Eucharistic Ministers/Visitors

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & EUCHARISTIC VISITORS

Eucharistic Minister (EM)

A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister should normally act under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

PRE-REQUISITES (FOR AUTHORIZATION):

The EM shall be a confirmed communicant in good standing of the Episcopal Church and the congregation, who has been invited to this ministry by the Deacon of a congregation, or the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of that congregation or community of faith.
The EM must possess an ability to administer the elements of bread and wine in the context of public worship.

FORMATION:
Training for EMs must include the following:

A basic knowledge of and respect for the sacrament of Holy Eucharist;
A knowledge of the historical content of Eucharistic ministry, and its connection to the Baptismal Covenant;
A familiarity with the rites and options, as found in the the Book of Common Prayer (which is the liturgical standard for the Diocese of Hawai`i) and other rites authorized by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church and/or the Bishop of Hawai`i;
A familiarity with the seasons of the Church year and the use of the lectionary; and
A recognition of the role of his/her ministry within the life of the Church.

To download the Eucharistic Minister Licensing requirements document, click HERE.

Eucharistic Visitor (EV)

A Eucharistic Visitor (EV) is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration. A Eucharistic Visitor should normally act under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

PRE-REQUISITES:
The prerequisites shall be the same as those listed in the EM section, as well as the following:

The Deacon of a congregation, or the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of that congregation or community of faith shall assist all applicants in the discernment of this ministry.
The EV shall be a confirmed communicant in good standing of the Episcopal Church and of the congregation, of legal age (18 years old), who is committed to the importance of Christian formation. (Such formation is understood to be an ongoing process.)
The EV must undergo “Sexual Misconduct” (“Due-Diligence”) Training in a program approved by the Diocese of Hawai‘i.
Because of the greater level of responsibility entrusted to the EV, this ministry requires more theological education and preparation than for that of the EM. Such training will be offered by or through the Diocese, or by those who have been duly trained and authorized by the Diocese. EMs may receive training from any licensed deacon or priest.

For a full description of Eucharistic Licensing requirements including Visitation and other considerations, click HERE.

Renewal

The renewal of EM and EV licenses are to be done every three (3) years, according to the Diocesan guidelines, with the Deacon, Clergy, or leader with oversight of this ministry attesting in writing to the EM and EV’s formation and his/her fulfillment of the above requirements.

Contact

Please contact the Rev. Cn. Sandy Graham regarding Licensed Ministries at (808) 536-7776, ext. 309, or CLICK HERE to send him a message.