Lay Licensed Ministries

The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons. Lay persons are commissioned for their ministry by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world. Lay ministry comes in many forms, but some ministries require a license from the ecclesiastical authority in the diocese. Currently, in the Episcopal Church of Western Oregon, there are two lay licenses available:

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister acts 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. (Canon III.4.6)

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. (Canon III.4.7)

Please contact Tamara Knowles at TKnowles@ecwo.org with any questions.

STEPS TO OBTAIN OR RENEW A LICENSE:

    1. Clergy-in-charge or senior wardens email the bishop for approval.
    2. The candidate completes Safe Church training.
    3. The candidate passes a background check.
    4. For the newly licensed: Eucharistic ministers and eucharistic visitors are to receive training and formation by local clergy. For further details on this, local clergy can contact Derek Moyer, Missioner for Lifelong Formation at DMoyer@ecwo.org.

Once the above three steps are completed, someone from the diocesan office will send a digital copy of the license to the clergy-in-charge or senior warden.