Bishop’s Institute Summer Offerings
We are excited to be able to offer face-to-face training once again and are pleased to announce summer training opportunities, Listening Hearts Mentor Training, Eucharistic Minister, and Eucharistic Visitor Training. There is no charge for any of this training.
Listening Hearts Mentor Training Series
The Bishop’s Institute offers a series of training sessions for people who will prepare others to work in community to discern a call to ministry in each convocation. Through this series of small “retreats” participants will gain an understanding of this practice and be ready to consult with Discernment Groups in local parishes as part of the diocesan response to a person who seeks to clarify a call from God to ministry. After completing this series, participants will train Discernment Groups as they are called and formed to guide the aspirants to come to clarity about and be able to articulate their call.
What is Listening Hearts discernment?
The Listening Hearts practice of spiritual discernment is one of prayerful listening in a small, supportive community. This method is based on scripture and models developed from the Quaker and Ignatian traditions. Centeredness, deep listening for the Holy Spirit, release of ego, and periods of silence are characteristic of this approach. The person seeking discernment is the focus. The discerning community helps the aspirants refine issues surrounding the call and its implications for their lives and their families. It is a ministry, a gift offered to the person seeking clarity about a call.
What is the commitment involved in this training?
The training is based on the book, Listening Hearts: Discerning Call in Community, by Suzanne Farnham, et al. It involves four weeks of at home preparation and personal reflection before the retreat days begin. Participants must commit to full participation in the training. We are developing a community of discernment mentors who will share the ministry throughout the diocese.
How do I become involved?
Contact Dee Rinehart with questions and to register for the training. There is no charge for this training, but participants must purchase the book.
Dates for current session:
- Registration Period: June 4-June 11
- At Home Preparation and Online Discussion: Weeks of 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, and 7/6
- Face-to-Face Retreat Days (9:30-3:00) at Old Wye: July 24, August 7, August 21, and September 11
Eucharistic Minister Training
When and where?
- June 26 (9:00 a.m. to Noon) at Bishop’s Institute – St. Paul’s Hebron Site
- July 10 (9:00 a.m. to Noon) at Bishop’s Institute – St. Stephen’s Earlville Site
What does a Eucharistic Minister do?
A Eucharistic Minister is a layperson, licensed by the bishop, to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister shall act in concert with and under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith. Training participants must be confirmed members in good standing.
Participants should obtain and read Manual for Lay Eucharistic Ministers: In the Episcopal Church Paperback by Beth Wickenberg Ely, available from Amazon or Barns and Noble online.
How do I become involved?
Contact Dee Rinehart with questions and to register for the training.
Eucharistic Visitor Training
When and where?
- A. June 26 (1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at Bishop’s Institute – St. Paul’s Hebron Site
- B. July 10 (1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at Bishop’s Institute – St. Stephen’s Earlville Site
What does a Eucharistic Visitor do?
A Eucharistic Visitor is a layperson who has experience as a Eucharistic Minister, has participated in additional training, and is licensed by the bishop for this ministry. 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 who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration. A Eucharistic Visitor shall act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
How do I become involved?
Contact Dee Rinehart with questions and to register for the training.