Mission Statement:

There are two types of Lay Reader's Licenses available in this Diocese: Lay Reader and Chalice Bearer. There may also be an unlicensed Lector.

The Layreader license gives permission for the lay person to "...read only the following: Morning and Evening Prayer (using the form of absolution indicated for a deacon or lay person), The Great Litany, An Outline of Faith, A Penitential Order, The Burial of the Dead, and to read sermons written by a Bishop or a Priest in this Church. In conducting services in the Church, you are authorized to wear the usual Lay Reader's vestments, consisting of cassock and surplice or chorister's cotta."

The Chalice Bearer license gives the lay person permission to "... Administer the Chalice at celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, to read ..." the same as a Layreader.

These licenses are issued by the Bishop upon written request from the Rector of the parish. Chalice Bearer requests need both the approval on the Rector and the Vestry. Lay Reader requests need only the Rector's approval.

An applicant for either Layreader or Chalice Bearer licenses must be regular in participating in the worship of the church and in receiving Holy Communion. He/she must be active in the support of the parish and shall have received training in the skills necessary for the effective exercise of the office of Lay Reader. Such training is usually provided on an annual basis by the various Deaneries.

Please contact the church office should you desire to become licensed.