Lay Eucharistic Ministers

The Eucharistic Minister, also called a Chalice Bearer, participates in the church’s most fundamental and communal form of worship known as the Holy Communion, Eucharist, Lord’s Supper or Mass. The Holy Communion is one of the sacred rites of the Christian religion and is celebrated every Sunday at St. Paul’s Church. It is also celebrated on other Holy Days and special occasions such as weddings and funerals. In this rite, we are called to remember the life, resurrection and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ by sharing the meal of bread (the Body of Christ) and wine (the Blood of Christ), just as Jesus shared the last meal with his Disciples. As noted in our Eucharistic Prayer, Communion provides strength and renewal to live the Christian life on a daily basis.

Eucharistic ministers are the welcoming hosts of the Lord’s Supper and assist the Clergy by bearing the chalice and serving the wine at the altar rail during the service. On occasion, they also may help serve the bread. Eucharistic Ministers are required to attend a training session (usually an afternoon) and become licensed. During the session, participants learn about the various components of the Communion rite and table, and the appropriate logistics of serving the meal to communicants. Some Eucharistic Ministers may also be called to take Holy Communion to the sick and to shut-ins. In this way, those who cannot physically attend church are brought together in Communion with the Congregation. Because this ministry is performed outside of the church, additional training is required to be licensed as a Visiting Eucharistic Minister.

If you would like to learn more about this ministry or would like to join the ministry, please contact Deb Stiver by leaving a message with the church office (358-4474) or by email at stiver@unr.edu.

 

 

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