Lay Eucharistic Ministers
A Eucharistic Minister (chalicist) is a lay person authorized to administer the consecrated elements at a celebration of Holy Eucharist when an adequate number of clergy is not present. A Eucharistic Minister acts under the direction of a Deacon, or under the member of the clergy who oversees the congregation or community of faith.
Qualifications:
Training
Completion of a course of training and study, under the supervision of the deacon or rector or other priest, to include a study of
A Eucharistic Minister (chalicist) is a lay person authorized to administer the consecrated elements at a celebration of Holy Eucharist when an adequate number of clergy is not present. A Eucharistic Minister acts under the direction of a Deacon, or under the member of the clergy who oversees the congregation or community of faith.
Qualifications:
- Confirmed communicant in good standing
- Faithful in worship and in stewardship
- Mature in faith
- Of good repute in the congregation
Training
Completion of a course of training and study, under the supervision of the deacon or rector or other priest, to include a study of
- The various theological understandings of the Holy Eucharist in the Anglican tradition
- Methods and practice of the administration of the elements (use of the purificator, rotation of the chalice, use of intinction, consumption of remaining elements).
- Clergy requesting licenses should ensure that those licensed in the congregation represent the diversity of the Church, and include women, men, young people (16 years or older) and older persons, as well as persons of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Licensed lay ministers who are functioning liturgically may vest in either alb and cincture or surplice and cassock, according to parish custom.
- Licenses are issued for three years.
- Those who are in a formal formation programs for the priesthood or vocational diaconate in the Diocese of Virginia are deemed to be licensed under these guidelines.