More than 100 lay readers licensed in Diocese

The newly-licensed Lay Readers pose on the steps outside St. Alban’s Cathedral in Prince AlbertAt an afternoon service on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 26, a total of 110 lay readers were licensed by Bishop Michael Hawkins for the Diocese of Saskatchewan.

Evening Prayer was led by the Reverend Chris Harper, Warden of the Lay Readers’ Association. The first lesson, Exodus 24, was read by Mrs. Theresa Sanderson, President of the Lay Readers’ Association. Another Lay Reader, Mrs. Tracy Harper, read the second lesson, John 21:1-14.

Bishop Hawkins led the commissioning of the lay readers, with the potential lay readers making a declaration before all present that they would be faithful to God, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Bishop, the Diocese and the Incumbent in their local parish. Bishop Hawkins then prayed for the Lay Readers. After parish priests and wardens presented their candidates, the Lay Readers were individually commissioned, welcomed warmly to their role and given their licenses by the Bishop.

In total, 110 lay readers from 34 parishes were licensed by Bishop Hawkins. This group included a record number of seven first-time lay readers. Equally impressive was the fact that 26 of the lay readers have now been licensed for more than 10 years. Bishop Hawkins expressed his great appreciation for the important ministry that lay readers perform in the Diocese, where vast distances mean that lay readers must “wear many hats” when their parish priests are traveling elsewhere in the parish or diocese.

Following the commissioning, the Reverend Julie Golding Page gave the sermon, based on Psalm 23. Ms. Golding Page encouraged the lay readers to look to their Shepherd, the LORD, whose very name, Yahweh, is a reminder that he has promised to always be everything his people need. Also highlighted was the lavish provision that the LORD makes for his people in Psalm 23, despite the nearly impossible conditions of dryness and visible enemies.

A delicious supper was provided in the Cathedral Hall by the Parishes of Leask and Canwood.