Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi - Amazon S3€¦ · Congregation. The Lay Ministry Education Program encourages one to read A Manual for Lay Eucharistic Ministers by Elizabeth Ely

Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi

Licensed Lay Ministry Guidelines

May 2008; updated October 2017

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PREFACE

Diocesan Lay Readers have served the Diocese for many years. At Clergy

Conference in September 1965, Bishop John M. Allin announced that a Division of Lay Reader Training had been created within the Diocesan Department of Christian Education. “In order for the Episcopal Church to minister in all areas of Mississippi, it has become necessary for the Diocese to have a large number of well-trained laymen who can work where do not have congregations” Bishop Allin said. The first class of Licensed Lay Readers, 26 men who had completed new and stringent requirements was commissioned and vested at the Annual Council in Hattiesburg in January 1967.1

Some of the more faithful served in many administrative and pastoral positions of the Church. With the new prayer book in 1979, the Episcopal Church began a shift in philosophy to include more lay people in pastoral and sacramental roles.

In 1985, the National Canons designated several areas for licensed lay ministries. In 1988, the Canons were revised to further clarify these ministries. Soon after this revision, Bishop Duncan M. Gray, Jr. appointed Johnny Outzs as the Director for Licensed Lay Ministry Education in the Diocese. Johnny established the program with guidelines according to the Canons and the suggestions from the Standing Liturgical Commission of the Episcopal Church. He wrote the first manual and developed the examination for licensed lay readers. His love and dedication to the Church and his vision for the program gave the program a concise beginning.

In 1990, Johnny asked Bishop Gray to establish an advisory committee to assist him with the tasks here. The original committee members were: Mr. Eddie Hodges, Coast Convocation; Dr. Suzanne D. Calvert, Tombigbee Convocation; Mr. Jack D. Shults, Delta Convocation; Mrs. Maribeth M. Howard, Central Convocation; Mr. Herb Jones, Old River Convocation; Mr. Rodney R. Thompson, Sowashee Convocation; Mr. D. Carl Black, Jr., Central Convocation; and Mrs. Patricia D. Rogers, Northern Convocation. This committee met to discuss suggestions and to revise the original guidelines. Johnny's sudden death was a loss to the committee and the program.

Bishop Alfred C. Marble, Jr. appointed Herb Jones director for Licensed Lay Ministry Education in September 1992. The Committee began a major revision of the manual to align it with the National Canons. It further recommended that a rotation of the membership begin in 1994. A minimum of one member from each convocation will serve a four-year term. Each convocation will submit two to three qualified persons to the Bishop who will make the final selection. In 1996, Bishop Marble appointed Nick Phillips director. In 2000, Patricia Rogers Lewis succeeded Phillips. In 2003, Bishop Duncan M. Gray III appointed Danny Ray Meadors who is currently serving a four-year term succeeded Lewis.

1 The Episcopal Church in Mississippi: 1763-1992, © 1992 by The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi

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LICENSED LAY MINISTRIES Diocese of Mississippi

Since the early 1980's and the adoption of The Book of Common Prayer (1979), lay persons have shared a more responsible and vibrant role in the offerings of the church, especially in the worship services. The National Canons, Title III, Canon 4, of the Episcopal Church of the United States (2003), give to the Bishop of each diocese permission to license laypersons for specialized lay liturgical ministry. Specialized ministries are pastoral leaders, worship leaders, preacher, Eucharistic ministers, Eucharistic visitors and catechist.

In the Diocese of Mississippi, Canon 17 establishes guidelines for licensed laypersons. The categories authorized and the training of persons is at the discretion of the Bishop. In our Diocese, the Bishop organized the Diocesan Licensed Lay Ministry Education Program to establish the guidelines for the licensing of the specialized lay ministries that he approves. A Director and an Advisory Committee, composed of a representative from each convocation, direct the Program. The Committee meets regularly to consider activities, policies, and procedures. More specifically, the committee (1) reviews the areas to be examined as directed by the canons and the bishop of the diocese; (2) revises, as needed, the correspondence course given to those seeking licensing; (3) reviews the continuing education requirements for renewal; (4) plans the annual Diocesan Lay Ministries Conference at Gray Center; (5) assists the convocations or churches with their own conferences for lay ministries; (6) responds to requests; (7) and makes its recommendations to the Bishop.

