The parish priest chooses parishioners to train as extraordinary ministers as the need arises. Their role is to assist the ordinary ministers (priests) to distribute Holy Communion during Mass as well as to the sick and housebound. They are also able to lead Liturgies of the Word and Holy Communion when a priest is not available to say Mass.
The extraordinary ministers’ training takes place during an intensive Formation and Training Weekend at The Briars Diocesan Youth Centre at Crich in Derbyshire. Each minister is expected to continue this formation by attending a Day of Renewal once a year and to renew their commitment during Mass in front of the parish congregation on the feast of Corpus Christi.
The Days of Renewal and other activities are organised by county. Meetings for the extraordinary ministers occur when called by the Parish Priest.
