Lay Eucharistic Ministry
Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
1 Corinthians X:17
A lay Eucharistic Minister taking home communion to a parishioner Eucharistic Ministers are chosen and commissioned to help administer Holy Communion to housebound communicants who are aged and infirm, and to bring the reserved Sacrament to congregations from a previous celebration of the Holy Eucharist at which the elements were consecrated.
In these two ways a distinct lay ministry has evolved, and in recent years has broadened in scope, in response to the needs of effective pastoral care and to make possible a regular maintenance of communicant life, particularly in scattered and multi-church parishes. The exercise and conduct of lay Eucharistic ministry is always under the direction and control of the parish priest and the support of the parish community. To ensure uniformity and good practice, guidelines to regulate this form of ministry have been issued to all clerics in the Diocese, and reference to these regulations must be made.
Diocesan Practice
This locally-based ministry has gained wide acceptance in parishes across the Diocese; it is likely to be an important ministry in the future. New patterns of ministry resource the needs of the modern Church.
Selection
How does one become a Lay Eucharistic Minister? Where pastoral circumstances require assistance, the parish priest and Parochial Church Council pass a resolution to recommend a candidate to the Diocesan Bishop, to be trained and licensed to minister in the parish. Quality of candidature counts far more than 'qualifications' in the accepted sense. This ministry needs qualities of spiritual maturity and devout commitment in the communicant life. The capacity to work as part of a collaborative team is essential, as is also an ability to relate with people in a sensitive way in a variety of circumstances.
Training
The course provides basic skills in pastoral visiting and also an adequate understanding of the liturgical implications of 'An Order of Holy Communion outside the Eucharist', the authorised service in the Church in Wales. Help and guidance are also given in the conduct of public worship. On completion of the course, the lay minister is licensed to work in the sponsoring parish.
Normally, courses are held annually during Lent; but in exceptional cases other arrangements can be made. The Lay Eucharistic licence is renewable each year.
In-Service
There are regular meetings for lay ministers for ongoing training, mutual support and to foster bonds of fellowship. These occasions include a Quiet Day and an annual lecture/seminar.
The Next Step
If you think God may be calling you in this direction of lay ministry, consult your parish priest, be prepared for your gifts to be discerned by the Church, and the Co-ordinator will at any time gladly supply any further information and advice.