To be licensed for a specialized lay ministry by the Bishop, a person (1) must be a confirmed adult in good standing who is committed and prepared to serve the Church; (2) must be recommended and endorsed by the Member of the Clergy in charge of the Congregation and approved by the Vestry/Mission Committee in which the person will be serving; (3) and, in some positions, trained, examined, and found competent in specific areas.

CATEGORIES OF LICENSED LAY MINISTRIES Worship Leader

A Worship Leader is licensed to lead public worship and to read the sermon or homily under the direction of a Member of the Clergy in charge of the Congregation. In the Diocese of Mississippi, the person shall be trained, examined, and found competent in the following subjects:

(a). The Holy Scriptures, contents and background; (b). The Book of Common Prayer and the Hymnal; (c). The conduct of public worship; (d). Use of the voice; (e). Church history; (f). The Church's Doctrine set forth in the Creeds and An Outline of Faith,

commonly called the Catechism; The New Church Teaching Series (Volumes 1-12) and A Lay Minister's Guide to the Book of Common Prayer by Clifford W. Atkinson (1988) are the primary recommended resource books. For complete listing of resources, see Appendix J.

Those successfully completing the four year Education For Ministry Program (EFM) through the external Continuing Education Program of the University of the South,

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Sewanee, TN, are eligible for licensing as Diocesan Worship Leaders if they complete Lesson IV: Liturgy of the current study series.

Application for licensing of the Diocesan Worship Leader is initiated through conference(s) with the Priest in charge of the Congregation. (For enrollment procedures, see Appendix A). After approval by the Priest in charge and the Vestry/Mission Committee, the applicant completes the Application for a Diocesan Worship Leader License (Appendix B) provided by the Director of the Licensed Lay Ministry Education Program. Those who apply for the correspondence course for Diocesan Worship Leader have two (2) years to complete the course.

Diocesan Worship Leaders shall vest in a standard black cassock, white surplice,

and black tippet with the Diocesan crest affixed to cover the heart. These vestments may be worn during any service in which the Worship Leader serves in his/her home parish or mission. No variation of this attire is recommended outside the home parish/mission. Pastoral Leader A Pastoral Leader is a Lay Person licensed to exercise pastoral or administrative responsibilities in a Congregation under special circumstances. This person must be a Lay Reader with additional training in Parish Administration, Appropriate Canons, and Pastoral Care. At present, the Diocese of Mississippi does not offer this license. Preacher

A Preacher is a person licensed to preach under the supervision of the Member of the Clergy in charge. This person may or may not be a Lay Reader, but must be competent in the same areas plus Christian Ethics and Moral Theology, Appropriate Canons, Pastoral Care, and Homiletics. At present, the Diocese of Mississippi does not offer this license. Catechist

A Catechist is a person licensed to prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows. Prior to licensing, a Catechist shall be trained, examined, and found competent in the following subjects: The Holy Scriptures, contents and background; The Book of Common Prayer and The Hymnal; Church History; The Church's Doctrine as set forth in the Creeds and An Outline of Faith, commonly called the Catechism; Methods of Catechesis. At present, the Diocese of Mississippi does not offer this license. Eucharistic Minister

A Eucharistic Minister is a layperson authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister should act under the direction of the Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the Congregation. Such a ministry may also be exercised on special occasions in other locations such as a Lay Ministry Conference where there are not enough priests or deacons present.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers will dress as directed by the Priest in charge. If one is also

a Worship Leader, he/she may wear the Worship Leader's attire, at the direction of the Priest-in-charge.

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Eucharistic Visitor A Eucharistic Visitor is a layperson 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. Although the Diocese does not require special training for this ministry, training should be under the Deacon or Member of the Clergy in charge of the Congregation. The Lay Ministry Education Program encourages one to read A Manual for Lay Eucharistic Ministers by Elizabeth Ely (1991). Also, see page VII.E.1, for the form for Distribution of the Holy Eucharist by a Lay Eucharistic Visitor to the Sick and Homebound.

Lector

A lector is a person in a Congregation who is appointed by the Member of the Clergy in charge of the Congregation to read the lessons or lead the Prayers of the People. This position does not require a license from the Bishop. One would hope that the Priest or his designee would train the person how to use the voice to read the Word. Congregational Lay Reader (This is not the old Diocesan Lay Reader.)

The Bishop may issue a special license to an adult member of a congregation in which a special need exist, as without a member of the Clergy in charge. This license is valid only in the specific congregation in which it is granted, and will expire when the need no longer exists. Licenses under this provision in previous canons shall remain valid unless revoked by the Bishop.

