Licensed Ministers are lay persons, over the age of 16, who have been confirmed in The Episcopal Church and trained in a particular ministry as per the Canons of The Episcopal Church (TEC). The Episcopal Church in Connecticut currently licenses lay persons to serve as Eucharistic Ministers, Eucharistic Visitors, or Worship Leaders.
Eucharistic Minister
Formerly chalice bearer or lay eucharistic minister.
A eucharistic minister administers the chalice at a regular celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the eucharistic minister’s parish.
TEC Title III, Canon 4, Sec. 6
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 a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith
Eucharistic Visitor
Formerly lay eucharistic visitor.
Directly following a parish celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a eucharistic visitor takes the consecrated Host to members of the parish who were unable to be present at that celebration because of illness or infirmity.
TEC Title III, Canon 4, Sec. 7
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 a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
Worship Leader
Formerly lay reader.
A worship leader regularly leads non-Eucharistic public worship in his or her parish under the direction of the member of the clergy in charge of the congregation. NOTE: The function of a worship leader is not that of a lector.
TEC Title III, Canon 4, Sec. 4
A Worship Leader is a lay person who regularly leads public worship under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
*Other Ministries
Lay Preacher
The Episcopal Church in Connecticut does not currently license lay preachers.
What is a lay preacher?
A lay person licensed by the bishop to preach. This ministry is licensed under the provisions of the canon for licensed lay persons. The lay preacher must be a confirmed adult communicant in good standing, and recommended by the member of the clergy in charge of the congregation.
Lector
A lector is an unlicensed parishioner appointed by the clergy to read the Lessons, lead the Psalm, or lead the Prayers of the People.
What is a lector?
A lay person trained in reading scripture who is appointed by the clergy person in charge of the congregation to read lessons or lead the prayers of the people. The term is from the Latin, “to read.” There is no license required for this lay ministry.
Acolyte
Service at the altar as an acolyte is not a function of either a licensed worship leader or licensed eucharistic minister. However, many licensed lay ministers also serve as acolytes.
What is an acolyte?
Acolyte is a general term which covers not only servers at the altar, torchbearers, and lighters of candles, but also crucifers, thurifers, and banner-bearers.
Selection of Applicants
In ECCT, an applicant for a license to serve as a eucharistic minister, eucharistic visitor or worship leader is supported by the person responsible for the congregation (rector, priest-in-charge, or senior warden). This person supports applicants who participate in the worship of the parish and are actively involved in the leadership and life of the parish community.
Those selected should also have pastoral gifts, especially those who seek to be licensed as eucharistic visitors. They should be supported also for their abilities in reading, speaking and praying with others. Applicants are encouraged to practice a life of faith, including Bible reading and study, prayer with regular intercession, and participation in the broader parish life.
Applicants for eucharistic minister should be willing to meet regularly with other eucharistic ministers and with clergy for the purpose of insuring appropriate pastoral care.
Training of Licensed Lay Leaders
Those who are to be licensed as eucharistic ministers, visitors, or worship leaders must be trained by a member(s) of the clergy, including ECCT’s Archdeacons, and/or approved regional training program. Consult Marsha McCurdy Adell, ECCT’s Director of Lay Vocations & Ministry, for additional training opportunities.
A note on Safe Church Training: It is required for Eucharistic Visitors, along with a public background check arranged through the parish. However, it’s not required to be licensed as a Eucharistic Minister or Worship Leader, and is strongly encouraged for anyone living into an active ministry.
Obtaining a License in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut
We are in the process of updating our licensing process. Please follow the “Next Steps” below.
Transfers – Licenses are valid only in the parish in which they are issued. If a person licensed to officiate in another parish or diocese wishes to obtain a license “transfer” to function in another parish in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, please contact the Director of Lay Vocations & Ministry.
Renewals – Licenses for laity in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut are valid for a period of three years. These ministries should not be considered lifetime appointments, but are to be shared. Please make every effort to apply for renewals six months before the expiration date of the license.
Next Steps
For more information or to begin the licensing process, please contact Marsha McCurdy Adell, Director of Lay Vocations & Ministry.