Lay Readers' Association of the Diocese of Montreal

A baptized and confirmed Anglican over the age of 18 who has been a communicant member of the parish for at least two years and believes that he or she has been called by God to affirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
A person who after training is licensed by the Bishop to lead non-sacramental Services in Anglican churches in the Diocese.
A person who under the authority of their Parish Priest is involved in their own parish and is motivated to serve Christ in a wider capacity as a Lay Leader.
A person who by their actions and life style demonstrates their Christian Faith as set out in the Lay Readers’ Mission Statement.

“We the Lay Readers, licensed by the Bishop of Montreal, believe that we are called by God to affirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ in teaching, preaching and leading Worship services.

We exercise this ministry in our parishes and throughout the Diocese. We use our diverse gifts, traditions, cultures and languages to be Lay Leaders within the body of Christ and in our daily lives.”

All Lay Readers are obliged to:

a)	Support their Parish Priest in the work of the Parish;
b)	Attend each year at least one of the events held by the Association;
c)	Follow the directions of the Bishop in all matters relating to preaching and teaching;
d)	Continue their Christian Education through reading, Bible Study and attending courses.

For the first four years, i.e. during the Year-One programme and the first three year license afterwards, Lay Readers are allowed to serve only in their Parish. Services within their own Parish (including various points of a multi-point parish) should be coordinated with the Parish priest. After that, they may conduct non-Sacramental Services in the Diocese upon request.

We keep a record of the territory each Lay Reader is willing or able to serve. Lay Readers who are willing and able to serve beyond their parish may be called by the Coordinator if necessary, as outlined here.

You feel that you are called to become a Lay Reader? We encourage you to do the following:

1.	Speak to the Priest of the Parish and make sure that he or she supports your application.
2.	Contact the Pastor to Lay Readers for an appointment and interview (514-849-4437); you can download the application form here. You may also email Tim Smart at tsmart@montreal.anglican.ca
3.	Fill out the form completely and hand it to the priest for the Corporation’s approval and signatures.
4.	Return the signed and completed application form to the Pastor to Lay Readers (address on the form).
5.	If everything is satisfactory you will be licensed the following November for one year.
6.	Begin the First Year Course in January.

The first year course consists of 14 two hour sessions covering:

– Introductions to the Bible,
– Church History and Doctrine,
– Leading Worship,
– Preaching.

Dates, times and venues are arranged by mutual agreement between the candidates and the Pastor at the Licensing gathering in November. On completion of this course, the Pastor in conjunction with the Parish Priest and the Corporation is free to recommend that a candidate receive a three year license from the Bishop. With the first three year license a candidate also receives a Blue Lay Readers’ Scarf to wear with a Cassock and Surplice. The Scarf remains the property of the Diocese of Montreal and must be returned to the Bishop’s Secretary when a person ceases to function as a Lay Reader in the Diocese.

All Lay Readers who receive a Three Year License from the Bishop must be involved in a continuing programme of education in the faith. Courses for this purpose are arranged by the Lay Readers’ Association at their Annual Retreat some time in April or May and before the Service of Licensing in November and odd occasions when an interesting speaker may be available.

Participation in the Evening Courses sponsored by the Montreal Diocesan Theological College, courses at the Centre for Lay Education, Education for Ministry (EFM) and Lay Readers’ Courses in other Dioceses are also acceptable. An example of such a course is the Lay Readers’ Summer School organised each Summer by the Diocese of Ontario.

In this matter, all Readers must relate to their Parish Priest and to the Pastor to Lay Readers, who must recommend them to the Bishop for the renewal of their Three Year Licenses.

Older Lay Readers may become either Associate Lay Readers or Lay Readers Emeritus.

At the time of the next renewal of licence after age 65, Lay Readers enter a Class of licensing designated “Associate Lay Reader”.

a)	They are not required to undertake the basic study requirements, but are expected to continue their own programme of reading the Bible, studying and growing in their life of prayer. They are welcome to attend all events held by the Association.
b)	They are licensed on a three-yearly basis, in consultation with the Pastor, Priest and Corporation to undertake those duties which seem appropriate to their particular situation.

Lay Readers over 65 not wishing to continue any active ministry may choose to be listed as “Lay Readers Emeritus”. They will be kept informed of all Lay Readers activities. Upon the return of the Lay Reader’s Blue Scarf (which remains the property of the diocese), they are licensed only once as Lay Reader Emeritus, which remains in effect for the rest of their lives.