Communion of the Sick

The program is designed for experienced Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in Catholic communities who have completed the ACU Centre for Liturgy’s EMHC training program. This online training program will extend their knowledge and skills to minister Holy Communion to the sick and frail in a variety of settings. Participants will be of sufficient maturity and sensitivity to be able to engage appropriately with those who are vulnerable and will have the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances.

The online format enables all Catholic communities, especially those in isolated areas or with fewer resources, to access high-quality liturgical formation.

Individuals, school groups, parishes and diocesan groups may register. All participants must be nominated by their local pastor or delegate before registering.

A separate program for larger groups may be negotiated by contacting the ACU Centre for Liturgy at CentreforLiturgy@acu.edu.au.

Before registering online, you need to seek a recommendation via a permission form from your local Pastor. A ministry supervisor from a hospital or aged care residence may also be involved. The program operates in collaboration with your local community, so this first step is important.

Your pastor may submit the Permission form online here. Alternatively, the Permission form can be downloaded and given to your pastor to complete.

Once the ACU Centre for Liturgy receives the Permission form, you will be provided with a link to complete your individual registration.

The next Ministering Holy Communion to the Sick online training program is scheduled to commence in April 2025. The Zoom classes will be held on Wednesdays from 7 – 8pm.

If you are interested in joining a program, please start the process of registration by requesting that your parish priest submit the nomination form (see "How do I register").  This will ensure that you are advised of new program dates as they are settled. 

A dedicated program for a specific community or diocesan groups (subject to a minimum number of enrolees) may be negotiated by contacting the ACU Centre for Liturgy CentreforLiturgy@acu.edu.au.

The program uses the online OpenLearning platform, which enables you to read and engage with the material, communicate with other trainees, discuss topics, ask questions and make comments.

The program is divided into two modules, each module is conducted over a two-week period. Modules consist of online coursework, some follow-up tasks, and a one-hour Zoom session. A local training practicum consists of initial observations of an experienced minister undertaking their ministry, followed by a practical ministry experience and feedback.

Once your registration is successful, you will be enrolled in the next available program, or the one nominated by you on the form. You will receive a link to the OpenLearning platform before the program begins.

There is no introductory Zoom class for this program as all participants will have prior experience of the ACU Centre for Liturgy’s online training platform. The navigation structure will be familiar.

Participants should contact their ministry supervisors before the program begins to set up times and dates for the ministry observation/practicum.

This program is undertaken in partnership with your local community and sponsoring institution, as applicable. Your local Pastor will provide an initial recommendation for you to register for the program (see How do I register?) and you will be provided with a ministry supervisor. This person will be your Pastor or his delegate.

Throughout the program you will be invited to observe an experienced lay minister of Holy Communion of the sick in relevant ministry settings (a home, a place of residential care or a hospital), learn about the various protocols involved, undergo relevant checks, and seek local information and guidelines.

A simple outline of this training session will be provided for you and your local community.

You only need basic computer skills to complete this program. A laptop or desktop computer is needed. Mobile devices do not always save your progress, so we do not recommend phones or tablets.

OpenLearning is a web-based program, so you only need your regular internet browser to access materials. You will use Zoom for the online live classes so this application will need to be downloaded to your computer.

The online program involves clicking on links to videos, articles, and websites etc, reading webpages and, in some cases, saving documents. The materials and links are presented clearly on each page. Some saved files will be uploaded to a drop box. Dedicated help pages with videos are provided to explain how to engage with these activities, and the instructor will provide any further assistance, if needed.

Communication with the course instructor and the other participants takes place via a straightforward message-style chat box. A direct link to the Zoom classroom is provided on the home page of the program, providing simple and easy access.

You will receive a certificate of completion upon successfully finishing all components of the program. You must:

• complete two online modules and associated tasks
• attend Zoom Class 1 and Zoom Class 2
• attend and provide details of your local practicum
• attend local observation and practical ministry training, providing details via an uploaded completed Practicum Checklist.