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