The information on this page is for those interested in learning more about Eucharistic Visitation – including those who feel called to participate in this ministry both as a care receiver or a care giver. This is one way the sacrament is offered to individuals who are home bound for an extended period of time or residing a retirement community. This information is also helpful to trained Lay Eucharistic Visitors who wish to refresh their skills or begin preparation online before formal instruction by the clergy.
Leadership Resources
1. ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE EUCHARIST
The Holy Eucharist, the sacrament of bread and wine, was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper and based on ancient Jewish table prayer. It has 4 essential actions: taking, blessing, breaking and giving. The bread and wine are perceived to be the “real presence” of Christ. The Lay Eucharistic Visitor brings this sacrament to those absent from the community uniting them with the church as a whole. Introduced by Paul St. Germain (08:21)
2. LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY
The nature of Eucharistic visitation, training, the “Safe Church” requirement and licensing by the Diocese of Southern Ohio are topics explored with Pastoral Deacon Joan Maynard. (06:12)
3. PREPARING FOR EUCHARISTIC VISITS
This session explains the monthly scheduling process, information cards of people to be visited, setting up an appointment, copies of “Communion Under Special Circumstances”, and where and how to record the visit – with Lay Eucharistic Caller Coordinator Carol Brothers. (07: 07)
Click here for a PDF of “Communion Under Special Circumstances.”
4. PREPARING THE HOME COMMUNION KIT
The location of Home Communion kits in the sacristy, and how to prepare the kit with the consecrated bread and wine from the Aumbry is reviewed. This video includes how to reverently handle and transport the sacrament. (06:18)
5. “OUR TIME TOGETHER”
Join a conversation with Saint Mark’s Stephen Ministry leaders asking such questions as “What is a good way to say ‘Hello’ ? ”, “How do we share news about the parish?” and “Do we say: ‘goodbye’ – or ‘so long until we get together again’ ? ”. This session also addresses why Lay Eucharistic callers rotate and rarely visit the same person twice in a row. (07:15)
6. THE EUCHARISTIC VISIT
Includes: IN THE HOME (9:15) and IN A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (2:37)
These sessions take you step by step through setting the table, conducting the service of “Communion Under Special Circumstances” (from the Book of Common Prayer) and administration of the sacrament.
Click here for a PDF of “Communion Under Special Circumstances.”
7. RETURNING THE HOME COMMUNION KIT
This video covers where and how the communion kit is to be cleaned, and the proper handling of remaining bread and wine so they may be stored for their next use. (02:45)
8. ONGOING SUPPORT AND PRAYER
A conversation with lay pastoral care leaders at Saint Mark’s on the nature of pastoral care and the many components of this ministry within the congregation. (7: 39)
A REFLECTION ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST
A short reading from Dom Gregory Dix’s classic: “The Shape of the Liturgy” on the significance and role of the Holy Eucharist in human history and the life of the church. (03:20)
A Prayer before Making a Eucharistic Visit
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
– – Book of Common Prayer, page 832
