Eucharistic Ministry: Making Room at the Table
There are several active worship ministries at St. Michael’s. Among the various roles for worship participants are acolytes, altar guild members, lay readers, and choir members. However, in addition to these roles, the Episcopal Church maintains a handful of official licensed ministries for lay leaders. Two of these licensed roles are Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors.
At St. Michael’s, we commonly use the acronym, L.E.M., for Lay Eucharistic Minister. A L.E.M. is synonymous with the shorter title: Eucharistic Minister. A Eucharistic Minister is a licensed lay leader who assists priests and deacons at the table during Communion. They often administer wine at Communion, so they are sometimes called a Chalice Bearer.
Eucharistic Ministers have a passion and deep reverence for sacramental ministry. They are often trained in eucharistic and liturgical theology, church history, the basics of setting the altar, and pastoral care for services of public worship.
Eucharistic Visitors are similar to Eucharistic Ministers in that they must also be knowledgeable in Eucharistic theology, the liturgy, and practical aspects of the work. However, they are specially trained to take Communion from the table at a public service of worship to those who are often confined to home and hospital. This role is deeply pastoral and requires a more involved understanding of pastoral care.
Over the summer, I’ll be facilitating a training or trainings for those interested in becoming or licensed Eucharistic Minister or a Eucharistic Visitor. If you have an interest, please be in touch with me. I promise the training will be fun and full of geeky church facts and stories. 🙂
The Rev. Mark Furlow, Interim Rector
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