ADMISSION OF DIOCESAN LAY READERS

(To be used before the Prayers of the People (Intercessions) at the Eucharist.)

The Congregation being seated, the Candidate(s) and the Warden of Lay Readers stand before the Bishop.

The Warden presents the Candidates.

I present to you N.N. and N.N, to be admitted to the office of Diocesan Lay Reader of the Diocese of Algoma.

BISHOP:                       Have they been selected in accordance with the Canons and customs of this Diocese? And do you believe their manner of life to be suitable to the exercise of this office?

WARDEN:                    I certify to you that they have been duly selected and I believe them to be qualified for this office.

BISHOP:                      (To the candidate(s)  Will you be loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this church has received them? And will you, in accordance with the canons of this diocese, obey your Bishop and other ministers who may have authority over you and your work?

CANDIDATE(S):        I am willing and ready to do so.

BISHOP:                      May God guide and bless you in the doing of this work.
I now call upon the Archdeacon to read the license.

If desired, the Archdeacon of the each candidate's deanery reads the Bishop's license.

The Bishop takes each candidate in turn, by the right hand.

BISHOP:                      N., I admit you to the Office of Diocesan Lay Reader of this Diocese. Receive this bible as the sign of your authority to proclaim God’s word; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When all candidates have been admitted:

BISHOP:                       Let us pray.

Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Send these your servants forth in the power of that Spirit to perform the service you set before them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The candidate(s) are invested with the Scarf and Medal of Office, and then kneel before the Bishop.

BISHOP:                       N, May the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom.

 As chief pastor of this diocese I commend you to this work, and pledge you our prayers, encouragement and support.  The blessing, mercy and grace of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

BISHOP:                      Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth.

PEOPLE:                      O knit my heart unto you, that I may fear your name. 

BISHOP:                      So will I always sing praises unto your name.

PEOPLE:                      That I may daily perform my vows.

BISHOP:                      Let us pray.

Almighty God, whose blessed Son did read and explain the holy scriptures in the synagogue; look graciously upon the Lay Readers of your church, and so enlighten them with wisdom and understanding that they may read your holy Word and assist in your worship to the edification of your people, and the glory of your holy Name. Grant that they may be so filled with your Holy Spirit that, seeking your glory and the salvation of souls, they may minister your word with steadfast devotion, and by the constancy of their faith and the innocency of their lives may adorn in all things the doctrine of Christ our Saviour, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The service continues with the Prayers of the People, conducted by one of the newly admitted Diocesan Lay Readers.