Copyright - Acknowledgement of Texts Copyright acknowledgements are required for all copyrighted texts reproduced in booklets and electronic projections used during worship services in order to satisfy copyright obligations. These acknowledgements are normally included in small print at the back of the service booklet or the very bottom of the relevant electronic slides. (Example acknowledgements are suggested below in blue):
Scripture Readings Jerusalem Bible Translation of Scripture used in Australian Lectionary for Mass, Vols I, II and III (London: Collins Liturgical, 1981) New Revised Standard Version Translation of Scripture used in the Canadian Lectionary (Ottawa: CCCB, 1992, 1993)
Liturgical Music Under Copyright In Australia, copyright normally lasts for 70 years after the end of the year of death of the author, composer or arranger. Acknowledgements should be worded in accordance with the relevant Copyright holder's or their agency's policy. Words or music no longer under copyright are considered to be in the "public domain."
All Catholic parishes in South Australia are licensed under the The One License Copyright scheme since it's introduction in Australia, with Willow Publishing serving as the agent in Australia and New Zealand. Participating publishers include OCP, GIA, WLP, Willow Publishing, Hope Publishing, Copycare Pacific, and many more.
Copyright Notice Requirements One License holders are required to print the copyright acknowledgement on the bottom of the first page of each reprinted or projected hymn or song.
(when one copyright owner is responsible for the work):
In both situations, you would replace the example ONE LICENSE license number (#A-000000) with your own valid license number. Parishes in South Australia who are unsure of their license number or need assistance with copyright issues are able to contact Community Life & Worship for assistance.
Introducing the Recorded Audio License One License has now introduced its new Audio Recording License, specifically designed to address this widespread practice. Rather than operating in breach of copyright, parishes can now ensure full legal compliance while continuing to provide meaningful musical worship experiences for their congregations.
A Recorded Audio License from One License allows churches and other religious organisations to use pre-recorded music (master recordings and self-produced recordings) in worship services, including embedding them into slides and livestreams, and also includes practice-track permissions. This license can be bundled with a Podcast/Streaming License to cover both recorded audio and online streaming
Key aspects of the Recorded Audio License Usage: It covers the use of pre-recorded music, both commercially produced recordings and those created by the organisation itself, in worship settings.
Permissions: It includes permissions for:
Playing master recordings and self-produced recordings in worship services.
Embedding recordings into slides and other visual aids.
Using recordings in livestreamed or pre-recorded video worship services when bundled with the Podcast/Streaming License.
Practice track permissions allow copying demonstration recordings, commercial CDs or MP3s, and recording your own versions for ensemble use.
How to Obtain the License
If you are a Member of OneLicense, go to the One License website and log in. If you're new to One License, you can visit the website and select a plan that meets your needs.
Determine the appropriate license(s) based on your needs, i.e. Do you also need a Podcast/Streaming License?
Find the corresponding cost on the Options and Prices page.
Add the Audio Recording License to your existing Annual License or purchase your Annual License, plus the Recorded Audio License.
Conclusion This new Recorded Audio License licensing option acknowledges the pastoral reality many parishes face and provides a legitimate pathway to enhance liturgy with recorded music. By securing proper licensing, parishes not only protect themselves legally but also support the artists, composers, and publishers who create the sacred music that enriches our worship. It's an investment in both legal compliance and the continued creation of quality liturgical music for the Church.
Remember If you are reprinting, copying or projecting lyrics and melody lines for congregational song, you need an Annual License. If you are embedding recorded music into PowerPoint or Keynote slides, you need the additional Recorded Audio License. If you are streaming or playing music via a podcast, you also need a Podcast Streaming License.
Duration of Copyright For up to date information about the duration of copyright, please see Duration of Copyright: Information Sheet at the Australian Copyright Council website.