Who we are...
During the year 2006, 44 devoted members have answered their personal call to serve the Lord as Lay Readers and/or Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) at the various services. The Liturgical Ministries are especially fulfilling and humbling because they provide the opportunity to directly participate in the celebration of the Eucharist.
What we do...
Lay Reader – Through the Lay Reader, God’s living Word continues to be proclaimed to His people: to the young and old, the troubled, the hopeless, the happy, the content, to those in need of challenge, and to those in need of comfort.
Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) – The Lay Eucharistic Minister performs two specific functions:
1. Administers the elements (the consecrated bread and wine) at any celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the absence of a sufficient number of Priests or Deacons assisting the Celebrant.
2. Directly following a celebration of the Holy Eucharist and accompanied by a Pastoral Associate, takes the consecrated Sacrament to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present.
How you can be involved...
Qualifications: No special prior experience is required, only faith and interest in these exciting ministries. Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers must be persons of wisdom in the faith and of good repute who have received the respect of the local congregation and also demonstrate spiritual maturity. In addition, Lay Eucharistic Ministers must be adult (defined as age 16 years or older) members of St. James’ Church.
Training and Orientation: Training sessions coordinated with the clergy are informal and held twice a year. The team of Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers provide backup to one another and are available to help. Following training, Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers are licensed to serve with the Diocese of Virginia.
Scheduling: Once trained, Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled once or twice a month at the service time of their choice (7:45, 9:00, or 11:15 a.m.) to read the Word or to assist in serving the elements. The schedule is published in quarterly schedules. Schedule changes are flexible, and are coordinated between individual readers and LEMs.
If interested, contact Jeff Brannock or Ron Kunz through the Church Office.