do his transformative work in the liturgy? We will examine theology, conditions, structures and content of liturgy on the margins, sharing our experiences as participants and liturgical leaders to inform our future ministry.
Sr Elizabeth Young rsm
Elizabeth Young RSM is a Sister of Mercy and an instituted Catechist of the rural/remote Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes in Australia. She has received a Bachelor and Masters in Theology, and completed tertiary studies in circus and teaching. Elizabeth has had ministry roles with youth, prisons, detention centres, parishes, dioceses and schools. Drawn to ministry at the margins, she is currently privileged to be a Parish Life Coordinator in the remote town of Wilcannia, alongside a number of diocesan roles. She also assists in teaching theology to women in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In 2021, Elizabeth founded the blogsite, Liturgy on the Margins, and the group, Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate, to highlight existing diaconal ministry and to encourage creative responses to liturgical and sacramental needs. -
D-3: Rev Dr Tom Elich - What does a preacher do?Depending on the event, a preacher may be a priest, deacon, or lay person. Preaching is an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word and so begins with an insight into the mystery revealed in the Scriptures. But it must go further. It has to open up for the gathered community an encounter with Christ. Preaching needs to address the real situations and experiences of the people listening and the world they live in. How does a preacher prepare for this ministry? How does a good preacher speak?
Rev Dr Tom Elich
Tom Elich (BA, BD, MTh, DTh/DHistRel) was ordained presbyter for the Archdiocese of Brisbane in 1974. Tom earned a Doctorate of Theology in Paris, specialising in medieval liturgy and sacraments. For 35 years, he was director of Liturgy Brisbane and for a decade was national secretary for liturgy with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. In the 1990s, he took part in the work of ICEL, and then taught liturgy at the Brisbane College of Theology and at ACU. He is a long-time member (and has held office) in the international Societas Liturgica, the Australian Academy of Liturgy, and the National Liturgical Architecture and Art Council. For fifteen years, he was parish priest at Bulimba in Brisbane. -
D-4: Dr Carmel Suart - Dismissal is not Optional!The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) clearly instructs the Church that once one becomes a member of the Order of Catechumens (the non-baptised) through the Rite of Acceptance, it is expected that they will be dismissed each time that they are at Mass. This as an essential part of their preparation for entry into full communion with the Church. While the instruction is clear, parishes are still hesitant to dismiss catechumens from the Sunday liturgy for fear that Catechumens might feel excluded or rejected. This may be so because the Rite of Dismissal is not fully understood. For this fear to be alleviated within the faith community, we need to look at the Rite of Dismissal through a different lens, one that promotes the understanding that the Catechumen is not dismissed from the liturgy, but rather they are dismissed into catechesis.
Dr Carmel Suart
Carmel Suart is the newly appointed Director of the Centre for Christian Initiation and Liturgy in the Archdiocese of Perth. She has a background in primary teaching, holding a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters in Religious Education, both from Edith Cowan University, and a doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Australia in the area of family catechesis. She has published articles in this area, an area which is very dear to her. Currently, she is completing a Masters in Canon Law at St Paul University, Canada. -
D-5: Dr Philip Matthias - Song of This LandAfter six years in the UK in the 1980’s, Philip returned to Australia to make music at Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, broadening and updating the liturgical repertoire, including a series of orchestral and French organ Masses. Little did he realise, he would enter a space whereby his fundamental musical, spiritual and ‘life’ beliefs were to be challenged, and he would emerge with new and hopefully greater understandings of his responsibilities as a church musician and human being. That change was instigated by meeting with First Nations people and communities, and then, in Melbourne, with many multicultural Christian communities. It continues to be a true Spirit-led journey, being with and listening to First Nations peoples and cultural communities, being privileged to hear their stories, witnessing the Christian faith within their lives. This workshop explores this vast Australian heritage, through music and story, endeavouring to make church music ‘the sound of change’.
