35 Parish Readers in training this year
It’s been another encouraging start to our Parish Reader training with 35 people from 12 parishes enrolled on the 2022 course.
Revd Adrian Dorrian is teaching the course. Adrian is the Vicar of LAMP, where he is regularly involved in the planning and delivery of Diocesan Services as a Minor Canon of Down Cathedral. He is a member of the Liturgical Advisory Committee of the Church of Ireland and serves as its Chaplain. He is also an honorary Duty Chaplain in Westminster Abbey.
Adrian said:
“One of the things I love about the Down and Dromore Parish Reader Course (which is also part of the training for our Diocesan Readers) is the variety of people it brings together.
It is so exciting to see such a range of women and men from across our parishes engage with the Book of Common Prayer as part of these ministries to which they’ve been called. The BCP is at the heart of how we worship as Anglicans; this Diocese is blessed with a wide variety of worship styles in our parishes and church plants, but all that worship is informed by the principles articulated across the generations of liturgical material we find in today’s Prayer Book.
Each course is slightly different, as it is shaped by the participants and the questions and experiences they bring with them. It is always a blessing to teach this material to individuals who are so committed to helping God’s people engage in worship as disciples together.”
The first session took place in Down Cathedral on 25 January and the group will meet again this evening in St Ignatius, Carryduff.
What is a Parish Reader?
The role usually involves the reading of liturgy, bible readings, prayers and assisting at Holy Communion. Parish Readers may assist in any or all of the ways outlined above and on a regular or occasional basis depending on how they are needed by the Rector. While the role is normally restricted to involvement in public worship it is significant in its support for clergy leading the service.
Parish Readers should undergo a short (free) training course of 6 weeks before being approved to exercise this ministry. They must also have the support of their Rector before applying.
The approval granted for a Reader will normally last for 3 years and cease on the appointment of a new Rector.
Course Content
Introduction – A History of the Office
Key factors in Leading Worship
Prayer Book 1 – Overview
Prayer Book 2 – The Church Year
Prayer Book 3 – Service of the Word
Prayer Book 4 – Leading Intercessions