Congratulations Susan!! (our new Lay Reader)
On Palm Sunday April 17th at the 10:00 a.m. service, we blessed, commissioned
and anointed with oil, Susan Genest for the ministry of St. Anne’s lay reader. Susan was presented with her license from the Bishop of Huron, Bishop Bob Bennett, and with much joy and gratitude, the parish celebrated her new ministry. Included here is largely the rector’s words of introduction to the blessing and commissioning service.

What is the ministry of lay reader?
The ministry of a lay reader in a parish is one of liturgical assistance to the rector with whom the lay reader enters a covenant relationship. It does not replace or take the place of any of the rector’s or deacon’s responsibilities, even as it provides valuable relief and rector support as required.

How does one become a lay reader?
The rector, having identified a need for this ministry, approaches a parishioner she/he discerns has gifts and a calling, to ask them to prayerfully consider this ministry. If they feel so called, she/he applies to the bishop for a license once the lay reader has successfully completed her/his training, prepared and signed a written covenant with the rector, received the approval of the parish council and vestry, the chaplain of the Diocese of Huron lay readers association, written a statement of her doctrinal belief and finally received an official license from the bishop which is valid only for the duration of the incumbency of the rector who applies for it.

In the covenant with the rector, the nature of the worship assistance is identified, understanding that it will be reviewed and change with the changing needs of the parish and rector. The lay reader agrees to follow the Rule of Life found in our Prayer book and the Baptismal covenant, and agrees to hold to the teachings and practices of the Anglican Church of Canada, as found in the Holy Bible, our Anglican Prayer Books and Canons. The lay reader is supervised by and accountable to the Rector who covenants to assist her/his in developing her liturgical ministry.

Susan successfully completed her lay reader training many years ago in Perth deanery. Lay reader ministry is always at the request of the rector of a particular parish and is granted for the duration of the rector’s incumbency. Since Susan moved to London shortly after her training, it wasn’t exercised at this time, but the ministerial gifts only grew, and we have witnessed in her wonderful ministry among us, the presence of God’s grace.

What changes in Susan becoming a lay reader?
In many ways, her ministry doesn’t change so much as it is named, blessed and recognized as holding official place among us. Susan will continue to lead prayers, lay hands for healing circles and prayers, read scriptures, plan worship and bible studies, and now has bishop and rector blessing to also officiate and preach at non Eucharistic worship in the rector’s absence or presence, and develop further liturgical ministries with the rector’s permission.

After the vows and anointing, the rector’s blessing prayer and Susan’s prayer followed and are included here so that those of you unable to be present, may share more fully in this prayerful commissioning.

“in the holy name of the Trinity….we bring before you, Holy One, your servant
Susan. You anointed your Son with the Holy Spirit and with prayer to bring the
good news of your kingdom We Anoint Susan with the oil of gladness, that she may with grace and truth bear witness to your gospel of salvation. Guide and direct her in officiating at worship, in prayer and healing word, in deed and spirit, to build up the faith community and all creation in glorifying you in worship. In the Name of the Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier, be set apart Susan unto God for the ministry of lay reader, God has chosen you for, and with strength and wisdom, and Christ’s abiding love, be among us to share with us in bearing the fruit of the Spirit to the glory of God. Amen.

Susan: Mother/Father God. You have led me to this ministry for many many years. Thank you for allowing me to be born to parents who not only understood your teachings, but tried to live them and in turn taught them to me.  Thank you for all the people who have come into and gone from my life who touched me profoundly and taught me the many things I needed to know. I have been blessed adn know that you have walked this life with me even when I didn't know it. It is with great joy, enthusiasm and humility that I offer it all back to you.
Amen