Dr Philip Matthias
Dr Philip Matthias is Director of Music at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne, and a Vice President of the Guild of Church Musicians (UK). Studying at Sydney University and the Royal College of Music, London, Philip directed the music at Newcastle Cathedral NSW for many years. In 2022 Philip facilitated the composition of the Melbourne Mass for St Paul’s and St Patrick’s Cathedrals in Melbourne, including collaborations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, along with Vietnamese, Filipino, Tongan and Croatian communties. In 2024 he launched ‘Song of This Land’ events at St Patrick’s, with outreach to many cultural communities. -
D-6: Patricia Smith - Singing as Sacrament: Children, Liturgy, Music, and the Directory for Masses with Children in action.Fifty years ago the Directory for Masses with Children warned that we need to have a special concern for children as they experience the liturgy. How do we harness the power of singing and music to help the liturgy exert its inherent power, especially for children? What are the long-term effects of engaging children more fully in liturgy and music, for the parish and the Church?
Patricia Smith
Patricia Smith is a liturgical musician and composer working in Broken Bay Diocese, in northern Sydney, NSW. She is a passionate proponent of children's choirs, and the rights and responsibilities of all the baptised to participate fully in liturgy. She has extensive experience as cantor, children's choir director, music director, parish music coordinator, accompanist and composer of liturgical music. -
D-7: Michael Mangan - Suitable & Singable: Composing Music for LiturgyMusic "forms a necessary or integral part" of liturgy (SC #112). Those who create this music must be aware of fundamental liturgical principles and understand how music serves the needs of both the liturgy and the assembly called to sing it. Join Michael Mangan as he offers some guiding principles for composers of liturgical music.
Michael Mangan
Michael Mangan is a composer, liturgist and educator. A former school music specialist, he has composed over 270 liturgical and catechetical pieces which are sung in parishes and schools throughout Australia, NZ & North America. In addition to graduate and post-graduate degrees in Arts, Music and Education, Michael holds a Master of Theology in Liturgical Studies. He is National Chair of the APMN, Liturgy Education Consultant at Liturgy Brisbane, and leads the liturgy and music ministry teams at All Saints Catholic Parish in Brisbane. -
D-8: Paul Mason - The History, Meaning and Liturgical Use of the Responsorial PsalmThis workshop is based on a 2-part article Paul researched and presented in the APMN Newsletter in 2023. The article enlightens contemporary appreciation for the Responsorial Psalm as an ancient Christian liturgical music genre and the vision for its use in post-Vatican II liturgy. Paul will include many newly researched aspects of the ancient responsorial psalm genre and offers new pastoral approaches for developing responsorial psalm singing in parish Sunday Masses.
Paul Mason
Paul Mason is a composer and writer, and publisher of Liturgical Song. Paul chairs the Wollongong DLC, is Consultant to the NLC and Music Coordinator at Wollongong Cathedral parish. Paul is founding member and past President of APMN (2011-2015), past member of NLMC and NLMB (2012-2021), and member of AAL. Paul held Diocesan Liturgy Coordinator and Pastoral Associate positions for 17 years, General Manager positions at Fujitsu and Ericsson for 14 years, and National Sales Manager positions at Burroughs and Unisys for 15 years. Paul’s liturgical music articles are widely published. See Profiles in Catholicism: https://www.catholicprofiles.org/post/an-interview-with-paul-mason -
D-9: Dr Anne Millard - Gregorian Chant: Tradition for TodayGregorian chant is the oldest surviving form of sacred music in the Western Church. While chant appears in the hymnbooks commonly used in our parishes, this music is likely not the first choice. Yet chant has a valuable place in parish life. A small volume of chant, Jubilate Deo, published in 1974 as a "personal gift" of Paul VI to Catholic Bishops of the world and the heads of religious orders, contains a repertoire of Gregorian chant, including the most popular and best-known of all the chants. Participants in this workshop will engage with a range of plainchant hymns, which consists of a single melody, with no harmony or use of instrumental accompaniment. We will explore how these hymns provide a great tool for congregational singing with minimal assistance from instrumentalists. These tunes also provide great options for progressive solemnity through music in each season of the church year.
