CHURCH ARCHITECTURE AND ART SYMPOSIUM
‘God is in the detail: Making architecture and art for Catholic Worship’
Australian Catholic University, Melbourne
Wednesday 11th – Friday 13th February 2015
The National Liturgical Architecture and Art Board and Australian Catholic University are
hosting this symposium on the church/chapel design process next month. The symposium is
intended for all who may be involved in designing a new church/chapel or renovating an
existing church/chapel, and for anyone interested in architecture and art for Catholic
worship: clergy, parishioners, architects, artists, teachers, liturgists, designers, students of
theology or architecture, academics, anyone interested in Catholic places of worship.
Symposium topics include: the development of church architecture in Australia since
Vatican II; the relationship between liturgy and architecture in designing places of worship;
the role of light, geometry and materials in church architecture; the place of the pipe organ;
the ordering of the church for the liturgy; and sacred art. There will be presentations on
current and recent church projects, including new churches and chapels, and heritage
projects.
The new Australian document on liturgical art and architecture, ‘And when churches are to
be built …’ Preparation, planning and construction of places of worship, recently approved
by the Bishops Conference, will be launched at the symposium and a copy provided to each
participant.
The keynote speakers at the symposium will be the principal architect and liturgist for the
Cathedral of Christ the Light at Oakland in California, Mr Craig Hartman of Skidmore, Owings
and Merrill, and Rev Dr Paul Minnihan of the Diocese of Oakland.
The symposium is a unique and timely event for the Catholic Church in Australia, and is
ideally suited for people living in or not to far from Melbourne. More information and
registration are available online at www.acu.edu.au/godisinthedetail, or contact Dr Paul
Taylor on ph. (03) 9926 5753 or Fr Stephen Hackett MSC on ph. (03) 6272 1442.
Notice for parish bulletins/newsletters:
‘God is in the detail: Making architecture and art for Catholic Worship’: a Symposium
The symposium will be held at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, 11-13 February.
It will consider the church design process and is intended for parishioners, clergy, architects,
artists, teachers, liturgists, designers, students of theology or architecture, academics,
anyone interested in Catholic places of worship. The new national document on church
architecture and art, ‘And when churches are to be built …’ Preparation, planning and
construction of places of worship, will be launched at the symposium. Full and single day
registration are available. Information: www.acu.edu.au/godisinthedetail.