Every three years in Cork, Cloyne and Ross, parishes recruit lay people who are trained and commissioned to serve as lay assistants at the Eucharist, and who assist with the distribution of the sacrament.  The short training course, outlined by the Bishop, Dr Paul Colton, and delivered locally in each parish covers the Church’s understanding of liturgy and the Holy Communion, as well as all the practical aspects of serving in this ministry. Nearly 300 adults from the Diocese serve in this local ministry and they will be commissioned, in their parishes, during morning Service on Sunday, 23rd April.

In one parish, Carrigaline Union, a group of 17 parishioners recently completed the 6 week PRISM Holy Communion Course and are pictured above on the last night celebrating together with some of the ‘old’ team. Altogether there will be 30 people commissioned on Sunday, April 23rd to be Lay Assistants at the Eucharist in the Parish Union (7 for St John’s Church, Monkstown and 23 for St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline). The Rector, the Reverend Elaine Murray, said:

Thank you to all who gave up their Monday evenings since Christmas, it is much appreciated and this ministry is very much valued by the entire Parish.