Five people from across the diocese were admitted to the office of Reader on Saturday in Worcester Cathedral. The Bishop of Worcester conducted the service, licensing the individuals to minister in their home parishes.

Readers are trained and licensed lay ministers in the Church of England authorised in particular to exercise a ministry of preaching and teaching. They undergo a two year training course before being admitted to the role, after which they carry out a wide range of tasks within their parishes and beyond, especially helping others to reflect on their faith and how it relates to their daily lives.

Those admitted and licensed were:

• Raymond Hopkins to the Holy Trinity Team in Redditch
• Roger Palmer to the benefice of Overbury with Teddington, Alstone and Little Washbourne with Beckford and Ashton-under-Hill
• Graham Pharo to the benefice of Fladbury, Hill & Moor, Wyre Piddle, Cropthorne and Charlton
• Sue Phillips to  the parish of St Laurence, Alvechurch
• Hilary Savage to the parish of St. Thomas in Stourbridge.

Bishop John presided at the service. He said: “Readers are an invaluable asset to the life of the Church. Each person brings unique gifts and skills to ministry in their parishes, working with the ordained clergy to share their faith with others and offer care to the wider community in the name of Jesus. I offer congratulations to all those who were admitted yesterday and thanks to all the Readers who serve faithfully across the Diocese.”

Graham Pharo said: "One wonderful thing about our faith is the part others play in it - the energising individuals we meet day-in, day-out.  We can only hope that each of us is able to carry the torch in our generation, inspire others and, dare I say, bring  joy and realism into our worship, even some change. I continue to marvel at God’s sense of humour and patience!"  

Sue Phillips said: “It’s been a privilege to be led through study by excellent teachers. The two year training has given me the opportunity to combine previously acquired skills and a personal passionate faith with structured theological study and reflection. I’m looking forward to sharing more of my experience with the congregation at St Laurence as I grow and develop in my new role.”

Hilary Savage said: "Although the Reader Training course has been fundamentally academic, for me, it has also been a spiritual journey along which my faith has been challenged and, in turn, strengthened.  I am grateful for all the support and encouragement given to me and pray that, during my forthcoming ministry, I will serve God as I believe I have been called to do."

Raymond Hopkins said: "During the last two years I have been involved in a challenging and deeply interesting course which should serve me well in my future endeavours. My thanks to all in the Holy Trinity Team, my tutors and to my four colleagues who, to say the least, have been inspirational."

Roger  Palmer said: “The wonderful thing about the Christian life is that it is never too late to learn more about our faith.  The last two years have been a wonderful journey into pastures new, adding to the marvellous experiences I have had over the last 55 years.  I now look forward to new opportunities to share with others and encourage them as they go on with God."

The service to celebrate Reader Ministry and the admission and licensing of new Readers took place at 2.30pm on Saturday 13 June in Worcester Cathedral. The preacher at the service was the Revd Doug Chaplin, who is responsible for the training of new Readers in the Diocese.

ENDS.

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.