Liturgical Ministries Training Day
On Tuesday 18th June, Mr Nguyen and two Youth Engagement Leaders (YEL), Mischa R and Alansa S, represented St Francis Catholic College at the Liturgical Ministries Training Day held at the Wollongong Cathedral. This day was an opportunity to explore the Mass deeper and develop an understanding of some of the ministries of service that they can be engaged in. The day included prayer, keynote presentations, workshops and the celebration of Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord. Here is a reflection of the day from Mischa and Alansa:
"The Liturgical Ministries Training Day was a tremendously wonderful opportunity to learn how to involve ourselves more in the Mass. The experience allowed us students to recognise the significance of the Mass, as we actively listened to various presentations detailing these ideas and teachings. During the workshops, we both explored different ministries, and I personally had the opportunity to gain exposure to the Eucharistic celebration during Mass. The Training Day taught me how to formally distribute the Body of Christ and gained an understanding of the significance and purposes of certain furniture and holy vessels in the Church and altar. Additionally, the hands-on experience helped me gain confidence in distributing the Body of Christ. It was incredibly fun engaging with other schools in our Diocese and gaining more knowledge about this service!"
- Alansa
"The “Called to Serve” Liturgical Ministries Training Day was an experience that shaped us students to cultivate our skills in the Proclamation of the Word, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Eucharist as well as the Cantors in the Music Ministry. The training vividly engaged students in understanding the significance of the Mass, workshops and celebration of Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord to put what we’ve learnt to the test. At the Lectors workshop I had partaken in, we were taught by a Josephite Sisters, in the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, how to minister the Word of God properly. As she had quoted, “When reading, do not project yourself, rather project God’s words for the community.” Through her guidance, students from numerous schools within the Diocese spoke with clarity and passion, to tell a story through our words alone. We were also provided with delightful morning tea and lunch, enabling us to sustain our energy for the workshops. This also facilitated engagement and communication with other schools in our Wollongong Diocese, ultimately allowing us, as students, to refine our communication skills and make connections. This training day allowed us to gather as an Eucharistic community, not solely learning for this line of service, but also gaining future-proof skills: communication, leadership, collaboration, relationship building and confidence that are beneficial for our generation’s future in today’s society. To end the day, we gained the certification that deems us eligible to serve in our school and parish communities."
"The “Called to Serve” Liturgical Ministries Training Day was an experience that shaped us students to cultivate our skills in the Proclamation of the Word, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Eucharist as well as the Cantors in the Music Ministry. The training vividly engaged students in understanding the significance of the Mass, workshops and celebration of Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord to put what we’ve learnt to the test. At the Lectors workshop I had partaken in, we were taught by a Josephite Sisters, in the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, how to minister the Word of God properly. As she had quoted, “When reading, do not project yourself, rather project God’s words for the community.” Through her guidance, students from numerous schools within the Diocese spoke with clarity and passion, to tell a story through our words alone. We were also provided with delightful morning tea and lunch, enabling us to sustain our energy for the workshops. This also facilitated engagement and communication with other schools in our Wollongong Diocese, ultimately allowing us, as students, to refine our communication skills and make connections. This training day allowed us to gather as an Eucharistic community, not solely learning for this line of service, but also gaining future-proof skills: communication, leadership, collaboration, relationship building and confidence that are beneficial for our generation’s future in today’s society. To end the day, we gained the certification that deems us eligible to serve in our school and parish communities."
- Mischa