Forms and Dates for Extraordinary Minister Training and Ongoing Formation Sessions.

Workshops, Seminars, Courses

The Diocese of Harrisburg provides general and specific catechesis for the faithful regarding the rites and rituals of the Church.

The Church, therefore, earnestly desires that Christ’s faithful, when present at this mystery of faith, should not be there as strangers or silent spectators; on the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration. They should be instructed by God’s word and be nourished at the table of the Lord’s body; they should give thanks to God; by offering the Immaculate Victim, not only through the hands of the priest, but also with him, they should learn also to offer themselves; through Christ the Mediator, they should be drawn day by day into ever more perfect union with God and with each other, so that finally God may be all in all. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 48)

Training and Continuing Formations for Liturgical Ministers is held throughout the year.

Servers, lectors commentators, and members of the choir also exercise a genuine liturgical function. They ought, therefore, to discharge their office with the sincere piety and decorum demanded by so exalted a ministry and rightly expected of them by God’s people. Consequently they must all be deeply imbued with the spirit of the liturgy, each in his own measure, and they must be trained to perform their functions in a correct and orderly manner. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 29)

The required diocesan training sessions for new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are held throughout the year. All those to be mandated must attend one of these sessions. It is required that the parish or institution also hold a practice session subsequent to this diocesan training session. The parish or institution (not the individual) must submit the required registration form and application for mandate. Diocesan mandates are issued for three-year terms with the possibility of renewal.