Licensed Lay Ministries
Our diocese licenses lay people to serve in a variety of roles. To become licensed, an individual must be a confirmed communicant in good standing within the diocese and complete the recommended course of study for the license they seek.
A lay person may study to become licensed in any of the following areas:
Administrator - A person licensed by the Bishop and appointed by the clergy and vestry of a congregation to serve as custodian of parochial records, when appropriate to administer the operation of a parish or mission, and be responsible for the completion of all reports that are required in compliance with Diocesan and ECUSA Canons.
Catechist - A person licensed by the Bishop and appointed by the clergy and vestry of a congregation to guide the discipleship formation of the faith community, including preparation for the sacraments and training of teachers.
Eucharistic Minister - A person licensed by the Bishop and appointed by the clergy and vestry of a congregation to distribute either the consecrated bread or wine to the people during the celebration of the Eucharist.
Eucharistic Visitor - A person licensed by the Bishop and appointed by the clergy and vestry of a congregation to carry Communion from the gathered community in a timely manner to members who are ill or infirm.
Lector (Reader) - A person authorized by the clergy, or in the absence of clergy the wardens, of a congregation to read Scripture at a service of the Church. Preparation is arranged through your priest.
Pastoral Care Minister - A person licensed by the Bishop and appointed by the clergy and vestry of a congregation to be serve as leader and coordinator of the community's caring ministries responding to crises or grief and coordinating the efforts of the faith community to respond.
Preacher - A person licensed by the Bishop and appointed by the clergy and vestry of a congregation to be a communicator of the Good News following the proclamation of God's Word in any prayer office of the church.
Teacher - A person authorized by the clergy, or in the absence of clergy the wardens, of a congregation to instruct others in a church or ministry setting.
Worship Leader - A person licensed by the Bishop and appointed by the clergy and vestry of a congregation to serve as the officiant for any prayer office of the Church in which a clergy person is not required by the Book of Common Prayer.
After licensing the individual functions under the direction of a cleric or other leader responsible for oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
Those who wish to obtain a lay license or who, having been previously licensed in another diocese, wish to continue in a licensed ministry here should consult with their parish priest or warden.