Lay readers play a vital role in our Diocese.

In 2005 there are some 20 very dedicated Diocesan Lay Readers and many parishes have their own Parish Readers who help with Sunday Worship.

Diocesan Lay readers can read morning prayer, lead a service of the Word and preach throughout the Diocese. Parish Readers are authorised to read services within their own group of Parishes. In our Diocese Training is administered by the Warden of Lay Readers, Rev'd William Richie and there is a trennial commissioning service at St. Canices Cathedral, Kilkenny.

A History of Lay Reading

The office of the Lay Reader has a very long history and has two distinct strands. The synagogue of old testament times had readers, selected from the members of the congregation and trained to proficiency in reading parts of the service.

The early Christian Church also had readers, drawn from the ranks of the laity and appointed to assist the clergy in the conduct of public services. The reader, Jew or Christian, was a specialist, carefully taught to be a worthy symbol of the Laity's responsibility to teach the Gospel or the Law to the unchurched.
The second aspect of the Lay Reader's function appeared out of necessity whenever no clergy person was available to lead worship. Out of simple necessity, laymen read the services as best they could, Here the reader was not so much a symbol of the laity as a substitute for the non-existent clergy.

Today, the office combines both aspects. Laymen join with the clergy in the services in their own parish churches and lead worship on their own. It is important to understand, however, that the the Lay Reader is at all times working as a layman, not as a member of a minor or pseudo-clerical order.

What type of person trains as a Reader?
Readers in the Diocese come from many walks of life. They may be studying at college or University, teaching, in full time employment, or retired. What they have in common is that they have been called to, and trained for, a specific lay ministry the Church of Ireland

What can a Reader do?
Once licensed by the Bishop, Readers can:

take morning prayer and evensong, as well as other services such as word services, Compline, etc.
Diocesan Readers can preach.
In addition, because of their training, Readers are well suited to:

lead Bible study groups and prayer groups
participate in running baptism and confirmation groups
... and generally work as an important member of the parish(es) ministry team.

What training does a Reader have?
For most people it takes two years of study to become a Reader. The course, supervised by the Warden of Readers, is a blend of tutored study, essays and parish work. They will at all times be under the supervision of a member of the clergy to help, advise and pray with them.

How are Readers licensed?
On completion of their training Readers are licensed by the Bishop of Cashel & Ossory at a special service in St Canices Cathedral, Kilkenny. At this service candidates make their declaration of faith, take their oath of obedience to the Bishop, and receive authority for their ministry.

How do I find out more?

In the first instance, those interested in lay ministry should contact their local rector who will then communicate with the Warden of Readers, the Revd Canon Dermot Dunne at crosspatrick@ferns.anglican.org