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Member of the Worldwide Anglican Communion
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Lay Eucharistic Ministers/Visitors
Lay Eucharistic Ministers have the honor and privilege of bearing God’s holy gifts in the sacrament of Holy Communion. In Holy Communion, priest and people affirm their basic unity in the sharing of the body and blood of Christ.
By definition and canon, Lay Eucharistic Ministers/Visitors are licensed by the Bishop to administer the elements at any Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the absence of a sufficient number of Priests or Deacons assisting the Celebrant. In accords with Canon law, such lay ministers are:
· At least 16 years of age or older, baptized, confirmed, and a communicant in good standing (i.e., for the previous year have been faithful in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented, and have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God) · Selected by the Rector with the consent of the Vestry/Executive Committee · Willing to carry out this ministry under the direction and authority of the clergy in charge of the congregation.
Holy Communion Basics All are welcome to the Lord’s Table to receive Holy Communion or a blessing from our clergy. If you are baptized and/or receive Communion in your home church you also may receive Communion at Trinity. Persons who are not baptized and who request it may come forward to receive a blessing from the priest at the altar. Full and complete Communion consists of both bread and wine OR bread only OR wine only. To decline one or both of the elements simply cross your arms in front of your chest, and our clergy will offer a blessing.
Children and Infants Any baptized person is eligible to receive Holy Communion, regardless of age. At Trinity, we give Communion to baptized children and infants whose parents desire it. We are gracious and kind to children. They are our present and our future.
Blessings Persons who are not baptized and who request it may receive a blessing from the priest at the altar. When distributing the bread, if a parent indicates that a child does not receive communion and/or if a person assumes a position at the altar with arms crossed in front, Lay Eucharistic Ministers may quietly ask if the person would like a blessing.
Lay Eucharistic Visitation Lay Visitation ministry extends the Sunday worship experience beyond the walls of Trinity Church to reach the lives of Trinity members who for reasons of illness and infirmity cannot attend church services. A visit is designed to be 20-30 minutes long. While visits include an element of pastoral care, the purpose of a visit is sacramental, to conduct worship by sharing in Holy Communion. Lay Visitors fulfill a confidential ministry of presence, of healing and of hope. The Book of Common Prayer (pages 396-399) contains provisions for conducting “Communion under Special Circumstances” for those who for reasonable cause cannot be present at a public celebration of the Eucharist. Lay Eucharistic Visitors are licensed to take the Sacrament consecrated at the Celebration to these members of the Congregation.
Holy Communion Basics from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP pages 857, 859-860) The Sacraments Q. What are the sacraments? A. The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.
The Holy Eucharist Q. What is the Holy Eucharist? A. The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ (Mark 14:22-26, Matthew 26: 26-30, Luke 22:15-20, 39; see also I Corinthians 11:23-26) for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. Q. Why is the Eucharist called a sacrifice? A. Because the Eucharist, the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his one offering of himself. Q. By what other names is this service known? A. The Holy Eucharist is called the Lord's Supper, and Holy Communion; it is also known as the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and the Great Offering. Q. What is the outward and visible sign in the Eucharist? A. The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread and wine, given and received according to Christ's command. Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace given in the Eucharist? A. The inward and spiritual grace in the Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ given to his people, and received by faith. Q. What are the benefits which we receive in the Lord's Supper? A. The benefits we receive are the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life. Q. What is required of us when we come to the Eucharist? A. It is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people. |
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