Episcopal Church Shorter Eucharistic Visitation Communion Rite?

This guide is designed to train and equip lay ministers who distribute communion in the Episcopal Church. It includes biblical reflections, practical tips, liturgical forms, and a comprehensive explanation of the role of an Eucharistic Visitor. A Eucharistic Visitor is authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation. When appointed, the following hymn or song of praise is sung or said, all standing.

The primary purpose of a Eucharistic Visitor is worship, as it is a sacramental ministry, as they bear the sacraments of the bread. Taking communion from the Church’s Eucharist means bringing the person who is “shut in” into the corporate body of Christ and the parish by their actions. The Episcopal Church has two rites of Holy Communion: Rite 1 Eucharist at 7:55 AM and Rite 2 Eucharist at 10:00 AM.

The president must say the Eucharistic Prayer, break the consecrated bread, and receive the sacrament on every occasion. The church has an 8am Rite 1 and a 10:30am Rite II service, with the 8am being smaller but still having about 20-30 people.

The Episcopalian rite of Holy Communion (Eucharist, Great Thanksgiving, mass) is from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. The principal source material for this guide is the Book of Common Prayer, specifically its eucharistic prayers and Article XXVIII of the Thirty-Nine Articles. The Scottish Liturgy 1929 is for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and administration of Holy Communion, commonly called the Scottish Communion Office.