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LAY
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS (LEM)
General
Information
Lay
Eucharistic Ministers -- Expectations
GENERAL
QUALIFICATIONS -- Must be an adult member in good standing,
must be recommended by the rector, be regular in worship, and
have a concern for the sick and the needy. Willing to commit
three Sundays a month to administration of communion to the
sick, have a working knowledge of scripture or a commitment
to regular Bible study under the guidance of clergy, a devotion
to the Eucharist, matched by a basic understanding of sacramental
theology. At the end of three years, the license expires, and
should a Lay Eucharist Minister desire to continue, he/she
must receive additional training provided by the Diocese, before
the license is renewed.
DIOCESAN
COMMITMENT -- Basic training of Lay Eucharistic Ministers,
licensing, an annual meeting to focus on ministry to the sick,
advanced training for Lay Eucharistic Ministers seeking recertification.
PARISH
COMMITMENT -- A quarterly meeting of Lay Eucharistic Ministers
for prayer, study, and fellowship, and if necessary, reorganization
of the work. Provide spiritual direction to Lay Eucharistic
Ministers as needed. A written agreement between the rector
and the Lay Eucharistic Ministers could be very helpful.
BRIEFING
FOR PARISH CLERGY -- There will be an initial meeting of
the Facilitator and Rectors or other clergy designated to supervise
the LEM program in the parish. By Canon, a Deacon, if there
is one, should supervise the program under the Rector. This
initial meeting will include a discussion of the training program
and the Rector's responsibility in the work of Lay Eucharistic
Ministers. There will be a briefing on the Course of Study
and the expectations of both the LEM and the Rector.
TRAINING
SESSIONS -- candidates for Lay Eucharistic Minister will
attend six training sessions over a 12 to 14 week period as
follows:
| First
Session -- |
On
the ministry |
| Second
Session -- |
A
Theology of Presence in Word and Sacrament |
| Third
Session -- |
A
Theology of Presence of Christ in the Eucharist |
| Fourth
Session -- |
On
Prayer |
| Fifth
Session -- |
The
structure of the Eucharist, including visitation of the sick |
| Sixth
Session -- |
The
mechanics of a visit, including proper reverence for the
Sacrament and equipment needed for special circumstances |
A
final meeting will be scheduled, shortly after the completion
of the training sessions, with the Bishop, Rectors and other
supervising clergy and the LEM students to clarify any outstanding
questions or issues. The Bishop will then commission the students
and issue their licenses. rectors are requested to commission
their parish LEMs to begin work in their parish at the next regular
parish Eucharist following their commissioning and licensing
by the Bishop.
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