Dr Anne Millard
Anne Millard is Director of Music at the Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese and director of The Newcastle Tudor Singers. Choirs under her direction have toured across America, Italy, and Ireland. She has directed festival choirs and workshops in the United States. The CD, Labyrinth, released in 2010, featured the choir of Sacred Heart Church in Shawnee, Kansas. Anne’s first collection of psalms, Simply Singable, was published in 2019, the second collection is way overdue to the publisher.
Block E 3/10/2025 1:30 - 2:30
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E-1: Anne Frawley-Mangan - Families - Pilgims of HopeFamilies carry with them the hope of the Church, but do we actively encourage, prioritise and welcome their attendance at weekend Mass? This workshop will explore ways to enhance the weekend experience for families so that hearts are changed and inspired to be part of the mission of the Church.
Anne Frawley-Mangan
Anne Frawley-Mangan is an experienced educator, presenter, creative director and artist. She specialises in using The Arts to enhance liturgy, prayer and religious education. Anne presents, prepares and leads prayer and liturgy nationally and internationally, with a special focus on families. She taught at Holy Spirit Seminary and Australian Catholic University for many years and is presently on the Pastoral Team at All Saints Parish, Albany Creek. -
E-2: Rev Dr Ricky Manalo CSP - Expressing Hope: Liturgical Worship in a Complex and Changing WorldThis workshop explores the evolving dynamics of cultural and technological influences on Catholic liturgical worship, emphasizing the shift from inculturation to interculturality. It examines how the Church can balance diverse cultural expressions, the increasing fluidity of “Catholic identity,” and the emergence of hybrid worship practices while remaining rooted in unity and authenticity. By embracing dialogue, technological innovation, and counter-cultural prophetic witness, the Church can offer hope and relevance in a rapidly changing world.
Rev Dr Ricky Manalo CSP
Rev. Ricky Manalo, CSP, Ph.D., is a Paulist priest, composer, theologian and missionary. He studied composition and piano at the Manhattan School of Music, theology at the Washington Theological Union, and liturgy, culture, and sociology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. Ricky’s music, is known for its diversity in style and his compositions have been featured during the Papal Masses of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. He has been invited to speak and perform across six continents, offering academic lectures, keynotes, workshops and concerts. When not traveling the world, Ricky resides in New York City. -
E-3: Alison Gore - A Space for PrayerThis workshop will explore how provocations in prayer spaces in parishes, schools and homes can serve as powerful catalysts that draw people into deeper and more intentional prayer. These provocations can challenge individuals to consider their thoughts, actions and their relationship with God. The provocations may take the form of sacred symbols, artwork or everyday items that promote engagement and interaction.
Alison Gore
Alison is Senior Education Advisor - Formation for Catholic Education South Australia. She has formal qualifications in Catholic education and theology and has worked as a Religious Education Co-Ordinator, Assistant Principal- Religious Identity and Mission and as an acting deputy and principal in Catholic schools. She has a passion for scripture and the beautiful, good and true. -
E-4: Sr Judy Foster sgs - Transformed in Hope: The Sacramental Care of the Sick and DyingPastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum contains a wealth of resources for prayer with those who are ill, including children. This workshop will be particularly relevant for those who minister to the sick, either at home or in aged care or hospitals.
Sr Judy Foster sgs
Judy Foster, a Sister of the Good Samaritan, was born in Melbourne. Judy ministered as a primary school teacher and pastoral ministry in parishes. Her liturgical study commenced at Banyo, followed by a year at the Irish Institute of Pastoral Liturgy. Judy offered liturgical formation across New South Wales for almost twenty years,and completed B.Th Hons (SCD). Since 2008 she has been Liturgical Consultant for Townsville Diocese and is currently a member of the National Liturgical Council and on the advisory board of the ACU Centre for LIturgy. Judy was a member of Sydney and Parramatta Liturgical Commissions and assisted in writing Powerful Points for Liturgical Ministers. She has contributed articles to Summit, Liturgy News, and Liturgy (Auckland). Her presentation from the APMN/NLC conference 2024 “Glorify the Lord by your life” was published in Mystery and Mission. She is a co-author of The Treasures of St Scholastica’s highlighting stained glass windows. -
E-5: Sr Louise Gannon rsj, Fr Andrew Doohan & Friends - The Communal Choir Phenomenon: Fanning the Flame of Hope for Evangelisation, Liturgical Formation and WorshipUnder the banner of ‘Sacred Heart Beat’ the Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Liturgy Council seeks to nurture a diocesan-wide culture of liturgical music, and to engage a wider range of people in celebrations that are at once enjoyable, life giving, formative, meaningful and prayerful. One of their key strategies is grounded in the popular phenomenon of Communal Choirs. In September 2024 they hosted their first event: Creation Sings. It involved learning a song, prayer, and feasting. This workshop will engage participants in: an exploration of the vision, hopes and learnings from ‘Creation Sings’ in the broader context of ‘Sacred Heart Beat’; a ‘taster’ of the experience; reflection and questions.
