What is Eucharistic Visitor Ministry?
The Eucharistic Visitor Ministry is a ministry that brings the reserve sacrament and communion to members of the Saint Mark’s community who are home bound for some reason and cannot attend Sunday worship service. We strive to keep God’s presence in the lives of all Saint Mark’s parishioners by bringing communion to them at least once a month.
Eucharistic visitors also assist the clergy at the monthly celebrations of The Holy Eucharist at Friendship Village in Dublin and First Community Village in Upper Arlington.
Click here to visit the Eucharistic Visitor Resource page.
Who is called to be a Eucharistic Visitor?
All baptized Christians are called to do God’s work. If you have a desire to serve the elderly and homebound this ministry is for you. Eucharistic Visitors describe their personal experiences of bringing the holy sacrament and communion to others as being ‘life changing’ and God’s gift to both the giver and the receiver. Through this ministerial call one often experiences a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of the value of staying connected with a spiritual community.
What is a Eucharistic Visit?
The Eucharistic Visitor first sets up the appointment for a visit. Just prior the visit they will prepare the Communion kit from the reserve sacrament located in the church aumbry. This sacrament has been already consecrated by a priest during a service of Holy Eucharist. The Eucharistic Visitor then travels to the designated location whether it be a private residence, a temporary rehabilitation location, or retirement home. The visit begins with a friendly social interaction including a brief update on what’s happening at Saint Marks.
The Eucharistic Visitor then distributes the “Communion under Special Circumstances” (BCP page 396) worship leaflet to those receiving and begins the service. The service is the concluding part of the visit, and the visitor customarily says goodbye after the dismissal. The visit is generally twenty to forty minutes in length. Click here to read the service online.
Click here to learn more about pastoral ministries like Lay Eucharistic Visits.
What kind of training do I need to become a Eucharistic Visitor?
Eucharistic Visitor training consists of two parts: One is the training performed in the parish by the Rector. The second part is the Diocesan sponsored one day Safe Church Training offered monthly in locations throughout the Diocese. This training must be completed before a license can be issued. Contact Geri McDaniel (800-582-1712) for information on training dates and locations or check the calendar page of the Diocesan web site: www.diosohio.org.
After training, the rector, vicar or priest in charge should request that a license be issued by filling out the online application for licensed lay ministries. Initial visits are done accompanied by an experience licensed Eucharistic Visitor.
How do I request a Eucharistic Visit?
For parishioners and/or family members who would like to request a Eucharistic Visit please contact the parish office to be placed on the Visitor’s list. You will then be called by a Eucharistic Visitor to set up a time for your visit. This list will change periodically with people being added to the list and taken off the list when they are able to attend Sunday worship service.