Congregational Lay Readers shall vest in a standard black cassock and white surplice, but no tippet, scarf, or stole.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL RELICENSING OF AUTHORIZED LAY MINISTRIES

Diocese of Mississippi

Each year, a Diocesan Worship Leader (and, where applicable, a Congregational Lay Reader) must attend a Lay Ministry Conference (annually in October at Gray Center) or any approved Diocesan function as a requirement for relicensing. A current list of approved Diocesan activities is available through the Bishop's office or the Director of the Diocesan Licensed Lay Ministry Education Program (See page VII.H.1). The application for Diocesan Worship Leader and Congregational Lay Reader must show approval annually by the Priest in charge of the congregation and the Vestry/Mission Committee.

The continuing education requirement will be waived for a Diocesan Worship Leader who is in good standing with his/her home parish or mission and who has twenty (20) or more years of service in the Diocese. However, relicensing is contingent upon annual filing of Application for Renewal of Diocesan Worship Leader License (Appendix D).

Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Lay Eucharistic Visitors are relicensed (Appendix E) annually by the Bishop upon the recommendation of the Priest in charge of the congregation and the Vestry / Mission Committee. These are licensed to serve only in their home parish/mission.

Applications for all authorized categories except Lectors are available from the Director of the Diocesan Licensed Lay Ministry Education Program. Lectors are not licensed by the Bishop, but should be qualified by the Priest in charge of a congregation.

Each parish/mission will receive a composite license for its licensed lay ministers. This document is to kept on file by the Priest in charge of the congregation (A sample is found in Appendix F).

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LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS

Suggested Guidelines 1. A Lay Eucharistic Visitor must be a confirmed adult communicant in good standing,

carefully chosen and trained, and licensed. A candidate is to be recommended by the Priest in charge of the congregation and the vestry/mission committee for licensing by the Bishop. The license shall be issued for one (1) year and shall be revocable by the Bishop, or upon the request of the Priest in charge of the Congregation.

2. If a Deacon serves a congregation, that Minister should supervise the work of the Lay Eucharist Visitor(s).

3. The person who is to receive the Elements should be included specifically in the Prayers of the People by the Congregation on that day.

4. The Administration of the Elements to the person visited should take place immediately after the service in the church. Following the Holy Eucharist, the Lay Eucharistic Minister(s) comes forward and is commended by the Priest for this ministry with the following or similar words:

In the name of this Congregation, I send you forth bearing these holy

gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the Communion of Christ's Body and Blood. We, who are many, are one body because we

all share one bread, one cup. AMEN

5. The parish/mission should supply a suitable container in which to carry the two

vessels for the bread, wine, corporals, and purificators. The container and any unconsumed elements are to be returned immediately after administration to the parish/mission. Procedures for consumption of these elements and ablution of the vessels required by the parish/mission shall be followed.

6. The people to whom Holy Eucharist is to be administered are to be notified in advance and the time of the appointment clearly set.

7. Only the order of the rite entitled Distribution of Holy Communion by Lay Eucharistic Ministers (Page VII.E.1) is to be used in the Diocese of Mississippi.

8. Record the necessary information in the parish registrar. Also, report to the local priest after the distribution.

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DISTRIBUTION OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST BY A LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITOR TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND

Adapted from the 1986 Standing Liturgical Commission of the Episcopal The Lay Eucharistic Minister greets the people:

The peace of the Lord be always with you. Response: And also with you. Collect of the Day: Gospel of the Day: (or some other passage of Scripture appropriate to the occasion). Comments may be made about the Sermon of that day. Suitable Prayers: Confession of Sin: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in

thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have Mercy on us, forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. AMEN.

Lay Eucharistic Visitor: May almighty God in mercy receive our confession of sorrow and faith, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. AMEN.

The Lord's Prayer: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever and ever. AMEN.

********* ADMINISTRATION OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST: (use the authorized sentences of

administration). ********** Closing Prayer: O gracious God, whose Christ stretched out arms of love upon the hard

wood of the cross to embrace all of the people of the earth; We give you thanks for feeding (---Name---) our sister/brother with the Sacraments of that precious Body and Blood, which is the sign and instrument of our common life; and also for enriching our parish family by sharing with us the food of our pilgrimage, the foretaste of the heavenly banquet of which we will partake with all of your saints, through Jesus Christ, our Savior. AMEN.

Lay Eucharistic Minister: Let us bless the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God.