Sr Louise Gannon rsj
Louise Gannon has worked in liturgical ministry in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle for many years guiding the Diocesan Liturgy Council and until recently as the Manager of Worship and Prayer.Fr Andrew Doohan
Andrew Doohan is Master of Ceremonies and Chair of the Diocesan Liturgy Council. Together Andrew and Louise are engaged in facilitating formation and worship that is 'creatively faithful': faithful to the liturgical principles and rites of the Church, and seeking to be relevant and meaningful to all the faithful.Friends
Anne Millard is the Director of Music for the Sacred Heart Cathedral Hamilton, a respected composer and the musical genius of ‘Sacred Heart Beat’. Fiona Duque engages in liturgical ministry in the diocese with a particular focus on ‘Sacred Heart Beat.’ -
E-6: Lauren Bierer - Building Bridges between Parish and School with MusicThis workshop will encourage shared parish/school repertoire that is appropriate for a diverse demographic. Lauren will offer practical advice for sharing music between school and parish as a way of having a shared expression and identity. The power of music can build bridges, overcoming the fear of introducing newer music without forgetting our treasured repertoire from past generations. There will be opportunities to reimagine traditional hymns in a way that is palatable for younger generations.
Lauren Bierer
Lauren Bierer is a singer/songwriter who studied Jazz vocals at the Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide. She has spent the last 20 years performing in bands, directing choirs, classroom and studio teaching (multiple instruments) and now works in the Adelaide Archdiocesan office in the Pastoral Services Team with a focus on liturgy and music. With her many years of working and volunteering in Parishes and schools in Adelaide and then Minnesota, USA, paired with her mission and service work across the USA with a program called, Young Neighbours in Action, Lauren found a passion for church hospitality, family faith formation, and liturgy that is alive with music and the arts. -
E-7: Fiona Dyball - Singing them Home: Music for Catholic FuneralsMusic making for Catholic funerals and memorials gives voice to the love that will remain. Music Ministry is a vital service to those grieving at these liminal times, walking with people in a profound way. Music can carry and care for those who mourn, singing the souls of their loved ones home to God. This practical and uplifting workshop will sing through a range of beautiful music appropriate for Catholic funerals and memorials, also outlining the liturgical form. The music included offers options for a range of genres, settings, and communities across Australia. A music resource list will be provided to participants in the workshop so people can explore further with their own faith communities. Fiona is joined in this workshop by young musicians from across Victoria.
Fiona Dyball
Fiona Dyball is a musician, educator and liturgist based in Melbourne, Victoria and is currently a PhD candidate at Charles Sturt University. Her work on prayer, liturgy and liturgical music is published in a range of books, journals and magazines including Australian Catholics, and her music is published by Liturgical Song. Fiona is a member of the National Executive of the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network, and Music Leader at Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish in Hawthorn. Her ministry across school, parish and tertiary settings seeks to empower the sung prayer and voice of the people of God. -
E-8: Vincent Sully - Church Choirs: The Enchantment, Exhilaration and Ecstasy!!Running a church choir is a challenging endeavour! Recruiting and retaining choristers, choosing and teaching appropriate repertoire, running rehearsals, encouraging your choristers to take responsibility, and balancing work and social needs!! On top of this, many choir directors are time poor, juggling their music responsibilities with their ‘day’ job. Where can a budding choir director learn how to run a church choir successfully? A choir’s role? Contributing to beauty in the liturgy? Encouraging participation of the congregation? Developing your musical skills? Choir administration? How do we understand and progress these responsibilities? This workshop will use Vincent’s experience as choir director of the Cantate Domino choir from St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat as a case study. The choir began with three singers and an organist 3 years’ ago. It now has 25 adult and children choristers and a pipe organist. Vincent will discuss the frameworks, strategies and resources used, which are all part of the enchantment, exhilaration and ecstasy of running a church choir!!
