Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM)
Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM), an extraordinary ministry, denotes a lay person licensed by the bishop to administer the sacraments of the eucharist. LEMs are licensed to administer the consecrated bread and wine at any celebration of the eucharist in the absence of a sufficient number of priests and deacons to assist the celebrant. This ministry is not to take the place of the ministry of priests and deacons concerning the administration of the eucharist. Prior to the current lay ministry canons, specially licensed lay readers administered the chalice at the eucharist and were known as “chalice bearers.” In the Diocese of Maryland, LEMs are licensed by the bishop for a period of three years.
Lay Eucharistic Visitor (LEV)
Lay Eucharistic Visitor (LEV) denotes a lay person who assists the priest in administering the sacraments of holy communion, the consecrated bread and wine. LEVs take the Eucharist to those who are ill, or otherwise unable to attend Mass. In the Diocese of Maryland, LEVs are licensed by the bishop for a period of three years.