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HOW AND WHY TO USE A PURIFICATOR: A GUIDE FOR EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND EUCHATISTIC VISITORS*

The purificator (the small cloth used to clean the chalice during communion) is an

important part of the proper serving of the common drinking cup to communicants. Used correctly, it keeps the cup from looking unattractive, helps reduce the spread of disease, and makes/people more comfortable in drinking from the cup.

The careless use of a purificator does a real disservice in the Eucharist, and can drive people from the communion. It is essential that the purificator be used properly and thoroughly. Please study and practice these important steps, and then incorporate them into your serving. THE SEVEN STEPS 1. Always use a clean section of the purificator. Do not reuse any section that already

touched the cup. 2. Use the whole purificator. Don't be afraid to open it up; the folds are not part of the

liturgy. However avoid using sections that are embroidered. These are very difficult to clean.

3. Never continue to use a dirty or unattractive purificator. If the purificator is used up,

or is beginning to look a little dirty, get a clean one. There should be extras on the altar table. If extras are not included for the service, request that those preparing the altar table for the service provide them.

4. Wipe the cup thoroughly at the section that has just been used. Rub with some

force, making certain to completely remove lipstick or other substances. 5. Wipe the outside, rim, and inside of the lip, especially if lipstick or other matter is

seen there. Wipe it clean. 6. Rotate the cup a 1/4 turn between communicants, and after wiping with the

purificator. Do this just before offering the cup, so that the communicant sees your rotating of the cup.

7. Wipe the purificator away from the area to which you are about to rotate the cup.

This avoids wiping the previous communicant's saliva or lipstick onto the area where the next communicant will drink.

[These steps are matters of courtesy and hygiene. Communicants are very aware of how conscientious Eucharistic Ministers are in keeping the cup clean and rotated. Our skill is essential in making all communicants feel welcome and comfortable at the Lord's Supper. Our care is always appreciated]. *Copied: George Koch; 620 Glenwood Court; Mill Valley, CA 94941

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A GUIDE TO LEADING DAILY MORNING PRAYER

*Optional

Section Page

Choices

Seasonal

Hymnal Music

*Opening Prayer

Rite I - 37-41 Rite II - 75-78

As indicated in BCP

*Confession of Sin

Rite I - 41 Rite II - 79

Long Invitation or Short Invitation

Preces


S-1-33

*Invitatory Antiphons

Rite I - 43-44 Rite II - 82-83

As indicated in BCP

S-289--292 S-293-294

Invitatory Psalms

Rite I - 44-46 Rite II - 82-83

Venite or Psalm 195 or Jubilate or Christ Our Passover

Christ Our Passover during Eastertide

S-2-20; S-34-50; Also hymns 399, 377, 378, 391

The Psalm(s)

PP. 585-808

Use daily schedule in Psalter or follow Lectionary

Follow Lectionary *

Plainsong Psalter; Metrical Psalter; Hymns - Paraphrases

The Lesson(s)


One, two or three lessons: Old Testament, Epistle, or Gospel. A modern Christian reading may be used.

Follow Lectionary *

Canticles

Rite I - 44-46 Rite II - 85-96

Advent - 15; Christmas - 16,17, 20; Epiphany - 11, 17; Lent - 9, 10, 14; Easter - 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21

S-177-288

Creed


May omit from one office if more than one said in the day

Salutation & Lord’s Prayer


Traditional or modern version in Rite II

S-21 S-51

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Continued:

Section

Pages

Choices

Seasonal

Hymnal Music

Suffrages


A or B

S-22-23 S-52-53

Collect of Day

Rite I - 159-210 Rite II - 211-261

As appointed

General Collects

Rite I - 56-57 Rite II - 98-100 814-833

Collect for Mission or General Intercession

Rite I - 57-58 Rite II - 100-101 383-393

Use one Collect for Mission or use 2 General Intercessions

*Hymn or Anthem

*Intercessions

PP. 383-393

*General Thanksgiving


Another Thanksgiving may be substituted pp. 836-841

*Prayer of St. Chrysostum


*Concluding Versicle & Response


Add Alleluias in Eastertide

S-31; S-32; S-54; S-55

*A Grace


*A Sermon

May follow the Lessons or the Collect for Mission or at the conclusion.

