Licensed Lay Ministries
In the Episcopal Church, the clergy are responsible for planning worship, celebrating the Eucharist, preaching, and bringing Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. Lay parishioners assist first and foremost by their faithful presence and participation from the pews: praying, singing, making the responses. The spiritual importance of this weekly offering of "our selves, our souls, and bodies" cannot be overemphasized.
Lay volunteers also enhance the church's worship as acolytes, readers, and ushers. If you believe that you may be called to serve in one of these ways, please speak to the Priest-in-Charge or the Senior Warden. In addition, some lay ministries involving worship and the sacraments require licensing by the Bishop upon the recommendation of the parish clergy. These include the following:
Lay volunteers also enhance the church's worship as acolytes, readers, and ushers. If you believe that you may be called to serve in one of these ways, please speak to the Priest-in-Charge or the Senior Warden. In addition, some lay ministries involving worship and the sacraments require licensing by the Bishop upon the recommendation of the parish clergy. These include the following:
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (also known as Chalice Bearers) are trained and licensed to administer the chalice to members of the congregation during the the Eucharist.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors are trained and licensed to assist the clergy by bringing Holy Communion to those who are housebound or otherwise unable to be with us on Sunday mornings.
Lay Worship Leaders are trained and licensed to lead worship (usually Morning or Evening Prayer) in the absence of a member of the clergy.
All three ministries are exercised at the request of and under the direction of the parish clergy. For more information, see the diocesan Lay Training and Licensing webpage. If you think that you may be called to one of these licensed lay ministries, please speak with the Priest-in-Charge.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors are trained and licensed to assist the clergy by bringing Holy Communion to those who are housebound or otherwise unable to be with us on Sunday mornings.
Lay Worship Leaders are trained and licensed to lead worship (usually Morning or Evening Prayer) in the absence of a member of the clergy.
All three ministries are exercised at the request of and under the direction of the parish clergy. For more information, see the diocesan Lay Training and Licensing webpage. If you think that you may be called to one of these licensed lay ministries, please speak with the Priest-in-Charge.