Vincent Sully
Vincent Sully studied classical voice for several years with Ballarat teacher Connie Lemke, achieving 8th Grade in AMEB, and later with Melbourne teacher Brian Hansford. He was previously a member of the Regina Caeli Schola, which sang regularly at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat and at weddings and vocal competitions. Vincent sang as part of the Enduring Classics singing ensemble, in venues such as the Ballarat Art Gallery, Wendouree Performing Arts Centre and Christ the King Cathedral. He has also studied choral conducting at Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, successfully completing The Teacher as Conductor (Simon Brown) and Choral Direction (Stephen Leek) units. Vincent currently directs Cantate Domino who sing twice a month at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat as well as at weddings and the Ballarat Choral festival. -
E-9: Dr Paul Taylor - Colouring the Liturgy with Sound: Principles and Practices of Organ RegistrationOne liturgical ministry that plays a vital role in fostering the sung and prayerful participation of liturgical ministers and the assembly in the liturgy is the Organist. Understanding what stops and registration accessories to employ on the organ when playing psalms, hymns and parts of the Mass, plus preludes, interludes, postludes and is important as it needs to be based on sound principles of registration as well as judgements about balance, and what is considered to be generally appropriate accompaniment for Cantors (women's and men's voices), Choirs, Presiding Celebrants (cue notes), and Congregations. Principles and illustrative examples will be employed throughout the presentation.
Dr Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor is currently Assistant Director of the ACU Centre for Liturgy and Organist and Director of Music at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo. He holds Masters degrees in Liturgy and in Music and a PhD in liturgical music from ACU (2010). One of his passions is accompanying the liturgy with the pipe organ, and exploring various tone colours and aural textures in order to enhance the participation of the assembly, and the atmosphere of prayer through the Church's liturgical seasons and ritual celebrations.
Block F 3/10/2025 3:15 - 4:15
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F-1: Sr Ursula O'Rourke sgs - Living the Liturgy: What Does this Mean for our Parish Communities Today?Liturgy is both ritual activity and human activity. We, the People of God, the Body of Christ come together in communion with each other to celebrate the mystery of Christ and who we are as Church. Therefore, we are drawn into the mystery of God, with Christ and the Holy Spirit. By gathering as a faith community, listening and responding to the Word of God, engaging in ritual and symbolic activity, we are sent out to be women and men on mission, to be Christ’s presence in the world. This begins within our parish community, to be examples of Christ’s life and love, to be a visible sign of God’s presence in the day to day living of the people of God. How does this become a reality in our parish communities today?
Sr Ursula O'Rourke sgs
Ursula O’Rourke is a Sister of the Good Samaritan. She was Director of Liturgy in the Catholic Diocese of Townsville for ten years, and worked with parish and school communities in all areas of liturgical formation in that diocese and in other dioceses throughout Queensland. She is currently on the formation staff at Holy Spirit Seminary, Banyo, Queensland, teaching in the liturgical formation program, and is a sessional lecturer in the School of Theology at the Australian Catholic University, Banyo, Queensland. Ursula continues to be involved in liturgical formation and consultation around the country. She is currently a Consultant to the National Liturgical Council. Ursula is a member of the Liturgy News editorial Board of Liturgy Brisbane, a member of the Australian Academy of Liturgy, the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network, and the International Liturgy Network of Notre Dame Centre for Pastoral Liturgy. -
F-2: Srs Elizabeth Murray sgs, Elizabeth Brennan sgs & Jill O'Brien sgs - Introducing the Daily Prayer of the Church to your ParishWhat is this prayer? Where did it come from? Why does the Church see it as its daily prayer? How could it help the living of a Christian life? Addressing these and other questions will form part of this workshop, while a typical parish experience of it will lead to discussion on how one might go about introducing it to one’s parish. Worth noting is St Augustine’s reflection on his mother Monica’s devotion to the communal celebration of Morning and Evening Prayer. She was at prayer “twice a day, at morning and evening, coming to your Church with unfailing regularity … wanting to hear you in your words and to speak to you in her prayers” (Confessions, Book V (17).
