In the Diocese of Montréal, Lay Readers have a very diversified ministry. As such, they truly are Lay Leaders in their Parish and the entire Diocese.   Lay Readers are a dedicated group of Christian volunteer men and women licensed by their Bishop to assist in Worship services. They are present in most branches of the Anglican Church, though their mandates may differ in each National Church and Diocese. (Some Churches might designate them by other names.)

Usually, they serve not only in their parish, but also in other parts of their Diocese. The actual ministry done by each Reader depends very much on their own calling, their own gift and their own parish or diocese requirements and needs. Lay Readers are doing one or more of these functions:

reading the lessons at church services;

leading non-sacramental church services such as Morning or Evening Prayer, Burial of the Dead;

assisting ordained clergy during the Eucharist and other sacramental services;

chalice bearing;

preaching at services;

offering ministry to the sick, including visitation, prayers and sometimes even liturgy;

taking care of children education (i.e. Church School) and adult education (Alpha programs, Bible studies, etc.), or even organizing those programs;

organizing and maintaining Prayer groups;

providing ministry not only in their parish, but throughout their Diocese according to the needs.

As you see from the list above, Lay Readers are much more than just readers. In the modern Anglican Church, they truly are Lay Leaders.

Upon being licensed by the Bishop, a Lay Reader automatically becomes a member of the Lay Readers’ Association. At the Annual General Meeting, usually held in May, an Executive Committee is chosen to organise Educational events and run the affairs of the Association.

It is expected that all Lay Readers will make every effort to attend the three events normally held by the association every year (Retreat, Annual General Meeting and Education Course on the Day of Licensing).

 

The executives of the Lay Readers’ Association are elected for a one-year term at the Annual General Meeting held yearly in May. They are the people who gather your ideas, organise study days, retreats and other events, co-ordinates services done by Lay Readers outside their parishes, etc.

 

Your priest is on holidays? He or she is sick? See how you may get a Lay Reader to fill in and provide your parish with services by clicking here.

The Lay Readers’ Association is an umbrella organisation that groups all Lay Readers of the Diocese of Montréal. It organises events such as the annual retreat, the study day, discusses learning opportunities with the Pastor and other diocesan authorities, publicises events and distributes information to Lay Readers. It also co-ordinates the roster of Lay Readers who serve in other parishes and supports the work of the Pastor to Lay Readers.