The diocesan course normally requires either three evening sessions (preferable) or one evening plus a Saturday

Input, discussion and scriptural reflection

(1) Significance of eating together
(2) Definition of Eucharist
         Thanksgiving - Sacrifice - Communion - Celebration of Service - Public Worship - A     Sacrament of Initiation
(3) Symbols of Eucharist
(4) Questions and concerns (for follow-up in next session(s))

[Frequently encountered questions include:

Commissioning for parish or deanery or wider still?
Faculties?
Viaticum
Intinction
Standards of life required
Dress
Purifying the chalice
Alcoholics, and alcohol allergy
People who don't receive under one form or another
Giving a blessing]

Input and discussion

Brief recent history (Paul VI) and salient points from:
Concession on eucharistic fast (1964), Mysterium fidei (1965), Eucharisticum mysterium (1967), Fidei custos (1969), Memoriale Domini (1969), Sacramentali Communione (1970), Immensae caritatis (1973)

First practical session: Communion at Mass

Including questions and answers, accidents, etc.

The Diocesan Guidelines for Lay Ministers of Holy Communion are presented and unpacked in depth.

Input on the fruits of Holy Communion:
Catechism of the Catholic Church, paras 1391-1398

Homework (if Session III is separate): watch ministers of Communion in your parish this weekend

Scriptural reflection

Evaluation of homework (if appropriate)

Input and discussion
Communion to the sick and housebound
Viaticum

Closing Prayer

Diocesan handouts includes all scripture readings, prayers and reflection and practical materials, plus the

Diocesan Guidelines for Lay Ministers of Communion

Communion of the Sick, McCrimmon ISBN 0 85597 488 5

Handbook for Ministers of Care, Liturgy Training Publications ISBN 1 56854 102 3

Liturgical Ministry: A Practical Guide to Spirituality, Donna M. Cole, Resource Publications Inc. ISBN 0 89390 372 8