Liturgical Formation Opportunities

Developing pathways that transform and renew.

The Archdiocese offers a range of workshops and formation opportunities to support the renewal of parish life through deeper prayer, worship, and participation in the liturgy.
Organised around the themes of Encounter, Discipleship, and Mission, these offerings can be adapted to the needs and priorities of each parish. Whether focusing on liturgical formation, ministry development, sacramental preparation, or parish renewal, parishes are invited to engage with the offerings in a way that is practical, sustainable, and suited to their local context.
Whether undertaken within a single parish or in collaboration with neighbouring communities, these offerings are designed to help foster a deeper understanding of the liturgy and its role in shaping Christian life.
Click here for a downloadable PDF that details all of our offerings.

FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES TO INVITE & AWAKEN

ENCOUNTER

Source and Summit

A full-day workshop exploring the foundations of the Church’s liturgical life, including its theology, guiding principles, and how parishes can live this out in practice. The workshop unpacks the vision of the Second Vatican Council as it relates to the renewal and celebration of the liturgy, while offering useful guidance and explanations in areas such as liturgical music, roles and responsibilities of liturgical ministers, and the arrangement of the Church’s seasons.

Valleys, Vision, Wine & Walls

The Shape of Worship: Entering the Mystery of the Mass

FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN & INTEGRATE

DISCIPLESHIP

Conversations in the Spirit: A Call to Listen and Discern

A facilitated process of structured spiritual conversation that helps liturgical ministers listen deeply and reflect together in prayer. It employs a synodal way of being Church, fostering shared discernment about how prayer and sacramental participation are nurtured in the parish.

Rhythms of Prayer for Parish Life

Awakening the Song of the Church

From Sunday to Everyday: Practicing the Way

FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES TO ENABLE & EQUIP

MISSION

Breaking Open the Word for Children

A flexible training and formation pathway to support parishes in establishing or strengthening celebrations of Children’s Liturgy of the Word connected to the weekly Sunday Mass. Participants explore the purpose of the ministry, liturgical expectations, suitable resources, safeguarding requirements, and practical ways of helping primary-aged children engage with the Scriptures and broader celebrations of liturgy in the parish.

Forming Hearts for Prayer in the RCIA Journey

Mapping Parish Liturgy: Planning for Renewal

The Ars Celebrandi Series

A suite of flexible, but targeted mini workshops for those who serve in particular roles in the celebration of Mass and the wider liturgical life of the parish. Rooted in the Church’s understanding of the art of celebrating, these offerings form ministers to serve with greater reverence, competence, and pastoral sensitivity, so that the liturgy may be celebrated with clarity and beauty.

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Hear and Resound

For those who serve the Church’s liturgy through music, including cantors, choir members, and instrumentalists. Participants are formed in the Church’s understanding of music and singing at Mass and engage in practical skills for leading and supporting the assembly’s musical participation.

When the Word Speaks

For those who proclaim the Scriptures during celebrations of Liturgy, namely: Lectors and Readers. Participants focus on the confident, prayerful proclamation of the Word of God within the liturgy through guided practice in voice, presence, and clarity.

Serving at the Altar

For those who serve in the sanctuary during the celebration of Mass, namely: Acolytes and Altar Servers. Participants are formed in the structure and movement of the liturgy and engage in hands-on preparation and serving at the altar with reverence and attentiveness.

Dignity in Communion

For those who serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion during celebrations of Mass. Participants are formed in the Church’s understanding of the Eucharist and the reverent, faithful exercise of this ministry within the sacred liturgy.

Preparing the Sacred Space

For those who care for and prepare the worship environment for liturgical celebrations, including sacristans and environment teams. Participants engage in the ordering of the sanctuary and church space so that liturgy is celebrated with beauty, reverence, and care.

When Christ Draws Near

For those who bring the Church’s pastoral care beyond the celebration of Mass to the sick, dying, and bereaved. Participants are formed in the Church’s rites and pastoral practices for bringing Holy Communion to the sick and dying, as well as accompanying individuals and families with prayer, compassion, and reverent presence.

