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The ACU Centre for Liturgy, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Melbourne, is offering free in-person liturgical ministry training workshops in 2026.
In May 2026 a free training workshop will be 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.
A five-year certification will be 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.
Date: Friday 15 May, 6 - 9pm AND Saturday 16 May, 9am - 4pm
Venue: Mary Mother of the Church parish, 2-6 Waverley Avenue, Ivanhoe.
Nominations from Parish Priests by Friday, 8 May.
"The course was very informative; the breadth and depth of the content was superbly
delivered by Paul and Cathy. I hope more liturgical ministers are made aware of this
program."
Ingrid, Melbourne (2025 Ministers of the Word workshop)
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.
In June and July 2026 ACU will host training workshops at different locations to prepare new and experienced Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to become effective and hospitable ministers and thus 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.
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 12 June, 6 - 9pm AND Saturday 13 June, 9am - 4pm
Venue: St Mary of the Angels Parish, 150 Yarra Street, Geelong.
Nominations from Parish Priests by Friday, 5 June.
OR
Date: Friday 10 July, 6 - 9pm AND Saturday 11 July, 9am - 4pm
Venue: St John Vianney's Parish, 23 Police Rd, Mulgrave
Nominations from Parish Priests by Friday, 3 July.
For more information, visit or call 02 9701 4751 or email CentreforLiturgy@acu.edu.au
We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday
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