Ministries

Rita Ferrone outlines the significance of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, the RCIA, and how it has a ripple effect that is greater than the focus on catechumens in the parish. She offers encouragement to communities to be actively involved and committed to this gradual process of Christian initiation.

Ms Rita Ferrone is an internationally acclaimed writer and frequent speaker on issues of liturgy and church renewal. She is the author of several books about liturgy, and in the course of her career has worked extensively with the adult catechumenate. Her most recent book is a pastoral guide to Pope Francis's letter on liturgical formation, Desiderio Desideravi (Liturgical Press, 2023).

Clare Schwantes describes the dynamic proclamation of the Word of God in the Liturgy and how this differs from a personal reading of Sacred Scripture.

Dr Clare Schwantes, editor, teacher and liturgist, is currently the Chair of the National Liturgical Council. She is the Director of Liturgy Brisbane, Australia and secretary of the Brisbane Archdiocesan Commission on the Liturgy.

Sr Kathleen Hughes invites us to consider how effective has liturgical formation been since the 70's. She proposes a new approach that emphasizes the importance of formation for all the faithful.

Sr Dr Kathleen Hughes, RSCJ is a former Professor of Word and Worship, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, and former provincial of the United States Province of the Society of the Sacred Heart. She is the author of Saying Amen: Entering Into the Mystery of the Sacraments (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 2022).

Cathy Murrowood invites us to reflect on the Universal Prayer and its weekly preparation. She outlines how to write this prayer in a way that actively responds to the pressing needs of the world.

Ms Cathy Murrowood is a liturgy educator with the ACU Centre for Liturgy and a member of the National Liturgical Council. She has extensive experience as a local, diocesan and national consultant.

Drawing on her rich teaching and personal experience, Sr Julia Upton, RSM explores the multifaceted rituals associated with Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying and the Sacrament of Penance.

Sr Professor Julia Upton, RSM is Provost Emerita and Distinguished Professor of Theology at St John's University, New York. She has served on national advisory bodies and is the author of many books and articles.