Srs Elizabeth Murray sgs
Elizabeth Murray is a Sister of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict. Following some years of teaching in schools, Elizabeth pursued studies in liturgy, then worked with adults in that field. She spent some years as Liturgy Co-ordinator for the Benedictine Monks at New Norcia WA, taught at the Maranatha Institute and St Charles Borromeo Seminary in Perth, then in Sydney assisted the Benedictine Monks at Arcadia with their singing of the Liturgy of the Hours. Elizabeth is also very involved with liturgy and music in her own Congregation and is currently a member of the National Liturgical Music Council.
Elizabeth Brennan sgs
Elizabeth Brennan is a Sister of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict. She has been a teacher in Good Samaritan Colleges, a pastoral Associate in parishes, a co-ordinator of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in the archdiocese of Sydney, and a formator within her congregation. As a member of St Scholastica’s community at Glebe in Sydney, she is committed to the daily praying of the Liturgy of the Hours and to the practice of Lectio Divina. Jill
Jill O'Brien sgs
O’Brien is a Sister of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict. Her ministries have included teaching in Catholic and public schools, parish work, university chaplaincy and adult education with a particular emphasis on liturgical education. Jill is currently chaplain at Yarra Theological Union in Melbourne. -
F-3: Isabelle Roberts - Voices of Hope: Student Leadership in LiturgyThis workshop will focus on fostering a climate conducive to engaging liturgies through a student leadership program that includes roles for liturgy leaders, prayer leaders, and singers. By empowering students to actively participate and lead in liturgical celebrations, we can nurture a sense of ownership, mission, and joy in proclaiming the Gospel. The workshop will provide practical strategies for schools to: • Incorporate leadership opportunities into liturgical planning, emphasizing student-led prayer, music, and creative contributions following the liturgical cycle. • Utilising student leaders to set up for liturgies and run music, technology, and hosting, as well as leading singing of Psalms and responses and using choreographed actions taught at the whole school level for engagement. • Select age-appropriate hymns and integrate music that uplifts and unifies, demonstrating its transformative power within school and parish contexts. • Develop engaging, contemporary liturgies that are rooted in tradition yet tailored to the needs of young learners. • Use technology and visual aids such as animated PowerPoint presentations to enhance the liturgical experience and facilitate moments of contemplation.
Isabelle Roberts
Isabelle Roberts is a highly accomplished teacher in the Catholic education system with 45 years of experience, most of which were spent as a Religious Education Coordinator. An instrumentalist, parish musician, and Christian songwriter, Isabelle has led adult, teen, and children’s choirs from a young age, coordinating music for Masses, ordinations, weddings, funerals, and other events. She has organised sacramental programs, staged Christian musicals, and written liturgies for all celebrations including graduations, end of life celebrations and staff events. Currently an R-12 College liturgist and REC, she is also a certified Apple Learning Coach and Contemporary Arts Therapist, integrating her passion for music, faith, and technology into her work. -
F-4: Dr Ursula de Jong & Rev Andrew Kirkbride - Creating Places of Hope: Unpacking Liturgical ArchitectureAND WHEN CHURCHES ARE TO BE BUILT ...’ Preparation, planning and construction of places of worship and FIT FOR SACRED USE Stewardship and renewal of places of worship are resources prepared by the National Liturgical Architecture and Art Council and approved by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. These complementary resources teach, guide and inform Catholic communities and the experts who assist them with designing and building new places of worship and caring for and renovating existing places of worship. ‘The documents are not prescriptive; they don’t tell people what to do. Rather, they offer a comprehensive Catholic approach to understanding the liturgical architecture of cathedrals, churches and chapels, for use by individuals and groups in reading, study and discussion. Ursula de Jong and Andrew Kirkbride will present, discuss and workshop these ideas so they can be taken back to parishes building new churches, renewing old churches as well as more broadly for educational purposes so all can come to understand architecture and the liturgy.
