The ACU Centre for Liturgy, in conjunction with ACU's Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, periodically provides opportunities for musicians, liturgists, clergy, teachers, pastoral associates, parishioners, members of Liturgy Committees and Commissions to participate as Professional Learners in academic units in the study of liturgy. Teachers who wish to apply for professional development accreditation hours for attendance at these may request a certificate of attendance to support this.

Professional Learning Opportunity - THLS606 Celebrating Liturgy Today

THLS606 Celebrating Liturgy Today: Exploring the Ritual Enactment of Faith. 8, 9, 10, 11 July 2024, 9am-5pm Live Online via Zoom

The celebration of the liturgy forms the centre of the whole of Christian life for the Church as well as for each member of the faithful. This unit explores the nature of liturgy as an expression of faith focusing on the Eucharist and how to prepare and evaluate liturgical celebrations in schools and parishes today.

Liturgy is carried out by means of perceptible signs by which the faith is nourished, strengthened, and expressed. As the activity where the community of faith enacts and embodies its faith through ritual symbols, sacred texts, remembered traditions and sacramental actions, the celebration of the liturgy forms the heart of Catholic life and faith expression both universal and local.

Download the flyer here

This unit investigates the celebration of liturgy (particularly the Eucharist) in light of the revised Roman Missal, recent church instructions and key writings on the major liturgical and theological principles undergirding liturgical celebration. It investigates liturgy's definition and forms, liturgical ministries at the service of the worshiping assembly, and employing technology appropriately in liturgy, among other topics. It identifies guidelines for preparing and evaluating effective liturgical celebrations in schools and parishes today.

Teachers, clergy, seminarians, liturgists, pastoral associates, parishioners and all who have an interest in Catholic liturgy are welcome to register for this professional learning seminar (not for academic credit with no assessments) which is also being offered as a postgraduate unit (for academic credit or audit). This rich face-to-face learning opportunity will provide you with access to your choice of 12 learning hours drawn from the sessions presented.

Professor Clare Johnson will lead this unit.

The cost of the Professional Learning Seminar (12 contact hours over 8 sessions in total) is $600 per person.

Those registering as professional learners will choose 8 out of 16 unit-sessions on offer, with no assessment obligations. If you wish to attend more than 8 sessions, a fee of $75 applies for each additional session. (You may wish to seek sponsorship from your parish or school to share the cost.)

Download the Session descriptions here

Closing date for professional learning registrations is June 28.

Register here as Professional Learner

Teachers participating as professional learners can submit an application for Professional Development hours in accordance with individual State or Territory requirements.

THLS606 is also being offered as a postgraduate unit, for academic credit or audit. (N.B. The closing date for enrolment as a postgraduate student or auditor is June 16, 2024)

For more information about enrolling as a student, download the flyer here.

Training and professional development for Catholic educators

We provide schools and Catholic education offices with targeted professional development sessions and workshops tailored to address the needs of primary and secondary school teachers, religious education leaders, and worshiping communities.

Clare School Presentation

Topics include:

  • Liturgy and liturgical principles
  • The sacramentality of religious leadership
  • Celebrating masses with young children: top ten hints
  • Celebrating non-sacramental liturgies in school communities
  • Exploring the Directory for Masses with Children and the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children
  • How to celebrate well in Catholic schools
  • Engaging youth in liturgical celebrations
  • Liturgical music for primary schools
  • Sacraments of initiation
  • Sacraments of healing.

Pastoral training and formation sessions on these and other topics can also be tailored to meet specific school community needs.

"The time just flew past. Very relevant and challenging conversations. Great to allow staff to explore their concerns. Many, many thanks for an outstandingly useful day! Will long be remembered and used to enhance practice in our school."
Carolyn Parsell
Principal, St. Joachim’s Primary School, Lidcombe NSW

Professional development for clergy

We provide specialised professional development sessions for clergy, such as:

  • Introducing new translations of ritual books: orders of confirmation and matrimony
  • Updating and upskilling: the art of presiding at worship
  • The art and craft of preaching

Liturgical consultations

Through direct consultation with a local parish community, we can undertake a comprehensive liturgical or liturgical music audit of your parish’s worship practices in order to provide specific advice on how to improve the quality of your liturgical celebrations.

Information about fees

ACU Centre for Liturgy charges fees for its programs and services, operating on a not-for-profit basis consistent with ACU’s constitution. We are committed to providing our services at a reasonable rate.

Download Information About Fees (PDF, 357KB)

 

"I enjoyed sharing in Clare's obvious enthusiasm and knowledge for the topic. I found having an understanding of the church teaching extremely helpful."
Fr James
Armidale: Clergy and Principals' Assembly

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs