Licensed Ministries

LICENSED MINISTRIES

Contact

Please contact the Rev. Cn. Sandy Graham with questions regarding Licensed Ministries.

Overview

Certain roles in churches are filled by laypeople who have been licensed by the Bishop to function in these capacities. The ministries that need a license are specified by the canons (church laws) of the Episcopal Church; they are the following:

Eucharistic Minister
Eucharistic Visitor
Worship Leader
Preacher
Catechist
Pastoral Leader

The Diocese of Hawai‘i has specified the training requirements for a number of these roles.

Requirements for licensing are outlined by the Commission on Ministry and then forwarded to Bishop Fitzpatrick for approval. Currently, the ministries of Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, Lay Preacher, Worship Leader, and Catechist are being licensed.

Licenses are issued by the Bishop. Licenses expire the third year and are renewed on the First Sunday of Advent.

Currently, any Deacon or Priest in a congregation may train the Eucharistic Ministers in that congregation. A diocesan curriculum is available (contact the Rev. Cn. Sandy Graham). Worship Leaders are to be trained by a Diocesan-approved trainer.

Please note that the former licensed ministry of "Layreader" no longer exists. Anyone reading the lessons at a worship service in an Episcopal church should be trained by the Priest of that church (or by anyone to whom this responsibility has been delegated by the Priest), but the Lector (as such a person is called) does not need a license from the Bishop. However, if the person is also assisting by serving the chalice at Communion, then that person needs to be trained and licensed as a Eucharistic Minister.

All applications for licensing should be submitted using one of the forms on this page.

An application for licensing is not complete until the clergy in charge of the congregation, or the Senior/Bishop's Warden in absence of a clergy person, also signs the form, verifying that the layperson has completed the necessary discernment and training required for licensing.

Definitions and Requirements

Eucharistic Minister - 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. For a full description, visit the Eucharistic Ministers/Visitors webpage HERE.

Licensing Requirements for Eucharistic Ministers
Application for Eucharistic Minister licensing

Eucharistic Visitors - A Eucharistic Visitor 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. For a full description, visit the Eucharistic Ministers/Visitors webpage HERE.

Licensing Requirements for Eucharistic Visitors
Application for Eucharistic Visitor licensing

Preacher - A lay preacher exercises a ministry of presence focused on ministering the Word of God. They are diligent in reading and the study of scripture, practitioners in proclaiming the Gospel, and lead people in a deeper understanding of God’s word and its implications on the life of discipleship. They are qualified and equipped to speak on lectionary texts in the context of Episcopal liturgies. Click on the links below for more information:

Worship Leader - A worship leader exercises a ministry of presence focused on bringing people together through worship. They are passionate liturgical practitioners who connect people with God and each other in community. They are qualified and equipped to lead others in a variety of worship experiences including prayerbook offices, and creative liturgies as appropriate. Click on the links below for more information:

Catechists - A Catechist is a lay person authorized to prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, and shall function under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.