In the Book of Common Prayer, our Baptismal Covenant asks all in the church to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” and “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.” However, in some cases, specific laity are officially licensed for special duties in the church.
A lay ministry applicant must be a confirmed communicant in good standing or, in extraordinary circumstances, subject to guidelines established by the Bishop, a communicant in good standing, may be licensed by the Ecclesiastical Authority to serve as an officially designated Pastoral Leader, Worship Leader, Preacher, Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, Evangelist or Catechist.
Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors are trained at the parish level, and approved by the Diocese.
Requirements and guidelines for the selection, training, continuing education, and deployment of such persons, and the duration of licenses shall be established by the Bishop in consultation with the Commission on Ministry.
The Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith may request the Bishop to license persons within that congregation or other community of faith to exercise such ministries. The license shall be issued for a period of time to be determined under Canon III.4.1(a) and may be renewed. The license may be revoked by the Ecclesiastical Authority upon request of or upon notice to the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
A person licensed in any Diocese under the provisions of this Canon may serve in another congregation or other community of faith in the same or another Diocese only at the invitation of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight, and with the consent of the Ecclesiastical Authority in whose jurisdiction the service will occur.
Forms for Lay Eucharistic Visitor, Minister:
- Eucharistic Minister (Administer the consecrated elements at a Eucharistic celebration)
- Eucharistic Visitor (Take the consecrated elements “in a timely manner” following a Eucharistic celebration)
- Guidelines for Lay Ministry
Additional Resources:
Last Updated: 9-25-23