Two hundred and fifty-six lay people were commissioned in Cork, Cloyne and Ross to serve as Lay Assistants at the Eucharist at Sunday Services throughout the Diocese on Sunday, 6th April.

Lay Ministers of the Eucharist from Carrigaline Union of Parishes who recently completed their training and were commissioned yesterday.

The Church of Ireland Book of Common Prayer empowers the bishop of a diocese to ‘permit lay persons approved by him/her to assist the priest in the administration of the bread and wine.’    In Cork, Cloyne and Ross, these permissions, on the nomination of the clergy, are issued by the Bishop every three years.  Those nominated take part in a course of local training which includes: an overview of the Anglican understanding of the Eucharist; the role of liturgy in the life of the Church; the centrality of the Eucharist; personal preparation; and, of course, the practicalities involved in administering the Holy Communion.