Hilary Richter
Warden of Readers
01227 459401
hrichter@diocant.org

Celebration of Reader Ministry Service

Sunday 5 October 2008
6.00pm
Canterbury Cathedral

Readers are lay woman and men from a diversity of occupations - teachers, shop or office workers, accountants, machine operators, nurses. They may be found in agriculture, government, industry, or at home.

The Reader's calling
The visible role of a Reader on a Sunday morning may appear to be very similar to that of others who minister.

But they are a distinct ministry because:

• They are theological trained
• They are recognised not only locally but by the wider church
• They can be the focus of lay ministry in the daily life of the church
• They are the bridging role between their fellow lay people and the ordained ministry

What they do
Reader's main duties include:

• Preaching
• Teaching
• Leading worship
• Assisting at Holy Communion
• Pastoral work
• Conducting funerals

Readers are often active in teaching young people and leading discussion groups. They may also be involved in confirmation classes, youth work and baptism and marriage preparation. Their pastoral activity can involve visiting, comforting and generally showing the love and care of the Church for all, whatever their need.
Readers find many informal ways of ministering by their presence, witness and listening at their places of work, at home, among the neighbours and in their local communities.

How to become a Reader
Readers are admitted to a canonical office and receive a licence to minister. This happens at the Annual Admission and Licensing Service at the Cathedral. Before admittance and licensing takes place, there is a Diocesan programme of training which is moderated by the Ministry Division of the Archbishops' Council.

Training is within the Local Ministry Training Scheme following the Certificate in Higher Education (Ministry) at Canterbury Christ Church University College.This course is run parallel with the Ordained Local Ministry Dip HE course and the training of Authorised Lay Ministry and contains separate Reader specific elements.

Readers admitted at the end of two years of training and final licensing to parishes will be dependent upon (1) attendance for a further three terms on a non-assignment based course and (2) agreement of the Bishop

After admission and licensing, Readers are expected to continue their ministerial education through diocesan programmes.