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The Lion’s Pause Interviews
Bruce Hixon, Leader of the Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors
Lion’s Pause:
Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Many people in the congregation are curious about these ministries. To begin with can you tell us what a Eucharistic Minister is?
Bruce:
A Eucharistic Minister is licensed by the Diocese to administer the chalice.
Lion’s Pause:
And, what is a Lector?
Bruce:
A Lector is a lay person who reads scripture.
Lion’s Pause:
What do you do if you feel called to be either a Lector or a Eucharistic Minister?
Bruce:
People should not ignore a feeling that this is something that they would like to do. They should talk to either Father R.J. or myself.
Lion’s Pause:
What happens if, after that discussion, they want to become a Lector?
Bruce:
I maintain the schedule, and the person can be added. Then, during the middle of the week before they are scheduled to read, they will receive an email from me with both the reading assigned to them, and an “Illumination,” which is an introduction to the reading. It is recommended that the Lector become familiar with the passage and read it out loud several times before the service on Sunday. For those wanting further assistance there are several books written specifically for Lectors which provide additional information about the readings and guidance on the actual reading itself. The church owns a set of these books which are kept in Katie’s office. Additionally, there are easily-found pronunciation guides available on the internet.
Lion’s Pause:
And, if they want to become a Eucharistic Minister?
Bruce:
If a person decides to become a Eucharistic Minister, there are several requirements before they can become licensed. First of all, they must be a member of the church in good standing. Assuming that they are, I will arrange for training. Once a person is trained, we request their license from the Diocese.
Lion’s Pause:
What does the training involve?
Bruce:
The training covers all aspects of the Eucharistic Minister’s duties – how to process into the church, where to sit, when to go behind the altar, how to hold the chalice, how to administer the chalice, what to say when administering the chalice, what to do if the wine is spilled or the host is dropped, what to do with the chalice when communion is finished, and how to process out of the church.
Lion’s Pause:
Are all Eucharistic Ministers also Lectors?
Bruce:
It is our church’s tradition that Eucharistic Ministers serve as Lectors, but it is not a requirement.
Lion’s Pause:
Why do Eucharistic Ministers wear vestments and Lectors do not?
Bruce:
Eucharistic Ministers vest because they serve at the altar. Most often Eucharistic Ministers wear “albs” – long white garments with narrow sleeves which are the basic garments worn by lay and ordained ministers at the eucharist and at other church services. However, it is the tradition that at St. Mark’s the Eucharistic Ministers wear cassocks and surplices.
Lion’s Pause:
What else should we know about Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers?
Bruce:
Serving as either a Lector or Eucharistic Minister is a remarkably rewarding ministry. If you have a feeling that this is something that you would like to do, by all means come and talk about it.
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