During liturgical celebrations in our parishes, there are opportunities for lay men and women to live out their baptismal call to service and active participation in the Church.
Twice a year, the Diocese’s Office for Worship offers Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses that provides opportunities for people who wish to deepen their faith through the understanding of the liturgy and ministry.
Volunteers have the opportunity to receive comprehensive training in key areas of the Mass, including:
Minister of the Word: Participants learn about the importance of proclaiming the Word of God at Mass. When reading during Mass, the reader should have an awareness that the Word of God is living and active. Participants acquire knowledge of the origins of the ministry, its liturgical principles and how to properly prepare a scripture passage for reading in public.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Participants wishing to become Ministers of the Eucharist learn about the meaning of ministry in general, the Liturgy and Eucharistic Tradition. Serving in the ministry is given context within the structure and purpose of the Mass, especially the Communion Rite.
Minister of Communion to the Sick and Dying: Participants are given practical and pastoral skills in the different rites used for bringing Communion to the Sick and Dying. An overview of sickness, suffering and death within the context of the Paschal Mystery is discussed.
Minister of the Altar: Also known as Senior Servers and formally known as Acolytes, they assist the priest in the celebration of the Mass. Topics covered include the requirements of the role, qualities of a server and what is involved in the role. Also covered are the topics the servers need to be familiar with including the times of the liturgical year, the parts of the Mass and items used for liturgical rites.
Volunteers learn about the theological and pastoral aspects of the ministries as well as practical skills and duties involved.
The next series of formation courses will be held between February and April 2026.
Liturgical Ministry Course returns in February 2026
PLEASE NOTE: Courses will be held on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm between Blacktown and Penrith.
The Liturgical Ministry Course will recommence in February 2026.
Compulsory Introductory Session (one session)
- Monday 16 February (Blacktown)
- Thursday 19 February (Penrith)
Ministers of the Word (two sessions)
- Monday 23 February and 2 March (Blacktown)
- Thursday 26 February and 5 March (Penrith)
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion (two sessions)
- Monday 9 March and 16 March (Blacktown)
- Thursday12 March and 19 March (Penrith)
Communion to the Sick and Dying (one session)
- Monday 23 March (Blacktown)
- Thursday 26 March (Penrith)
Ministers at the Altar (one session)
- Monday 20 April (Blacktown)
- Thursday 23 April (Penrith)
For more information, please contact the Office for Worship Team via the form below.
If you wish to become a Minister to the Sick and Dying, it is required that you complete the sessions on Extraordinary Ministers of Communion.
If you would like to become a Minister of the Altar, you must attend all seven sessions.
All applications need to be endorsed by your Parish Priest prior to attending the first introductory session. All applications must be completed and returned by Friday 23 January 2026.
If you have any questions regarding participation in the Liturgical Ministry Course, please contact the team at the Office for Worship: