Four people from parishes across the Diocese were admitted to the office of Reader on Saturday in Worcester Cathedral. The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, conducted the service, licensing the individuals to minister in the parishes they have been called to serve.
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, which ends with the award of a Certificate in Higher Education by the University of Durham. After being licensed 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:
- Julie Berrow who will serve in the parish of St Barnabas with Christchurch in Worcester
- Philippa Heenan who will serve at Harvington Church in the ARCH benefice, Evesham
- Cary Taylor-Stokes who will serve at St Wulstan’s Church in Worcester
- Richard Weatherill who will serve at Great Malvern Priory.
Bishop John said: “Lay Ministers play a very important role in our churches, sharing their faith with others and serving them in God's name. I was delighted to be able to license these four people to this very important role.”
The Archdeacon of Worcester, Robert Jones, preached at the service, reflecting on the reading from the book of Proverbs. He said: “We all have a lay ministry which goes back to our baptism – it is a reminder of who we are as Christians. Your job as ministers is to rejoice in God’s world and delight in the human race – may you bless your parishes and those to whom you minister as you hold on to the glory of creation.”
The service took place in Worcester Cathedral on Saturday afternoon.
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Quotes from the Candidates:
Julie Berrow (St Barnabas with Christchurch, Worcester)
“Looking back, I think I always wanted to train for ministry, but without being sure what it might look like. I was encouraged to apply for the LLM course, probably sooner than I would have done left to my own devices, and I am so glad I did. Now, having enjoyed the challenges and opportunities of training, I look forward to preaching, pastoral work, funeral ministry and discovering God’s plan for me as my journey continues.”
Philippa Heenan (Harvington)
“Church and faith have been at the centre of my life since I was a young child but for me service was always in Mission and practicality (Treasurer, Secretary, fabric). The path to Reader Ministry has been a natural progression that posed an academic challenge which I have relished and a new way of serving which felt right as life changed, children left home, and the need for more help became evident within the ever-growing clergy workload. I look forward to my years ahead, serving and partnering the community to help lead and teach, support, and sustain, encourage, and spread the Good News of Jesus.”
Cary Taylor-Stokes (St Wulstan, Worcester)
“I was brought up as a Catholic but stopped attending as a teenager and only returned to faith in my 20s, since then worshipping in different churches in Worcester. After my vicar suggested I might consider ministry, I began exploring different options, finally settling on training to become a Lay Minister. I now feel that is exactly where I need to be, serving in quite a deprived parish where there is the chance to lead worship, but also have a community focus. While training, I have spearheaded a complete revamp of St Wulstan’s church and grounds, creating a reflective garden on a piece of wasteland and a permanent social space at the back of church. I’m also hoping to set up Forest Church using another part of the grounds. I have loved the two years of study – it’s been intense, but completely transformative and I’m now looking forward to putting some of what I’ve learnt into practice.”
Richard Weatherill (Malvern Priory)
“I’ve been involved in the Church for most of my life, mainly though choral singing, but it wasn’t until 2016 that I first thought seriously about Reader ministry, after the Vicar asked me to give a series of ‘reflections’ at our Compline services during Advent. Having completed my Bishop’s Certificate, I was eventually admitted to Reader training. The course at Queen’s was very stimulating, but also quite a challenge. I’ve enjoyed wonderful support from everyone at the Priory during my training and I’m looking forward to developing my ministry, both there and in the wider Deanery. Perhaps God has finally got me where he wants me – but I’m sure he’ll still have some surprises in store!”
