Return to the Source – Liturgical Formation Series with Christopher Carstens

FAQs

• What is Return to the Source?

  Return to the Source is a five-session liturgical formation series with Christopher Carstens. It explores the Mass from within — its prayers, signs, music, theology, history, and formative power in Christian life.

  Participants may attend individual sessions or undertake the full series as a sustained journey into the beauty, meaning, and mystery of the Sacred Liturgy.

• Where are the sessions taking place?

  The five Return to the Source sessions will be held at three venues in Perth’s southern suburbs: St Thomas More Parish, Bateman; St Benedict’s Parish, Applecross; and the Caroline Payne Theatre at Corpus Christi College, Bateman.

  • St Thomas More Parish, Bateman — Tuesday 10 November and Thursday 12 November

  Corner of Dean and Marsengo Roads, Bateman WA 6150

  • St Benedict’s Parish, Applecross — Saturday 14 November and Thursday 19 November

  Canning Highway and Ardross Street, Applecross WA 6153

  • Caroline Payne Theatre, Corpus Christi College, Bateman — Monday 16 November

  50 Murdoch Drive, Bateman WA 6150

  Please check your ticket confirmation and the individual session page before travelling, as each talk is hosted at a different venue.

• When is the series?

  The five core sessions run from Tuesday 10 November to Thursday 19 November 2026.

  They are held on 10, 12, 14, 16 and 19 November. Please select your preferred session or the full-series ticket when booking.

• Can I attend just one talk?

  Yes. Individual-session tickets are available for $15 each, subject to availability.

  You are welcome to attend whichever sessions most interest you. For the fullest experience of the series, the five-talk pass offers the complete formation journey.

• Is there a ticket for all sessions?

  Yes. A Full Series ticket gives entry to all five core sessions for $50.

  This represents a saving of $25 compared with purchasing five individual tickets separately.

• What is included in the five core sessions?

  The five core sessions are:

  • Devotional Journey into the Mass — Part 1, Tuesday 10 November, St Thomas More, Bateman

  • Sacred Music: Theology, Spirituality and Progressive Solemnity, Thursday 12 November, St Thomas More, Bateman

  • Devotional Journey into the Mass — Part 2, Saturday 14 November, St Benedict, Applecross

  • History of the Roman Rite, Monday 16 November, Caroline Payne Theatre, Corpus Christi College, Bateman

  • What Vatican II Really Says About the Mass, Thursday 19 November, St Benedict, Applecross

  The two Devotional Journey into the Mass sessions are designed as a two-part exploration and are best attended together.

• Are clergy and religious free to attend?

  Yes. Clergy and members of religious institutes may attend complimentary, but a ticket is still required for each session.

  Please complete the relevant complimentary registration so that seating and venue arrangements can be managed appropriately.

• Does the series count toward CEWA accreditation?

  Yes. The talks support the ongoing renewal of accreditation for CEWA teachers.

  Corpus Christi College will issue certificates of attendance to CEWA teachers who participate. Please ensure your booking uses the correct name and email address, and follow any attendance requirements communicated at the venue. CEWA’s accreditation framework provides pathways for ongoing professional learning and formation.

• Why is this series connected to Eucharist28?

  The series forms part of Perth’s preparation for the 54th International Eucharistic Congress, to be held in Sydney from 24 September to 1 October 2028. It offers an opportunity to renew love for the Eucharist, deepen understanding of the Mass, and join the wider Australian journey of prayer, formation, and mission

• Are the additional presentations included?

  No. The following are additional presentations by Christopher Carstens, hosted independently by the listed groups, and are not included in the five-talk full-series ticket:

  • Cult Cultivates Culture: Culling Life’s Mysteries from the Liturgy — Tuesday 17 November, Dawson Society at the Raffles Hotel, Applecross

  • Devotional Journey into the Mass (Condensed) — Wednesday 18 November, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scarborough

  Please use the relevant More Information link for host-specific details and booking arrangements.

• Who is Christopher Carstens?

  Christopher Carstens is a Catholic author, liturgical educator, and consultant to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship. He directs the Office for Sacred Worship in the Diocese of La Crosse, coordinates the Institute for Liturgical Formation at Christendom College, and directs Adoremus: Society for the Renewal of the Sacred Liturgy.

  He is the author of A Devotional Journey into the Mass, A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery, and Principles of Sacred Liturgy: Forming a Sacramental Vision.

• Who is the series for?

  The series is open to all Catholics and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Mass.

  It will be especially valuable for parishioners, clergy, religious, liturgical ministers, musicians, catechists, educators, CEWA staff, and those involved in parish formation or sacramental preparation.

• What time should I arrive?

  Please aim to arrive at least 15–20 minutes before the advertised start time to allow for parking, check-in, and seating.

• Do I need to bring anything?

  No special materials are required. You may wish to bring a notebook and pen for personal reflection and notes.

  Please bring your ticket confirmation, either printed or accessible on your phone, to assist with check-in.

• Can I transfer my ticket?

  If you can no longer attend, please consult the ticket terms or contact the organisers at info@r2s.au before transferring a ticket. Transfers may be possible where capacity and ticketing arrangements permit.

• Where can I find the complete timetable?

  The full schedule, venue information, individual session pages, and booking options are available on the website r2s.au

  For questions not addressed here, contact info@r2s.au.