Formation and Training Program
for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 2007
[Download pdf brochure/registration form]

Year 11 & 12 Students serving as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Mark 10:45

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 retreat-like program that includes all the components of the program
offered to lay adults in the parishes.

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

Fr Timothy Deeter, Liturgy Office Director, assisted by Mr Michael McKenna, Acolyte at St Mary’s Cathedral will present the program, along with young adult EMHCs from Notre Dame University and the Catholic chaplaincies of the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales.

“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

Course Venue, Dates and Times

Location	Date		Time
The University of Notre Dame Australia 104 Broadway, Sydney	Wednesday 18th July		9.30am to 2.30pm
	or
	Friday 20th July

Price: There is no fee for the students attending. The day will include lunch, and will conclude with Holy Mass.

REQUIREMENTS:
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.

MANDATE:
Upon successful completion of the day’s program, participants will receive a Certificate of Mandate from Cardinal Pell, making them eligible for this ministry not only in their schools but also in their parishes. They will be commissioned in their schools.

Students who plan to attend either one of the formation & training sessions are requested to register with the Liturgy Office at 9390 5801 or assistant@liturgy.sydney.catholic.org.au, or by tearing off the registration page on the printable form available for download here, and faxing it to 9390 5825 or posting to:

Liturgy Office
Level 12
133 Liverpool St
Sydney NSW 2000

NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 13 JULY 2007.

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