Suggestion: The offertory can go after the creed, the sermon, and the collects or during the office hymn or anthem. The rubrics are very permissive here. *****The above guide came from the Lay Reader's Conference at St. James Episcopal Church, Jackson, February 20, 1993. The Rev. Joe Burnett, Diocesan Liturgical Coordinator, made minor revisions. *Lectionary to follow is under the guidelines of Local Clergy in Charge of Congregation. Sunday Eucharistic Lectionary can be used if service is in place of regular principal Sunday Eucharist. Daily Office Lectionary is always appropriate, more appropriate if Office is a daily service of the church. Lesser Feasts and Fasts have Lectionary Reading appointed and can be used for the service of Morning and Evening Prayer.

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CRITERIA FOR CONVOCATIONAL

LAY MINISTRY CONFERENCE

The Director of Licensed Lay Ministry Education must approve a Convocational Lay

Ministry Conference. With approval, this conference will meet the requirements for renewal of a Lay Worship Leader’s license.

A brief outline of the conference should be sent for approval. The meeting should have a minimum of three hours of instructional material. The registration fee must cover all the conference expenses. A critique of the conference and a list of participants must be sent to the Director immediately following the conference.

The Diocesan office will provide a list of Lay Worship Leaders for Convocation or the Diocese.

The following outline is offered as a suggestion for a typical meeting:

8:30 Registration 9:00 Morning Prayer 9:30 Welcome (Optional: Report of the Diocesan Lay Ministry Committee from your

representative) 9:45 Session I 10:45 Break 11:00 Session II 12:00 Noonday Prayer 12:15 Lunch 1:00 Session III 1:55 Critique 2:00 Eucharist

For further information, please contact the director of Licensed Lay Ministries*: Director 2003-2013 Danny Ray Meadors, Director Licensed Lay Ministry Education 5287 Espy Avenue Long Beach, MS 39560 *Current Director of Licensed Ministries available from the website of the Diocese of Mississippi and the Diocesan Office.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI

Licensed Lay Ministry Education

Enrollment Procedures

For Diocesan Worship Leader

1. Discuss your desire for enrollment with your local priest. Receive the approval of the priest in charge of the congregation and the Vestry/Mission Committee.

2. Complete the Application Form (Appendix B) and have your priest or, in the event of a

vacancy, your senior warden sign it. The date of approval by your vestry/mission committee is to be included along with the signature of the clerk of your vestry/mission committee. The signature is necessary for compliance with the appropriate canonical requirements. Mail the completed form to the address below.

3. The Licensed Lay Ministry Education Booklet / Lessons will then be mailed to you for your

completion. You have two (2) years to complete the course. 4. Return each completed test to the Director for grading, after filing a completed copy with

your parish priest. Use the address below. 5. A progress report will be sent to you during your studies. In the event of problems, consult

with your priest. 6. Duration of all licenses for all categories is for one year. Your annual attendance at a lay

ministry conference or one of the conferences approved by the Bishop is a requirement for renewal of the license. (See Appendix H).

Reference Sources and the Examinations:

The New Church Teaching Series (Volumes 1-12), A Lay Minister's Guide to the Book of Common Prayer and A Manual for Lay Eucharistic Ministers are the primary resource material for the course. The Series is available through St. Andrew's Bookstore, P. O. Box 1154, Jackson, MS 39225-1154, 601-353-2021. Any resources can be used to complete the lessons. There are four (4) areas of study for this program:

I. BIBLE II. DOCTRINE III. HISTORY IV. LITURGY

All completed applications and examinations should be mailed to:

Mr. Danny Ray Meadors, Director Licensed Lay Ministry Education 5287 Espy Avenue Long Beach, MS 39560 Danny Ray can be contacted at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

APPENDIX B DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


Application For

A Diocesan Worship Leader License To the Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi: Right Reverend Sir: I am writing to apply for a license to serve as a Diocesan Worship Leader in the Diocese of Mississippi. In accordance with the Provisions in Title III, Canon 4, of The Episcopal Church, I certify that I am a confirmed, adult communicant in good standing of the Church. I further certify that I am regular in participating in the worship of the Church, in receiving Holy Communion, and active in the support of my mission or parish. I understand that applicants are expected to complete the correspondence Program of Study required by the Diocese. It is further understood that the requirement for license renewal each year is my attendance at certain diocesan conferences and approved diocesan activities. Name ___________________________________________ Date of Birth ____________________ Mailing Address _____________________________________ City ___________________________ State _________ Zip ____________ Email ______________________________________________ Phone: Home ____________________ Cell _____________________ Office ___________________ Parish/Mission __________________________________ City ______________________________ Date of Baptism __________________________ Date of Confirmation _________________________ Your reason for seeking this office: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Date of Application _________________ Signature ________________________________________

