Copyright is a challenging issue for all involved in the preparation and celebration of liturgy. Parishes, schools and all communities are encouraged to adhere to the copyright law so that all artists whose work enhances our liturgical celebrations are acknowledged and receive a just payment for their ministry.
As music plays a big part in worship services, all our parishes and schools have music reproduction licences with copyright agent, One License. All the information you need is available on its website. Its news site is also a good resource.
It is important to note the requirements for all musicians to have original copies of music.
Not only music is subject to copyright. All graphics, photos, other forms of artwork, all poetry and reflections are subject to copyright and therefore require the correct permission, acknowledgement and fee to be paid as required.
All scripture and liturgical texts must also be acknowledged in the way specified by the copyright holder.
The Diocesan Liturgy Council recommends the following resources to parishes and schools:
In keeping with the recommendations made in the Practice Note mentioned above, members of the diocesan community are asked to acknowledge all resources used in prayer and liturgy, even when they are free of copyright and a blanket permission is given. This not only fulfils the moral obligation identified in the Australian Copyright Council document, but also means we are helping each other by sharing our resources.
