Bishop’s Institute
for Discipleship, Leadership and Ministry Formation
The Bishop’s Institute is on Hiatus.
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry…”
Ephesians 4:12
The Bishop’s Institute for Discipleship, Leadership & Ministry Formation was envisioned by the Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray, and featured in his 2020 document Parousia: God’s Vision for God’s Church on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Bishop Marray appointed Mrs. Dee Reinhart, a retired educator and parishioner from St Alban’s in Salisbury, as the first Director. Then postulant, Laura (McCarthy) Harbaugh was appointed as Associate Director. With the assistance of the Rev. Dr. Barbara Anne Fisher and Rev. Laura Dorsey, curricula were developed to provide training of lay people for Eucharist Ministers, Eucharist Visitors and Worship Leaders. When Mrs. Rinehart resigned the end of 2023, Bishop Marray appointed then postulant Dr. Lynn Wiljanen to the Director position. Dr. Wiljanen and Rev. Harbaugh, realizing that trainees were coming around for a second round of training, added to the current offerings by developing advanced curricula for seasoned Eucharist Ministers and Worship Leaders.
In December 2025, now Rev. Dr. Lynn Wiljanen submitted her resignation as Director of the Bishop’s Institution to focus on her new call as Rector of St. Paul’s Church in Marion Station. We thank Rev. Dr. Wiljanen for her devoted work in helping to equip the saints for ministry.
During this time of transition within the Diocese, the Bishop’s Institute, after consulting with the Commission on Ministry, is on hiatus. During this break, we are recommending the following:
Current Licensed Lay Leaders
Rectors, Priests-in-Charge, and/or Senior Wardens in those parishes where licensed lay people are eligible for renewal will receive a list from Lynn Anstatt in the Bishop’s Office around Advent asking for verification of those persons whose licenses should be renewed. Please respond to that list as appropriate.
Training for New Lay Leaders
Rectors, Priests-in-Charge, and/or Senior Wardens who have identified lay persons who have expressed an interest in being trained as Eucharist Minister, Eucharist Visitor, or Worship Leader, should provide the appropriate training within your parish context. The Clergy person may conduct the training his or herself, assign the responsibility to a responsible senior licensed lay person, or coordinate training with nearby parishes. After training has been completed, it is recommended the trainee work with an experienced licensed leader until he or she is ready to continue on their own. Send an email to Lynn Anstatt at lynn@dioceseofeaston.org requesting the Bishop grant licensure to those persons who have been newly trained.
Click one or more of the links below to download the curricula. After training, assign the newly trained person to shadow/work with a seasoned lay minister until you feel the new minister is ready to work on their own. Once that occurs, contact Lynn Anstatt in the Bishop’s office to request the appropriate license(s).
Eucharistic Minister Training
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 The Cup of Salvation A Manual for Eucharistic Ministers: In the Episcopal Church Paperback by Beth Wickenberg Ely, available online.
Eucharistic Minister Handout
Liturgical Objects
Curriculum Outline for Eucharistic Minister Training
Eucharist Minister Packet Fall 2025
Eucharistic Visitor Training
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 community of faith. Participants should obtain and read A Manual for Eucharistic Visitors by Beth Wickenberg Ely, available online.
Guidelines for Eucharistic Visitors
Service Leaflet Eucharistic Visitor Abbreviated Version
Communion Card EV
Curriculum Outline for Eucharistic Visitor Training
Service Leaflet Eucharistic Visitor
Eucharistic Visitor Curriculum Diocese of Easton Revised
Distribution of Holy Communion by Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Worship Leader Training
A Worship Leader is a lay person who has been licensed to lead the daily offices: Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline. Using the Book of Common Prayer and the Revised Common Lectionary, Worship Leaders, may at the discretion of the Rector or Priest-in-Charge, and in the absence of a Deacon, lead Morning Prayer on Sunday mornings when a clergy person is not available to officiate. Participants should obtain and read Opening the Prayer Book (New Church’s Teaching Series) (Volume 7), by Jeffrey Lee, available online.
Detailed Guide to Officiating Morning Prayer
Daily Morning Prayer Sample Rite I
Daily Morning Prayer Rite II
Worship Leader Online Resources
Worship Leader Training 3 Day Format (Session 2) (2)
Worship Leader Training 3 Day Format (Session 1
Worship Leader Self Assessment
Worship Leader Training 3 Day Format (Session 3) (1)
Users Guide Glossary Morning and Evening Prayer
Opening the Prayerbook by Jeffrey Lee
Student Daily Morning Prayer Rite II
Supplemental Information:
Liturgical Objects
TITLE III, CANON 4 Of Licensed Ministries (2024)
Commissioning for Lay Ministries in the Church (3)
If you have any questions, please contact The Venerable Laura Harbaugh.