Reader ministry

The Warden of Readers, Rev Canon Andrew Willie, was once again the host of the Readers Annual Licensing Service and Annual General Meeting at St Marks Church, Gold Tops in Newport. Three Readers were licensed by Bishop Dominic to carry out duties within the Diocese.

Dr Andrew Padfield (left) was licensed to the Parish of Usk,
Mrs Frances Jones (below right) to the Parish of Malpas, and Mrs Vanessa Allman (above right) to the Parish of Mathern.

The awarding of these licences is not the end of the road which has encompassed study and assignments, but the beginning of a ministry for these Readers as they develop their skills as preachers and teachers of the Word.

As well as taking services of Morning and Evening Prayer, Readers can lead many other varied forms of worship including the ministry of the word, and all-age worship, and lead study groups such as confirmation classes, bible study and prayer groups. The licence also allows them to take funerals with permission. Some Readers are also Lay Eucharistic ministers which allows them to administer the previously consecrated Eucharistic elements to the housebound and also at the service of Communion by extension.

Through the arrangements secretary, Mr Stephen Smith, Readers cover services throughout the Diocese. This cover is an essential part of the work of the Readers Association, and supports clergy and Area Deans in covering services during interregnums and clergy leave or illness.

The ministry of Reader is often considered as a bridge ministry with a foot, as it were, in both the Ordained and Lay Ministries of the Anglican Church. Reader ministry is worthwhile and rewarding. If you feel that you have been called and would like any further information the Warden, Canon Andrew Willie, would be happy to chat to you.

John Collier, Chairman of the Readers Association