I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, this applicant is fit for the Office of Diocesan Lay Worship Leader. I further recommend that he or she be granted a license by the Bishop after completion of the correspondence Program of Study required by the Diocese. The applicant was approved by the Vestry/Mission Committee Date _____________________ Signature ________________________________________________ Clerk of Vestry/Mission Committee Date _____________________ Signature ________________________________________________ Rector/Vicar or Agent of Vestry/Mission Committee

Return to: Mr. Danny Ray Meadors, Director Licensed Lay Ministry Education 5287 Espy Avenue Long Beach, MS 39560 Rev. 10/17

APPENDIX C DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


Application For

A Eucharistic Minister License To the Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi: Right Reverend Sir: I am writing to request that ________________________________ be licensed to serve as a Eucharistic Minister in the Parish/Mission of______________________________ in the city of ______________________________ in the Diocese of Mississippi. In accordance with the Provisions in Title III, Canon 4, of the Episcopal Church, I certify that he/she is a confirmed, adult communicant in good standing of the Church. I further certify that he/she is regular in participating in the worship of the Church, in receiving Holy Communion, and active in the support of the mission or parish. I understand that applicants are expected to be trained by the Rector/Vicar or a person appointed to do so. It is further understood that this license is for one year and must be renewed each year. Name ___________________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________ City __________________________ State ______________ Zip ____________ Email _____________________________________ Phone: Home ___________________ Cell ___________________ Office __________________

Parish/Mission ______________________________ City ________________________________ Date of Baptism ____________________________ Date of Confirmation ___________________

Licensed Worship Leader NO YES Date _________________ I understand the conditions of this license and have been instructed in this ministry.

Signature ______________________________________ Signature of Person being licensed I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, this applicant is fit for the Office of Eucharistic Minister. The applicant was approved by the Vestry/Mission Committee on ___________________________ . Date of Meeting Date ___________________________ Signature _______________________________________ Clerk of Vestry/Mission Committee Date ___________________________ Signature _______________________________________ Rector/Vicar or Agent of Vestry/Mission Committee Submit to Bishop for licensing: The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage

Diocese of Mississippi P.O. Box 23107 Jackson, MS 39225-3107 Rev. 10/17

APPENDIX D DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


Application For

A Eucharistic Visitor License To the Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi: Right Reverend Sir: I am writing to request that ________________________________ be licensed to serve as a Eucharistic Visitor in the Parish/Mission of______________________________ in the city of ______________________________ in the Diocese of Mississippi. In accordance with the Provisions in Title III, Canon 4, of the Episcopal Church, I certify that he/she is a confirmed, adult communicant in good standing of the Church. I further certify that he/she is regular in participating in the worship of the Church, in receiving Holy Communion, and active in the support of the Mission or Parish. I understand that applicants are expected to be trained by the Rector/Vicar or a person appointed to do so. It is further understood that this license is for one year and must be renewed each year. Name ___________________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________ City __________________________ State ______________ Zip ____________ Email _____________________________________ Phone: Home ___________________ Cell ___________________ Office __________________

Parish/Mission __________________________ City _____________________________________ Parish/Mission ______________________________ City ________________________________ Date of Baptism ____________________________ Date of Confirmation ___________________

Licensed Worship Leader NO YES Date _________________ I understand the conditions of this license and have been in instructed in this ministry.

Signature ______________________________________ Signature of Person being licensed I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, this applicant is fit for the Office of Eucharistic Visitor. The applicant was approved by the Vestry/Mission Committee on ___________________________ . Date of Meeting Date ___________________________ Signature _______________________________________ Clerk of Vestry/Mission Committee Date ___________________________ Signature _______________________________________ Rector/Vicar or Agent of Vestry/Mission Committee Submit to Bishop for licensing: The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage


APPENDIX E DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


Application For

A Congregational Lay Reader License To the Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi: Right Reverend Sir: I am writing to apply for a license to serve as a Congregational Lay Reader in my Parish/Mission in the Diocese of Mississippi. In accordance with the Provisions in Title III, Canon 4, of the Episcopal Church, I certify that I am a confirmed, adult communicant in good standing of the Church. I further certify I am regular in participating in the worship of the Church, in receiving Holy Communion, and active in the support of my Mission or Parish. I understand that Congregational Lay Readers are expected to attend certain diocesan conferences during the license period, as are Diocesan Worship Leaders. I further understand that the license issued is valid only as long as the special need exists in my Parish or Mission, and must be renewed annually. Name ___________________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________ City __________________________ State ______________ Zip ____________ Email _____________________________________ Phone: Home ___________________ Cell ___________________ Office __________________ Parish/Mission ______________________________ City ________________________________ Date of Baptism ____________________________ Date of Confirmation ___________________

