Year of Mercy Overview

Year of Mercy Commemorations of the Year of Mercy within our Diocese

Copyright and the Liturgy Challenges and Outcomes of using licensed music

Resources and Guidelines

Save the Date! Dates for your Diary

Staff and Office

DirectorVery Rev. Peter Williams Administrator of the Diocese of Parramatta

Liturgy Educator Sr Mary Louise Walsh ISSM

AssistantAdelle Lobo

Visit us at1-5 Marion Street Blacktown NSW 2148

Ph: 9831 4911 Fx: 9622 7469Em: ofw@ifm.org.au

Issue 13September 2015Office For Worship

Pope Francis has called on the whole Church to celebrate an extraordinary jubilee Year of Mercy. The jubilee commences this year with the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and concludes next year with the Solemnity of Christ the King.

The Liturgical Commission and Office for Worship are considering some of the liturgical aspects of the Year of Mercy. In particular, there are three initiatives that we would like to bring to your attention at this time.

Sacrament of PenanceIn supporting the intentions of the year, the Office for Worship will be preparing and distributing complete Orders of Service for the second form of the Rite of Penance. Parishes are encouraged to use these for their usual celebrations during the upcoming Advent and Lenten seasons.

Holy DoorsAs is the custom in jubilee years, a Holy Door will be opened at each of the four papal basilicas. Each Diocese is asked to designate a Holy Door at their cathedral, and to consider doing likewise at shrines. A Holy Door will be officially opened at the cathedral on Sunday 13 December. Parishes that would like to join in the practice of designating a Holy Door for the jubilee year are very welcome to do so.

24 Hours for the LordEach deanery has been asked to consider and discuss at an upcoming meeting how they may engage in the celebration of the “24 Hours for the Lord” that is proposed in the bull of indiction, Misericordiae Vultus. Each Dean should have already received an email from the Office for Worship; please contact the office if it has not been received.

Copyright and the LiturgyRepresentatives from a large number of parishes attended our workshops on copyright during August. We thank parish priests and staff for promoting these workshops in their communities.Many of those who attended had some awareness of copyright, but didn’t know the specific requirements to ensure they and their parish were compliant with the law.Each parish, led by its parish priest, is responsible for ensuring that they are compliant with copyright, just as they are for complying with any other civil legislation (such as Workplace Health and Safety, for example). Organisations and individuals can be found liable for breaches of copyright, and penalties can easily exceed $10 000.

Some challengesWorkshop participants identified some areas where copyright compliance remains a significant issue in parishes. It is important that parishes respond to these as required in their specific context.

Photocopying of musicReproducing music scores is illegal in many cases. Each musician playing at Mass needs access to an original print copy of the music they need to use. We recommend that parishes allocate a portion of their budget each year to build up and maintain their print music collection.

Youth music groupsMany musicians in our parish youth groups are eager to share music with others, but may do so with little awareness of the legal ramifications. This can lead to illegal distribution of print music and introduction of music into liturgical celebrations that the parish does not have the legal right to use.

Itinerant music groupsThere are a number of music groups in our Diocese that lead the music at Sunday Mass in different parishes from week to week. It will take effort on the part of itinerant groups to ensure that they meet copyright requirements in each parish they serve, but it is necessary.

Weddings and funeralsIt is typical for liturgical, scripture and hymn texts to be reprinted in booklets that are distributed to members of the assembly, often without consideration or acknowledgement of copyright. Those who prepare such booklets, whether they be parish staff, funeral directors, family members or paid contractors, need to be made aware of their copyright obligations. Professional musicians may also be engaged to lead the music at these celebrations, and they must also comply.Parishes need to ensure that copyright legislation is adhered to in all their liturgical celebrations, even if external parties (eg funeral directors, itinerant or professional musicians) are engaged in the preparation and leadership of aspects of the liturgy. We also have a moral obligation to ensure that the creators of artistic works receive due recompense for their efforts.

Learning moreA follow-up workshop is being offered in October at the Institute for Mission Centre. In addition, we can distribute the print resources from the August workshops to parishes and music groups who require them. Contact us at the Office for Worship to register or request materials.

Copyright and the Liturgy

Resources and Guidelines All OFW Sacramental resources, Diocesan guidelines and Policies are now available at our office, if you would like a hard or soft copy of any guidelines, please send us an email.

Children's Liturgy of the Word Guidelines have recently been released and sent to all Parishes, followed by a supplementary workshop held in June 2015. These workshops will resume next year for those who may have missed out, or would like more information.

Dates for your Diary

Music and Copyright Workshop

Thursday 15th October 7:30pm Workshops are open to all Parish Music groups, Liturgy Coordinators, Sacramental teams, RCIA teams and Youth music groups. The topics will outline appropriate copyright practices and licences for Parishes in the Diocese. RSVP before 10th October.

Workshops are located at the Institute for Mission Hall (Downstairs) 1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown NSW 2148

Sacraments Of Initiation Meetings

Tuesday 20th October 10am St Nicholas of Myra Penrith (entry via Higgins Street)

Wednesday 21st October 10amThe Institute For Mission Library, 1-5 Marion St Blacktown

Thursday 23rd October 7:30pm Our Lady of Mt Carmel, 4 Bennett Street Wentworthville

Annual Thanksgiving Mass

An invitation to all Parish Clergy, Coordinators and Facilitators, Sacramental teams and volunteers (including Baptism and RCIA teams) for our Annual Thanksgiving Mass, followed by supper at St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta.

Celebrant: Very Rev. Peter G. Williams Date: Tuesday 10th November 2015 | 7:30pm Location: St Patrick's Cathedral | Parramatta 2150

Invitations will be sent to Parishes, so save the date and pass on the message to all teams and volunteers at your Parish! RSVP before 6th November

If you have anything you would like to share with us, please stop by our office in Blacktown, give

us a call or send us an email.We are constantly updating our resources and

guides, so we appreciate any feedback!