Section 2F:  Eucharistic Visitor

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.

The Eucharistic Visitor is a confirmed communicant in good standing or, subject to guidelines established by the Bishop, a communicant in good standing, functioning with permission of the Bishop and should normally act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the congregation’s Priest-in-Charge. Once licensed, the Eucharistic Visitor functions solely at the discretion of the Priest-in-Charge and is licensed only in the congregation in which the Eucharistic Visitor is a member at the time of licensing. The Eucharistic Visitor, under the direction of the Priest-in-Charge, will receive annual refresher training and must apply for renewal of licensing every three (3) years.

Training

The applicant for Eucharistic Visitor will be trained and found competent to the Priest- in- Charge’s satisfaction in the following areas of knowledge and practice:

• Eucharistic Theology, including the Reserved Sacrament
• Pastoral skills including being able to address issues related to the homebound, nursing homebound, the terminally ill, death and dying
• Understanding aging and family dynamics
• Understanding and demonstrating competency in liturgy used in ministering to the sick and shut-in
• Understanding the mechanics of administration of the Eucharist in various settings
• Willingness and competency in keeping confidentiality
• Knowledge of when to notify clergy if changes have occurred in those visited
• Commitment to report regularly to the clergy on those visited
• Commitment to make visits on a regular basis
• Safeguarding God’s Children
• Anti-Racism Training

Eucharistic Visitor Called to Ministry Training in the above areas will be met through workshops conducted by the Priest-in-Charge or by a Diocesan workshop provided by clergy throughout the diocese.

      EICS will offer a workshop

Certification

The Priest-in-Charge shall request renewal of the Eucharistic Visitor’s license every three years. Annual refresher sessions, under the direction of the Priest-in-Charge are required. The license can be revoked by the Bishop at any time, upon request of the Priest-in- Charge.

Documentation

The Priest-in-Charge will maintain documentation for the Eucharistic Visitor that shall contain the following:

• Evidence of training, examination and competency in the areas listed above under “Training”
• Certification of the Eucharistic Visitor’s completion of required diocesan training
• A copy of the application sent to the Bishop by the Priest-in-Charge
• A copy of the certificate from the Bishop licensing the person to be a Eucharistic Visitor

Documentation of licensing of Eucharistic Visitors will be maintained and displayed in the parish.

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