Dr Ursula de Jong
Dr Ursula de Jong is an architectural historian and researcher of place, and has written widely in both areas. She is an environmental activist and heritage advocate. She is Hon Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Deakin University, Geelong; she is a member of NLAAC [the National Liturgical Architecture and Art Council, advising the Australian Catholic Bishops; she is full member of the Heritage Council, Victoria; a member of ICOMOS [the International Council on Monuments and Sites], and foundation member of SAHANZ [the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand]. She chairs the parish leadership team [SPPC] in her parish of Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.
Rev Andrew Kirkbride
Andrew Kirkbride is a Permanent Deacon for the Adelaide Archdiocese and Registered Practicing Architect. He is married with three adult children and is Pastoral Director of the Greenacres/Walkerville Parish. Andrew works with Catholic Education South Australia as a Family Faith Formation Adviser with a focus on Sacred Art and supporting Parish Based Sacraments of Initiation Programs within the Adelaide Archdiocese. He is currently a member of the National Liturgical Art and Architecture Council for the ACBC with an interest in the recontextualizing and Sacred Space within the local Australian context to enhance and enable full liturgical participation of all people. -
F-5: Jacinta Jakovcevic - Golden Nuggets for the Liturgical MusicianA fun, entertaining and informative presentation of hints, tips, words of wisdom and small nuggets of general liturgical info and know-how to help us in our daily lives as liturgical musicians. Providing both practical points to help in various areas of our ministry; and moments of reflection and insight into our very important role as we seek to enrich the liturgical lives of our parish communities. This treasure trove of nuggets also includes those real priceless ones: works of encouragement and recognition of our hard work. Jacinta is joined by some friends (instrumentalists and singers) to help illustrate these points - so join us for this golden opportunity to reflect, learn and be refreshed and inspired to continue our work in our music ministries !!
Jacinta Jakovcevic
Jacinta Jakovcevic is Director of Music at St Mary's Cathedral in Perth where she combines her great loves of liturgy and music together with her keen interest in choral music, music administration and the development of young musicians. Born into a musical family, she became involved at a very early age as both and organist and chorister. Having completed her Bachelor of Music (Hons) at the University of Western Australia, Jacinta became a sought after musician in Perth and, in addition to her work in church music, took part in ABC broadcasts and extensive work with West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), the University of Western Australia and the Australian Opera Studio. Jacinta performs and presents nationally and internationally and is an avid and published writer of many articles on liturgical music. At St Mary’s Cathedral, she has been instrumental in the establishment in 2009 of the Cathedral's Organ Scholarship (F.J. Larner Organ Scholarship) and the establishment of the Cathedral’s annual Concert Series drawing the wider community to the Cathedral. Jacinta is also passionate about the involvement of young people in the liturgical life of the Church particularly in the area of music and she has established and runs a number programmes for young musicians to take part and increase their knowledge and experience of liturgical music of the Church. -
F-6: Patricia Smith - Martha and Mary: Some Insights into the Musician's Dilemma and the Composer's ProcessAs liturgical musicians we can struggle to resolve the prayer/action dichotomy. What makes liturgical music prayer, and what are the implications for our own spiritual journey? In this workshop we look at some insights from working composers and liturgical musicians into prayer and performance, from inspiration to publishing.
Patricia Smith
Patricia Smith is a liturgical musician and composer working in Broken Bay Diocese, in northern Sydney, NSW. She is a passionate proponent of children's choirs, and the rights and responsibilities of all the baptised to participate fully in liturgy. She has extensive experience as cantor, children's choir director, music director, parish music coordinator, accompanist and composer of liturgical music. -
F-7: Steph Jorna & Gen Bryant - Meeting Young People Where They Are - Panel DiscussionAuthentic dialogue is key to meeting young people where they are in their faith journey and inviting them into an encounter with God through music, prayer and liturgy. Actively engaging with diverse stories, experiences and expertise provides more tools to draw on and an opportunity to enlarge the space of our tent. Join our group of panelists in a robust discussion and sharing of story around young people’s experience of church within parish, school and community contexts and lessons learned by those who accompany young people.
