The ACU Centre for Liturgy, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Melbourne, is offering free in-person liturgical ministry training workshops in 2025.

Ministers of the Word

In June two free training workshops are offered to prepare new and experienced Ministers of the Word to develop their skills and confidence to proclaim the Word of God.

photo of person speaking

ACU's experienced liturgy instructors will guide participants through engaging material in a friendly and supportive learning environment. Because ministry occurs in a particular location with its own expectations and procedures, training in this program will be complemented by a local practicum by the Parish Priest (or his designate) to help apply the learning. Participants will also be asked to write a short reflection on what they have learned.

A five-year certification is provided to those who complete all components of the program.

Gain essential skills and deepen understanding

The Ministers of the Word training program examines what liturgical ministry is and details the practical and spiritual formation needed for those who proclaim the Word of God. The Mass is explored, with a special focus on the Liturgy of the Word, and the layout and content of the Lectionary is examined in relation to the Liturgical Year. Vocal tone, eye contact, body language and movement are also discussed and modelled with interaction from participants welcomed and encouraged.

Download the flyer here

Work with the local community

Engagement with the local community is a key feature of this program, and participants from parishes, schools and Church organisations are nominated by their parish priest as the first step in the registration process, using the online form below to submit nominations directly, or by completing the Permission Form for Ministers of the Word nominations which can be downloaded here.

Two workshops will be offered and those nominated will be able to choose from:

Workshop 1

Date: Friday 13 June 6 - 9pm AND Saturday 14 June 9am - 4pm
Venue: St Catherine of Sienna Church, 28 College Street Caroline Springs
Register by: 6 June 2025

OR

Workshop 2

Date: Friday 27 June 6 - 9pm AND Saturday 28 June 9am - 4pm
Venue: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (Resurrection Hall), 441 Bluff Rd, Hampton East
Register by: 20 June 2025

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

In July ACU will host a training workshop at the ACU Melbourne Campus to prepare new and experienced Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to become effective and hospitable ministers and serve their communities well.

photo of extraordinary minister of holy communion

ACU's experienced liturgy instructors will guide participants through engaging material in a friendly and supportive learning environment. Because ministry occurs in a particular location with its own expectations and procedures, training in this program will be complemented by a local practicum by the Parish Priest (or his designate) to help apply the learning. In readiness for the face-to-face training sessions, some brief online material has been prepared for you.

A five-year certification is provided to those who complete all components of the program.

Gain essential skills and deepen understanding

The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion training program examines what liturgical ministry is and details the practical and spiritual formation needed for those who minister Holy Communion. The Mass is explored, with a special focus on the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Vessels are examined and movement and procedures are demonstrated and practised. Specific issues related to this ministry are also discussed.

Download the flyer here

Work with the local community

Engagement with the local community is a key feature of this program, and participants from parishes, schools and Church organisations are nominated by their parish priest as the first step in the registration process, using the online form below to submit nominations directly, or by completing the Permission Form for EMHC nominations which can be downloaded here.

Date: Friday 11 July 6 - 9pm AND Saturday 12 July 9am - 4pm
Venue: Mercy Lecture Theatre, ACU's Melbourne Campus, Young St, Fitzroy
Register by: 6 July 2025

For more information, visit or call 02 9701 4751 or email CentreforLiturgy@acu.edu.au

Online nomination

Parish Priest/Pastor information**

Parish Priest's Local Training Delegate information (if applicable)

** Please note that the ACU Centre for Liturgy will keep this information confidential and will not share it with any other party.

Ministers of the Word Workshop

Workshop 1:
Dates: Friday 13 June 6 - 9pm AND Saturday 14 June 9am - 4pm
Venue: St Catherine of Sienna Church, 28 College Street Caroline Springs
Register by: 6 June 2025

OR

Workshop 2:
Dates: Friday 27 June 6 - 9pm AND Saturday 28 June 9am - 4pm
Venue: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 441 Bluff Rd, Hampton East
Register by: 20 June 2025

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Workshop

Dates: Friday 11 July 6 – 9pm AND Saturday 12 July 9am – 4pm.
Venue: Mercy Lecture Theatre, ACU’s Melbourne Campus, Young St, Fitzroy
Register by: 6 July 2025


I (pastor), nominate the applicants listed on the next page/s to undertake training as a Minister of the Word/EMHC through the ACU Liturgical Ministry Training offered with the Archdiocese of Melbourne. I have determined that each of these applicants is fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and has been found to be suitable for this extraordinary ministry, namely, is of good character, of sufficient maturity and "whose good qualities of Christian life, faith, and morals recommend them" (Immensae Caritatis 1.6).

I [or my approved Local Training Delegate, named above)] undertake to provide a local practicum to instruct these applicants in the practicalities of serving as a Minister of the Word/EMHC in our local parish/school/other ministry venue towards the end of the program, covering (at a minimum) the items on the checklist to be provided by the ACU Centre for Liturgy. Upon successful completion of this local practicum, I (or my approved delegate) agree to forward the completed and signed checklist to all practicum participants so that they can submit it to the Centre for Liturgy for assessment.

I confirm that individuals are aware of the expectation to attend both workshop components and the Practicum to be eligible to receive a certificate.

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