Archbishop's Office for Evangelisation

News and Resources

The Melbourne Church celebrates the 2019 Rite of Election

On the Feast of St Patrick over 1,200 people gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral on an autumnal Sunday afternoon for the annual Rite of Election. It is at this Rite that those who are preparing for the Easter sacraments—accompanied by parish RCIA team members, fellow parishioners, family, sponsors and godparents—are presented to the Archbishop and the wider Catholic community.

Upcoming liturgical formation workshops

April/May/June --- The Mass is made up of two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, inextricably connected to form one single act of worship. The ministries of the Reader of God’s Word and Extraordinary Minister of Communion during Mass are essential components of this ritual action. When delivered well, they have a profound impact on the celebration and on all those participating. Those new to these ministries or wanting a refresher course are invited to the following workshops scheduled in the next three months.

Alpha: A tool for encountering Jesus

Focusing on the Kerygma—the initial proclamation of the Good News—Alpha introduces participants to a personal encounter with Jesus. A series of sessions which explore the Christian faith, Alpha is typically run over eleven weeks, with the process comprising a shared meal, film and discussion exploring a different topic or faith question such as: ‘Is there more to life than this?' Want to know more about Alpha? Come to the next training day on Saturday 30 March at St Benedict’s Parish, Burwood.

Parishioners attend planning day for Lent and Holy Week

Saturday 16 February --- More than 150 people from various parishes across the Archdiocese of Melbourne gathered at the Catholic Leadership Centre to attend a seminar in preparation for the Season of Lent and Holy Week. The day included two keynote presentations and 10 workshops for participants to choose from that focused on scripture, prayer, music, service and outreach.

The Summit Online

Exploring the Word

Exploring the Word is an aid to catechists and parish teams preparing catechumens and candidates for the sacraments of Christian initiation. (Note: Exploring the Word combines what was previously known as the 'Take Home Sheet' and 'The Catechumenal Journey').

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Weekly Reflections

These one-page reflections on the gospels and seasons can be used for personal/group reflection or as an opening/closing prayers.

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Copyright Information

The One License Copyright scheme has been introduced in Australia. A few parishes have asked what this new scheme is all about. To assist parishes in understanding the effects of this acquisition, we encourage you to read through the following FAQs.

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Liturgical Music Suggestions/Hymns

Suggested music for Sundays or feasts from As One Voice 1, 2, and The Next Generation (AOV1, AOV2, AOVNG); Catholic Worship Book 1 and 2 (CWB, CWB II); Gather - 3rd Edition (G); Gather Australia (GA); Psalms for Feasts and Seasons (PFS); Digital Download (DD) and Selected Collection (SC)

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Planning Advent liturgies

Cathy Jenkins reflects on the opportunity we have in Advent to take a ‘Holy Pause’, and gives some practical guidance on how we might plan Advent liturgies that renew and deepen our sense of joyful anticipation as we prepare—amid all the bustle and activity of the festive season—for ‘the greatest mystery’.

Music for graduation Masses in Catholic secondary schools

Fiona Dyball offers some advice for all those planning graduation Masses, encouraging careful planning and consideration of these important moments for evangelisation. "The music and sung prayer in these Masses will ideally reflect and honour this preparation and commitment by the extended school community. So sufficient time needs to be allowed for graduation Masses to be consultatively planned, carefully prepared and thoroughly rehearsed. The music on these occasions can offer a fitting tribute to the character of a community, while also staying true to Catholic identity and to the liturgy itself."

The Yeast of St Francis

"In October we celebrate the feast of St Francis, the patron of animals and the environment. We cherish his words, and through the generations men and women have passed on his charism. His influence continues to spread far and wide, as a witness to Jesus that is deeply rooted in our lived experience. He is both rooted in the Christian tradition and idealistic—a challenge to the powerful and a hope for the powerless. Francis’ influence lives on in us today as yeast: an agent of inspiration, of the Spirit, of the reign of God in our midst." Elizabeth Young is a Sister of Mercy and a member of Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. Here, she reflects on the radical nature of St Francis' attitude toward God and creation and the ever-present call to ‘care for our Common Home’.

Guidelines on Reverent Reception of Holy Communion

The Bishops Commission for Liturgy has prepared a series of guidelines on reverent reception of Holy Communion. The following guidelines are based on the Catholic Church’s liturgical norms and offered in order to encourage reverent reception of Holy Communion in the Latin Rite, under the form of consecrated bread and wine, as the highpoint of sacramental participation in the Celebration of the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life [cf. Vatican Council II, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (1963) art. 10].

Recognising Jesus

Dr Mary Coloe pbvm guides us through the old and new testaments to understand the seemingly incomprehensible experience of Jesus' resurrection; the event ultimately fulfilling of God's promise of eternity life. "Out of context we do not immediately recognise people. Read through the familiar story of the Emmaus Journey. Two former disciples of Jesus ... are walking away from Jerusalem going over the horror of 'all that had happened'. Then they meet someone apparently ignorant about all these events. So they tell him the facts: Jesus, a mighty prophet, condemned to death then crucified, and now, in their minds and experience, dead. Jesus walks with them, but they fail to recognise him, as recognition demands more than good eyesight."

Project Compassion 2018: For a Just Future

For over 50 years, Caritas has, through the generosity of Australians, been able to sponsor aid and development and emergency relief programs in over 35 countries. In 2018, as Caritas Diocesan Director Deacon Jim Curtain shares, the focus is on young people.

Forming Disciples for Mission:
A Scriptural Lens

Planning Day for Lent & Holy Week

The Melbourne Church celebrates the 2019 Rite of Election

Upcoming liturgical formation workshops

Alpha: A tool for encountering Jesus