Date of Application ______________ Signature ________________________________________ Signature of Applicant It is requested that this applicant be allowed to serve to fulfill a special need in our Parish/Mission. The applicant was approved by the Vestry/Mission Committee on ___________________________ . Date of Meeting Date ___________________________ Signature _______________________________________ Clerk of Vestry/Mission Committee Date ___________________________ Signature _______________________________________ Rector/Vicar or Agent of Vestry/Mission Committee Return to: The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage Diocese of Mississippi P.O. Box 23107 Jackson, MS 39225-3107 Rev. 10/17

APPENDIX F DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


Application for Renewal of

Diocesan Lay Worship Leader License

In accordance with Title III, Canon 4, of the Episcopal Church; with this report of my continuing interest and qualification, I hereby apply for the renewal of the Diocesan Lay Worship Leader License.

CONTINUING EDUCATION FUNCTION ATTENDED Lay Ministry Conference(s) __________________________________________________________________________ (Location and Date) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other Diocesan Activities ____________________________________________________________________________ (Location and Date) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Print or Type)

Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________ State ______ Zip ___________ Email _________________________________ Phone: Home _______________________ Cell _________________________ Office ___________________________ Parish/Mission ____________________________________ City _____________________________________________

Signature ___________________________________________________ Applicant Date ___________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________________ Clerk of Vestry/Mission Committee Date __________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________________ Rector/Vicar or Agent of Vestry/Mission Committee Submit to Bishop for licensing: The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage


APPENDIX G DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


Application for Renewal of

Lay Eucharistic Minister and Lay Eucharistic Visitor

To the Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi:

Right Reverend Sir:

In accordance with Title III, Canon 4, of the Episcopal Church, and established Diocesan Guidelines, and with the

approval of the Vestry/Mission Committee of ________________________________ at a duly convened meeting on

(Name of Parish/Mission)

_____________________________ , I am requesting that a Lay Eucharistic Minister/Visitor license by issued to the (Date)

following person(s) who are or are not Diocesan Lay Worship Leaders as indicated:

Eucharistic Minister (Licensed as to Administer Holy Communion during the Holy Eucharist)

Licensed Licensed Name Lay Worship Leader Name Lay Worship Leader YES NO YES NO

____________________________________ ___________________________________

____________________________________ ___________________________________

____________________________________ ___________________________________

____________________________________ ___________________________________

(Use additional sheets if needed)

Eucharistic Visitor (Licensed to Administer Holy Communion to the Sick/Homebound)

Licensed Licensed Name Lay Worship Leader Name Lay Worship Leader YES NO YES NO

____________________________________ ___________________________________

____________________________________ ___________________________________

____________________________________ ___________________________________

____________________________________ ___________________________________

(Use additional sheets if needed)

Date ______________________ Signature _____________________________________________

Clerk of Vestry/Mission Committee

Date _____________________ Signature _____________________________________________

Rector/Vicar or Agent of Vestry/Mission Committee

Submit to Bishop for licensing: The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage Diocese of Mississippi P.O. Box 23107 Jackson, MS 39225-3107

APPENDIX H DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


Approval of Renewal for

Licensed Lay Ministries

In accordance with Title III, Canon 4, of the Episcopal Church, the following were recommended for relicensing in their respective categories by the Rector/Vicar or agent of Vestry/Mission Committee as well as by the Vestry/Mission Committee of _________________________________ _____________________________________ Name of Parish/Mission City

:

DIOCESAN WORSHIP LEADERS

LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS (To Administer Communion at the Holy Eucharist)

LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS (To Administer Communion to the Sick/Homebound)

Those shown are hereby approved to continue their licensed lay ministries under the direction of the Rector or Vicar in charge of their Congregation, and for a period of time not to exceed one (1) year.

Signature _____________________________________________________

Bishop

_____________________________________________________ Date

APPENDIX I DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


Continuing Education Programs

Please note that attendance at any of the following diocesan functions will satisfy continuing education requirements for renewal of licensure for Licensed Lay Ministers. However, it is hoped that candidates who are renewing would attend a Diocesan or Convocational Worship Leaders Conference at least once every two or three years.

