The Commissioning of Readers in June 2024
Diocesan Readers are licensed to preach and lead worship in churches across the diocese.
To prepare for this ministry, training is provided in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute
as well as within our diocese.
Parish Readers are licensed to lead worship in their own parishes. Training is provided within the diocese.
If you think God may be calling you to Reader ministry, you are invited to follow these steps to help you discern that call.
Step 1: Speak to your Rector
Your Rector will know you well, and will be able to help direct your discernment. They may also refer you towards the next step.
Step 2: Speak to the Warden of Readers
The Warden will be happy to meet with you and discuss the selection process and training course in more detail.
Step 3: Submit an Application Form
These are available on request from the Warden of Readers. The deadline for Parish Reader applications is normally in May, while the deadline for Diocesan Reader applications is normally in August.
When an application form has been received, the Warden will ask your Rector to complete a confidential reference.
Step 4: Interview
Applicants are interviewed by the Candidates’ Committee, which makes a recommendation to the Archbishop. The Committee is normally made up of an Archdeacon, the Warden of Readers, the Diocesan Director of Ordinands and a representative Diocesan Reader.
Step 5: Training
Parish Reader training begins in September with one meeting per month. Each meeting will focus on an aspect of Parish Reader ministry, with a mixture of practical assignments, teaching and discussions. Following successful completion of the course, and with the approval of the Archbishop, trainees are commissioned at a service in June.
Diocesan Reader training lasts for eighteen months and primarily consists of the Certificate of Christian Theology & Practice, which is taught in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in Dublin. Following an opening weekend in November, the CCTP is taught over a series of weekends from January - December. A further two modules in Liturgy and Preaching come in the following January - May.
Alongside the central teaching, further practical training is provided within the diocese. This includes opportunities to lead worship and preach, to help provide necessary experience. Following successful completion of the CCTP and additional modules, and with the approval of the Archbishop, trainees are commissioned at a service in June.
The cost of the CCTP and additional modules is normally split between the Diocesan Board of Ministry (50%), the trainee’s Parish (25%) and the trainee (25%).
For more information, please contact the Warden of Readers:
Rev Gary McMurray
15 Annareagh Road, Richhill, Co Armagh BT61 9JT
028 3887 0798
garymcmurray@gmail.com
The Commissioning of Readers in June 2023