“This wonderful gift of the Eucharist, which is the greatest gift of all, demands that such an important Mystery should be increasingly better known and its saving power more fully shared.”

Pope John Paul II - Immensae Caritatis

In addition to the ordained clergy, there are laypeople who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion when necessity requires.

Helping in the distribution of the Lord’s Body and Blood is a great privilege. It requires proper spiritual formation and liturgical training, so that the faith of the entire worshiping community will be strengthened by the proper devotion, respect and decorum of the assisting ministers.

Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney are welcome to propose candidates to be trained as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs). The Archdiocesan Liturgy Office is providing a full day intensive program that includes all the components of the one offered to lay adults in the parishes. There is no fee for the students attending and the day will include lunch.

There are several presentations and discussions about:

• Lay Ministry: History, Theology & Spirituality for Young Adults
• Eucharist & the Mass: Toward a Deeper Appreciation
• Service at the Altar: Doing It, and Doing It Well
• The Ministry of Holy Communion: Practical Pointers

Students proposed by the high schools to be trained as EMHCs must:

• be in Year 11 or 12, and no younger;
• be of good moral character, and present two letters of recommendation attesting to this;
• regularly attend weekend Mass in their parish, and present a letter from their parish priest affirming this;
• participate in the entire training program (no late arrivals or early dismissals permitted), so as to receive the
  same formation and training required of all lay ministers in the Archdiocese of Sydney.

Upon successful completion of the day’s program, participants will receive a certificate of mandate making them eligible for this ministry not only in their schools but also in their parishes at the discretion of the parish priest.

Sessions in 2012:

           St Ursula's College, Kingsgrove - July 18th

Catholic Education Offices, Lidcombe - October 31st

Registration Form