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The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee -

Eucharistic Visitor

As defined by Canons: The Eucharistic visitor is authorized to take the consecrated elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to worship with the congregation. Responsibility may include conveying sermon highlights and sharing prayers with the person being visited. The Eucharistic visitor may take others from the congregation on those visits, if the person being visited is willing. The Eucharistic visitor is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing and serves under the direction of a deacon, if any, or a member of the clergy who oversees the congregation

  • Personal qualities and history of the Eucharistic Visitor

    Deep relationship with God and a personal commitment to the ministry of the church 

    Spirituality centered in public worship, as exemplified in long-term, regular, faithful participation in the worship of the church 

    An understanding of and respect for the Eucharistic practices of the church. 

    Prays easily with others 

    Can read aloud effectively 

    Understands necessity of confidentiality 

    Comfortable being with people who are confined by illness, injury or childbirth and can adapt to a variety of environments 

  • Formation considerations prior to licensing

    General familiarity with the Book of Common Prayer 

    Elementary sacramental theology and a clear understanding of the Anglican approach to the sacrament of Holy Eucharist 

    An understanding of pastoral care in administering the sacrament and the confidentiality which often is imposed upon such a visit 

    A knowledge of when and how to report pastoral needs 

    Listening skills 

    A clear understanding of the mechanics of the administration of the elements in various settings 

    Practical aspects of transporting the consecrated elements and the disposition of and/or return of any remaining to the church 

    An ability to paraphrase sermons 

    Knowledge of the policy and procedures for dealing with accusations of sexual misbehavior

  • Suggested elements of training

    Eucharistic visitor training occurs at the parish level under the direction of a deacon or member of clergy who oversees the congregation.  

     Occasional, regional, diocesan Eucharistic Visitor Preparation Workshops are offered.  

    Training may include: 

    • Eucharistic theology 
    • Baptismal and Eucharistic history 
    • Pastoral matters 
    • Pertinent canons 
  • Suggested resources for licensing and renewal

    Books 

    • A Manual for Eucharistic Visitors. Beth Wickenberg Ely, Morehouse Publishing, 2005 
    • Liturgy for Living. Revised edition. Charles F. Price and Louis Weil, Harper and Row, 2000 
    • Prayer Book Rubrics Expanded. Byron D. Stuhlman, Church Hymnal Corp., 1987 
    • The Meaning of Ritual. Leonel Mitchell, Morehouse Group, 1977, 1988 
    • The Holy Bible (any canonically approved version) 
    • The Book of Common Prayer. Church Hymnal Corporation, 1979 

    Web sites 

    Videos 

    Events/experiences 

  • Renewal of license process

    A Eucharistic Minister will be licensed for up to 1 year at a time. Before or immediately after 1 year has passed, the licensed lay Eucharistic Visitor should receive some refreshing of their training and assessment of their good standing. At this time, a member of the clergy with oversight and responsibility for this ministry can recommend that their license be renewed or that they pursue other ministries within the church and give room for others to practice this ministry. 

    Each year the diocese will request an updated roster of licensed Eucharistic Visitors for each parish and worshipping community.