Steph Jorna
Steph Jorna is a Brisbane based singer-songwriter, youth leader and teacher now working for the Brisbane Archdiocese as Synod Coordinator and Project Officer-Inclusion. Prior to co-leading Brisbane’s Synod with Bishop Tim Norton SVD, Steph designed and implemented Brisbane Catholic Education’s system approach to student formation and youth ministry. Steph has facilitated student formation experiences for thousands of students from Prep to Year 12, mentored youth leaders and provided staff Professional Development on music ministry and shaping and facilitating effective, empowering and psychologically safe retreats where young people encounter the Other through each other. As a songwriter Steph has published two Christian albums and has written many school songs.
Gen Bryant
Gen is an independent musician, composer, public speaker, and team builder, who has been involved in school and parish ministry across Australia for 20 years. Based in Melbourne, but not bound by borders, Gen connects, engages, and inspires communities through her involvement in, and development of, school workshops and concerts, faith formation days, sacramental programs, praise and worship gatherings, school retreats, and staff spirituality days. Gen is currently completing her Masters in Teaching and is determined to continue to build upon her knowledge and experience to help positively impact the lives of the youth in Australia. Over recent years, Gen has been mentoring other like-minded young Catholics with a similar passion and mission, forming an inclusive, energetic, and inspirational young ministry team, “The GB Team”. The GB Team is empowered with a mission to serve and walk humbly and compassionately with the next generation. -
F-8: Ratu Sikeli Vakalutukali & Paula Suka - Musical Arts in the Fijian LiturgyFor 100 years, since the Catholic missionaries came to our islands, Fijians have sung music in church that is foreign to them. We have sometimes translated the lyrics from different European languages into Fijian, but kept the original melodies. Now, our Archbishop is encouraging local musicians to compose hymns and liturgical texts completely in Fijian using our own language and style. We would like to offer an insight into the way we Fijians are inculturating liturgical music. We hope to share with you why music is important to all Fijians, and to talk about the unique characteristics of Fijian music. We are both composers and will share with you how each of us prepares to compose, and share some of our compositions. We will also talk about choirs in Fiji, and how we lead them, both in the towns and villages.
Ratu Sikeli Vakalutukali
Ratu holds a Diploma in Theology, Certification in Supervised Pastoral Education and Certification Level IV Music. He is Music Coordinator, cantor choir conductor at the Parish of the Sacred Cathedral in Suva. He is also a composer and multi-instrumentalist.
Paula Suka
Paula studied at the Pacific Regional Theological Seminary (PRS), where he earned qualifications in theology and ministry. He also spent 8 years with the Missionary Society of St Columban during his study. Currently, Paula serves as a minister in a rural village, where he supports the spiritual growth of the community through preaching, teaching, and outreach. Alongside his ministry, Paula has a deep passion for music as a composer, singer, and choir leader. -
F-9: Timothy Davey - Entering into the Propers - Solemnity and SimplicityThe Gregorian chant tradition in the Church, according to Vatican II, should retain ‘first place’ when choosing the setting for a Mass. The extraordinarily rich gift of scripture and music is waiting to be rediscovered and to energize our liturgies. Discover how the simplicity of the chant and its adaptability can enhance the solemnity and dignity of liturgy and return it to a timeless, beautiful and multi-dimensional experience that can more than fulfill the need for ‘full, conscious and active participation’ of the faithful.
Timothy Davey
Timothy Davey has been the Director of Music at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Adelaide for the last 8 years and for over twenty years a cantor for the extraordinary form of Mass. He has a wide experience of the propers in both Latin and English and in their use in daily and weekly Masses. His other specialty is Swing Jazz piano and he is an experienced accompanist at Masses.