Purpose of Ministry:  A Lay Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person licensed by the Bishop to administer the consecrated elements of the Eucharist.   These “visitors” go from a Sunday Eucharist or other principal celebration of the Eucharist to share the sacrament with members of the congregation who were unable to be present at the celebration because of illness or infirmity.  This ministry is understood to be an extraordinary ministry, and is not to take the place of the priests and deacons in the administration of the Holy Eucharist.

Number of Hours Expected to Be Needed Each Month:  1 (one)

Where are  Ministry Services Provided:  off site

Explanation:  Typically the person licensed as a Lay Eucharistic Visitor is expected to serve members of the congregation to which they belong, although under some circumstances others may elect to join in the Eucharist, such as at nursing homes or retirement communities.   Eucharistic Visitors must be members in good standing of the parish in which they intend to serve, demonstrate pastoral sensitivity, complete training as directed by their Rector and be licensed by the Bishop for their parish.  The members of the Church of the Ascension consider it our mission to provide Lay Eucharistic visitation to all members of the parish who request it and to make known to all parishioners that we are eager to serve those separated from the parish worship services by illness, infirmity or other circumstances.  With this ministry we strive to make whole the body of Christ for all who seek to be bound together by his love.