Planning Next Steps

Every parish has its own unique context, strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth. For this reason, liturgical renewal is not a fixed program or a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, it is an ongoing journey that takes shape differently in each community.
Some parishes may begin with foundational formation in the sacred liturgy, while others may seek support for liturgical ministries, parish prayer life, sacramental preparation, or wider pastoral renewal initiatives. The path forward will depend on the needs, priorities, and readiness of each parish.
What matters most is taking realistic and sustainable steps that deepen participation in the Church’s worship and strengthen the vital connection between liturgy, discipleship, and mission.

When you’re ready to take your next step, connect with us by emailing liturgy@cg.org.au.

Step 1: Discern your Needs

Parish clergy and leadership teams are invited to reflect on the current liturgical life of the parish, identifying areas of strength as well as opportunities for renewal, formation, or deeper participation.

Step 2: Meet our Team

An initial conversation with the Synodal Evangelisation Team provides an opportunity to explore the parish’s context, priorities, and hopes for renewal, while learning more about the formation and training opportunities available for liturgical leaders and ministers, or for the parish more broadly.

Step 3: Develop a Pathway

Together, a practical and sustainable pathway is shaped for the parish community. This may include workshops, formation sessions, leadership accompaniment, ministry training, or ongoing support over time.

Step 4: Implement Formation

Parishes begin implementing the selected formation opportunities with continued support, reflection, and accompaniment to help foster long-term renewal in the liturgical and pastoral life of the community.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

What is Liturgical Renewal all about?

In our Archdiocese, liturgical renewal is about the ongoing work of deepening how the Church celebrates, understands, and lives the Sacred Liturgy. It is not simply about improving external elements, but about fostering prayerful, faithful, and active participation in worship. Through this renewal, our parish communities are more deeply formed in faith, strengthened in communion, and sent forth in mission.

Who should be involved?

The various opportunities being supported by the Archdiocese are designed for clergy, parish leadership teams, and those serving in liturgical ministries. Some sessions are suited to whole parish communities, while others are more focused on specific roles such as musicians, readers, or RCIA teams. Each offering can be adapted to suit the needs and context of your parish.

How do you suggest we make a start?

We recommend starting with a conversation our team. Together, we can reflect on your parish’s current liturgical life, identify strengths and areas for growth, and discern which offerings may be most helpful. This process is collaborative and shaped by your local context.

Email liturgy@cg.org.au to book in a time for an initial conversation.

How much time does Liturgical Renewal require?

That depends on your parish’s goals. Some offerings are single sessions, while others can form part of a longer-term pathway. Renewal is best approached at a sustainable pace, allowing time for reflection, implementation, and growth within the community.

Can multiple parishes participate together?

Yes. In some cases, neighbouring parishes or deaneries may choose to engage together. This can support shared learning, foster collaboration, and make good use of available resources, while still allowing for local adaptation. There are actually some offerings which may be better done at a deanery level.

What does a typical parish pathway look like?

Every parish is different, but a pathway might begin with a foundational workshop, followed by targeted formation for ministers or leadership teams, and ongoing accompaniment. The aim is gradual, sustainable renewal rather than a one-time program.

You can begin by getting in touch to arrange an initial conversation. From there, we can explore your parish’s needs and identify the most appropriate next steps. There is no obligation — just an opportunity to discern together.

Are you offerings only focused on celebrations of Mass?

No. While the Mass is central, liturgical renewal also includes the wider life of prayer in the Church, such as the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, and other forms of communal prayer. These all contribute to forming a deeper rhythm of prayer within parish life.

Is any prior formation or experience needed?

No prior formation is required. Offerings are designed to be accessible and supportive, whether participants are new to liturgical ministry or have many years of experience. All of our sessions can also be adapted to suit different levels of familiarity and confidence.

Who leads these sessions?

All of our offerings are facilitated by members of the Synodal Evangelisation Team who bring a wealth of experience in liturgy, pastoral ministry, music, and formation. Where appropriate, additional collaborators may be involved to support particular areas.

What if our parish is already doing well?

That’s a strong foundation to build on. Liturgical renewal is about ongoing growth, not starting from scratch. Our offerings can help deepen what is already present, strengthen ministries, and support continued development over time.