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Huron Church House
190 Queens Ave.
London, ON 
N6A 6H7

Tel: (519) 434-6893 or
toll free in Ontario at
1-800-919-1115
Fax (519) 673-4151
Email: huron@huron.anglican.ca

Date: September 5, 2002
Revision Date: September 5, 2002

Position Title: Lay Eucharistic Minister

Position reports to the Lay Eucharistic Ministry Coordinator and to the
Clergy and is responsible to the parish community

Primary Function: The Lay Eucharistic Minister will visit each assigned
parishioner (shut-ins or in hospital/nursing home) every two months or
as agreed to with the parishioner and will administer the Eucharist from
the reserved Sacrament.

What is the purpose of this position?
How does it contribute to the wider
mission of the Church? The Lay Eucharistic Minister plays an important
role in the parish community by ensuring that parishioners who are not
able to attend worship due to health constraints continue to receive
Eucharist on a regular basis, are made aware that they are upheld
during the worship of the congregation and that the parish Clergy
are apprised of any pastoral concerns that should be addressed.

Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Clergy and the Coordinator of Lay
Eucharist Ministers, the Lay Eucharistic Minister is responsible for the
following:

1. To ensure that the list of shut-ins for which they are responsible
receive the Eucharist using the assigned liturgy and ensuring that
the shut-ins receive Eucharist at least once every two months
(depending on health and willingness of the shut-in).
2. Documents and reports all visits using the appropriate reporting form.
3. Advise the Rector or Honourary Assistant of any shut-ins who are
in need of Priestly Sacraments.
4. Report any problems regarding the Home communion sets to the
Coordinator.
5. Log the Home communion sets in and out of the office to be sure
that their whereabouts is known.
6. Attend training and orientation to and evaluation of the Lay
Eucharistic Ministers and attend annual L.E.M. retreat
7. Attend any scheduled meetings regarding this ministry
8. To meet with the Clergy individually at least quarterly or more
frequently as required for debriefing and support
9. To ensure that the Clergy is aware of those who will receive
communion so that the names may be read aloud during the
Sunday service
10. Lay Eucharistic Ministers will visit parishioners in pairs unless
arrangements are made for the shut-in’s family member or friend to be
present (they may also participate) or another suitably screened
parishioner may accompany the L.E.M. on the visit.

Criteria for selection:
what skills are needed or would be useful?
What interests might it appeal to?
Are there personality traits that would be an asset in doing this position?

Lay Eucharistic Minister will demonstrate skills in leading worship and
communication, and a love for and understanding of the sacraments.
Due to the nature of working with vulnerable people and the potential for
being in individuals' homes, the position is considered 'high risk' position
for purposes of screening in faith. The Lay Eucharistic Minister must
have a criminal reference check if they are going to do home visits. The
Lay Eucharistic Minister attends corporate worship services on a regular
basis and is a regular communicant of the Anglican Church.

Term of Office:
What is the time frame?
Is it renewable?
How often?

The term of the position is two years and is renewable

Reimbursement:
What financial costs are covered?

Specific requests for which there is no budget may be made to the Clergy.

Support:
What training is provided?
Who is responsible for this position?
Who supports the person doing it?

The Coordinator of Lay Eucharistic Ministers will be train Lay Eucharistic
Ministers and meet with them frequently as necessary to discuss their
ministry and any concerns.

Time commitment:
How many hours a week/days a month?
Is there a concentrated period of work?

Regular attendance at Parish worship One to two hours per week
Two hours every 3 months to meet with the Clergy or designate and the
other Eucharistic Ministers Attends the installation service annually

Benefits:
What satisfaction might a person get from this position?
How might it be an avenue for discovery or development of gifts?
How might this position assist a person to live as a baptized Christian?

Opportunity to let God use you to maintain the sacramental connection
with the parish community and those who are sick or shut-in. This
position impacts the quality of worship life and interpersonal
relationships of those who are shut-in and the community. There is an
opportunity to be part of an exciting, dynamic and important ministry.

LEVEL OF RISK: HIGH


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