Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Training Program

The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion training program is undertaken in collaboration with the local Catholic worship community and culminates in a practical training session with the local pastor.

Program Overview

The program runs for five weeks, with each weekly online module taking between 2 and 2.5 hours to complete, supplemented by a live one-hour Zoom class held on a nominated weekday evening. The program covers topics including practical skills for ministry, important issues for ministers, an overview of key concepts, and a walk-through of the Mass.

Program Cost

The cost of the program is $110, with a group discount of 20% offered when five or more people from the same community are sponsored by their parish or community.

Target Audience

The program is designed for new and experienced Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in Catholic communities who desire to learn more about their ministry, hone their skills, and deepen their understanding of the liturgy. Participants must be fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church, have sufficient maturity (at least 16 years of age), and demonstrate good qualities of Christian life, faith, and morals.

Registration

To register, participants must first seek a recommendation from their local pastor. The pastor may submit the Permission form online or download and complete the form. Once the ACU Centre for Liturgy receives the Permission form, the participant will be provided with a link to complete their individual registration.

Program Structure

The program uses the online OpenLearning platform, which enables participants to read and engage with the material, communicate with other trainees, discuss topics, ask questions, and make comments. The program is divided into five weekly modules, each consisting of online coursework, follow-up tasks, and a one-hour Zoom session. A local community training session is scheduled towards the end of the program, replacing the weekly Zoom class.

Technical Requirements

Participants only need basic computer skills to complete the program. The online program involves clicking on links to videos, articles, and websites, reading webpages, and saving documents. Communication with the course instructor and other participants takes place via a straightforward message-style chat box.

Certification

Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon successfully finishing all components of the program, including:

• Completing all five online modules and associated tasks
• Attending all weekly Zoom classes (unless prior agreement has been reached for an unavoidable absence)
• Attending and providing details of the local practicum
• Engaging in a short reflection on their ministry in response to guiding questions

Program Schedule

The next Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion online training program is scheduled to commence on 4 August 2026. Participants can register by requesting that their parish priest submit the nomination form, ensuring they 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.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

---

Overview:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a leading Catholic university in Australia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its strong commitment to faith and values, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

---

Services Offered:

ACU provides a comprehensive range of student services, including:

Academic Skills Development:

The Academic Skills Unit offers support in developing essential study skills, academic writing, referencing, maths and numeracy, and exam preparation.

Campus Ministry:

Provides spiritual guidance and support to students.

Career Development Services:

Offers career advice, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Connect2Uni:

Provides support and resources for first-year students.

Counselling Services:

Offers confidential counselling and support for students' mental health and wellbeing.

Disability Support:

Provides tailored support for students with disabilities.

Medical Centres:

Offers healthcare services on campus.

Student Advocacy:

Provides support and guidance to students facing academic or personal challenges.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Services:

Offers dedicated support and resources for Indigenous students.

Student Veterans Support Program:

Provides support and resources for students who have served in the military.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

ACU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with opportunities for students to:

Join clubs and societies:

Participate in a wide range of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Engage in creative and cultural activities:

Participate in various events and activities, including arts, music, and theatre.

Develop leadership skills:

Take advantage of leadership opportunities within clubs, societies, and student associations.

Participate in ACU Sport:

Access gyms, fitness classes, and sports facilities, and join sports clubs and activities.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Catholic values and ethics:

ACU's commitment to faith and values creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Comprehensive student services:

Provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Vibrant campus life:

Offers a diverse range of clubs, activities, and events to enhance the student experience.

Focus on practical skills and real-world application:

Emphasizes the development of practical skills and knowledge relevant to future careers.

Strong reputation and rankings:

ACU is consistently ranked among the top universities in Australia.

---

Academic Programs:

ACU offers a wide range of academic programs across its four faculties:

Faculty of Education and Arts:

Offers programs in education, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Faculty of Health Sciences:

Offers programs in nursing, medicine, psychology, and allied health.

Faculty of Law and Business:

Offers programs in law, business, and economics.

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy:

Offers programs in theology, philosophy, and religious studies.

---

Other:

ACU has campuses located in Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Rome, and Strathfield. It also offers a range of online programs through ACU Online.