Readers -

One hundred years ago in 1909, the Church of Ireland introduced that Office of Reader. A Reader wears a cassock, surplice and blue scarf – they have undergone a pretty intensive training and are licensed to read Morning & Evening Prayer and may conduct a funeral in the absence of an ordained person being available. Services of the Word may be authorised by the Rector of the parish who has full responsibility for all matters in worship. Readers have no pastoral ministry and work only at the request and under the direction of the Rector in whose parish they conduct worship. It isn’t appropriate to ask a Reader to change any item in worship or to expect any pastoral advice or care.
The centenary of this ministry that serves our Church so well will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin on Saturday, 28th November 2009.