Diocesan Liturgy Council

Vision

The full, conscious and active participation of the faithful in liturgy,
the source of the true Christian Spirit and all missionary endeavour 
[Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (SC) a. 14, 10]

Mission

To be of service to the diocesan community by engaging in dialogue that promotes a passion for the spirit of the sacred liturgy and an understanding of its principles and practice such that the celebration of the liturgy is appropriate for the community who gathers. (SC a. 14, 17, 43-45)

Members

• Allen Brierley
• Monique Crick
• Daniel Chun Wei Lee (Associate Member)
• Fr Andrew Doohan – Master of Ceremonies (Ex Officio Member)
• Fiona Duque - Officer Worship and Prayer, Pastoral Ministries
• Uta France (Deputy Chair)
• Louise Gannon rsj (Secretary) – Manager Worship and Prayer, Pastoral Ministries
• Petrina Massey (Associate Member)
• Cathy White (Chair)
• Ed Wright (Associate Member)

Consultants to the Diocesan Liturgy Council

• Anne Millard - Director of Cathedral Music
• Catholic Schools Office Religious Education and Spirituality Team

Read the latest reports from Diocesan Liturgy Council meetings:  

• 14 September 2023
• 10 August 2023
• 13 July 2023
• 08 June 2023
• 11 May 2023
• 13 April 2023
• 09 March 2023
• 09 February 2023

For further information about the council please read the following documents:

• Statutes
• Annual Stewardship Overview

Key reference documents for the Council include:

• Liturgical Principles
• Theological Foundations

The council can be contacted by emailing worshipandprayer@mn.catholic.org.au

The council meets on the second Thursday of each month.

The Diocesan Liturgy Council has established a range of groups which assist in in responding to particular issues, and also increases the number of people involved in diocesan liturgical ministry. These groups include:

Diocesan Liturgy Forums

• Christian Initiation - Mandate
• Stepping Stones - Mandate
• Remaining Faithful - Mandate
• Penance - pending

Working Parties

• Synod Liturgies - in abeyance. Mandate provided by the Synod Working Party.
• St Josephine Bakhita - Mandate

Standing Committees

• Perpetual Day of Remembrance - Mandate

The Diocesan Liturgy Council shares a close relationship with the College of Assistant Masters of Ceremonies which sits as part of the Bishop's Office.

The brief article The Liturgical Master of the House gives an insight into the ministry of the Master of Ceremonies and his Assistants.

The College operates according to its Statutes and members in accord with their Position Description, Master of Ceremonies and Assistant Master of Ceremonies.

From time to time as the need arises, Expressions of Interest are sought from members of the faithful who feel a call to this ministry. People are then invited to participate in Grace, Simplicity, Order: a discernment and formation process for assistant Masters of ceremonies in the diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.