WELCOMING A READER

PARISH PRIEST: Today ……….. begins his/her ministry in this parish as Reader. Let us first listen to some words of scripture which remind us all of our part in the Church's ministry as the Body of Christ:

[Here an appropriate passage of scripture is read]

V. This is the word of the Lord.

R. Thanks be to God.

PARISH PRIEST: …………… has been trained for the ministry of Reader, admitted to the office of Reader by the bishop, and licensed to serve as Reader in this parish.

People of this parish, will you uphold …………. in his ministry among you?

PEOPLE: We will.

The Parish Priest then says to the other members of the ministry team in the parish:

Will you give him pastoral care and love?

R. We will.

PARISH PRIEST: ..………., I remind you that your ministry as Reader in this parish is part of the Ministry of all God's people in building up the Body of Christ. It will be your ministry as Reader to share in the leading of worship, to preach the word of God where you are licensed so to do; and to do such pastoral and educational work as is entrusted to you.

Do you believe that God has called you to minister in this parish as Reader?

READER: I do.

PARISH PRIEST: Will you be faithful in leading the people of God in worship and in preaching his Word to them?

READER: By the help of God, I will.

PARISH PRIEST: Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith?

READER: By the help of God, I will.

PARISH PRIEST: Will you strive to fashion your own life according to the way of Christ?

READER: By the help of God, I will.

PARISH PRIEST: Will you promote unity, peace and love among all Christian people, and especially among those whom you serve?

READER: By the help of God, I will.

[*The Parish Priest may then read part of the Reader's Licence, and - on behalf of the Bishop - hands it to the Reader with these words:

Receive this licence to serve in this parish as a Reader, and may God bless you in your work for Him.]

The Parish Priest then says a prayer which concludes this part of the service

[*This section may be omitted if the Reader has already received their Licence from the Bishop]