Special Ministers of Holy Communion
Special Ministers of Holy Communion, previously called 'Eucharistic Ministers', assist the priest at the Sunday liturgies – if there are not already sufficient priests and deacons present – by helping him to give the Body and Blood of the Lord to the gathered assembly. They may also be asked to express the parish’s care and concern for the sick by bringing Holy Communion to them in their homes or in hospitals and nursing homes.
Their ministry is considered a special privilege because of their closeness to the Lord, who is present in the Eucharist and present in every person who comes to receive him.
The Pastoral Outreach Centre offers formation courses for people wishing to serve as a Minister of Holy Communion. If you feel called to serve the Lord and your parish community as a Minister of Holy Communion, please contact a priest in your parish to offer yourself for training. Click here to find your parish contact details.
Ministers of the Word
Ministers of the Word offer their time and their talents that the scriptures may be proclaimed with clarity and with faith at the Eucharist and at other liturgies. Ministers of the Word pray over the scriptures during the week, and practice proclaiming them aloud, as their special gift to the Lord and to the community which draws life from his Word. Using their own voices and accents the Lord can touch the ears and the hearts of his gathered people.
The Pastoral Outreach Centre offers formation courses for people wishing to serve as a Minister of the Word. If you feel called to serve the Lord and your parish community as a Minister of the Word please contact a priest in your parish to offer yourself for training. Click here to find your parish contact details.