ECW Spring Conference at Gray Center

Any Kanuga Conference

General Convention

Annual Diocesan Council

Annual Music & Liturgy Conference, Gray Center

ECW-sponsored Annual Diocesan Conference

Four-Year Education for Ministry (EFM) Program

Cursillo Weekend

Disciples of Christ and Community (DOCC)

Diocesan Annual Lay Ministry Conference

Convocational Lay Ministry Conference

Wardens’ Conference

All Conferences offer by the Center for Formation and Mission

APPENDIX J DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


The Episcopal Church Canons (2006)

Relevant to Lay Ministers

Title III Ministry

CANON 4: Of Licensed Ministries

Sec. 1 (a) A confirmed communicant in good standing or, in extraordinary circumstances, subject to guidelines established by the Bishop, a communicant in good standing, may be licensed by the Ecclesiastical Authority to serve as Pastoral Leader, Worship Leader, Preacher, Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, or Catechist. Requirements and guidelines for the selection, training, continuing education, and deployment of such persons, and the duration of licenses shall be established by the Bishop in consultation with the Commission on Ministry.

(b) The Presiding Bishop or the Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces may authorize a member of the Armed Forces to exercise one or more of these ministries in the Armed Forces in accordance with the provisions of this Canon. Requirements and guidelines for the selection, training, continuing education, and deployment of such persons shall be established by the Bishop granting the license.

Sec. 2 (a) The Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith may request the Ecclesiastical Authority with jurisdiction to license persons within that congregation or other community of faith to exercise such ministries. The license shall be issued for a period of time to be determined under Canon III.4.1(a) and may be renewed. The license may be revoked by the Ecclesiastical Authority upon request of or upon notice to the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

(b) In renewing the license, the Ecclesiastical Authority shall consider the performance of the ministry by the person licensed, continuing education in the licensed area, and the endorsement of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith in which the person is serving.

(c) A person licensed in any Diocese under the provisions of this Canon may serve in another congregation or other community of faith in the same or another Diocese only at the invitation of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight, and with the consent of the Ecclesiastical Authority in whose jurisdiction the service will occur.

Sec. 3. A Pastoral Leader is a lay person authorized to exercise pastoral or administrative responsibility in a congregation under special circumstances, as defined by the Bishop.

Sec. 4. A Worship Leader is a lay person who regularly leads public worship under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

Sec. 5. A Preacher is a lay person authorized to preach. Persons so authorized

shall only preach in congregations under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

Sec. 6. A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister 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.

Sec. 7. A 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.

Sec. 8. A Catechist is a lay person authorized to prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, and shall function under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

________________________________________

Constitution and Canons

Diocese of Mississippi

CANON 18 Of Licensed Ministries

Sec. 1. The Bishop of this Diocese shall determine which of those categories of

licensed laypersons authorized by Title III, Canon 4, of the National Canons of the Episcopal Church are to be licensed in this diocese. Individuals shall not be licensed until they have completed that education and training required by Title III, Canon 4 and by such additional training as the Bishop may require.

Sec. 2. In addition to those categories of licensed lay person provided for Title III,

Canon 4, the Bishop may license special Congregational Lay Readers each of whom shall be an adult confirmed communicant of a congregation in which a special need exists, as in the absence of a member of the clergy in charge, such license to be valid only in the specific congregation in which it is granted, and such license to expire when the need no longer exists; however, licenses issued under this provision in previous canons shall remain valid unless revoked by the Bishop.

APPENDIX K DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI


References

Atkinson, Clifford W. (1988). A Lay Minister's Guide to the Book of Common Prayer. Wilton, CT: Morehouse Publishing.

Ely, Elizabeth W. (1991). A Manual for Lay Eucharistic Ministers. Wilton, CT: Morehouse

Publishing. Diocese of Mississippi. (2006). Constitution and Cannons. Jackson, MS: Diocese of

Mississippi. Hatchett, Marion J. (1980). Commentary on the American Prayer Book. New York: The

Seabury Press, Inc. The Book of Common Prayer. (1979). New York: Church Hymnal Corporation. General Convention of the Episcopal Church. (2006). Constitution and canons for the

Episcopal Church. Minneapolis, MN: General Convention. The New Church Teaching Series, Volumes 1-12, (2000-2002). Boston: Cowley

Publishing Co. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Third Edition, 1997, E.A. Livingstone et al,

Oxford University Press.

Documents

Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi - Amazon S3€¦ · Congregation. The Lay Ministry Education Program encourages one to read A Manual for Lay Eucharistic Ministers by Elizabeth Ely