Reader Selection

Potential Readers are part of their Local Worshipping Community.

There is a general requirement that a person seeking selection as a Reader should worship regularly in their 'sponsoring parish' for a period of not less than 6 months before the selection process can begin.

Potential Readers are Approved by the Incumbent and PCC
Anyone who wants to be selected for Reader training must first speak with his or her  parish priest who must also discuss the candidate with the PCC.  If both the incumbent (or in exceptional circumstances Rural Dean in cases of vacancy) and PCC are happy that the person seeking selection and training is suitable to be considered as a potential Reader then contact should be made with the Warden of Readers.  The Warden will require a letter from both the parish priest and the PCC in which support for the candidate's application is given.  It must be emphasised that this stage of the process is of vital importance as incumbent and PCC opinion and support is essential if a person is to be selected for training.

Potential Readers are Interviewed by the Warden of Readers
The Warden of Readers will interview any people whose names have been forwarded to him as potential Readers.  The Warden then sends a report to the Chair of the Diocesan Readers' Selection Panel in which he makes recommendations about the person concerned and, if these recommendations are positive then the candidate is asked to attend Selection Conference in Truro.

Potential Readers Attend a Selection Conference
The dates of the Selection Conferences will be published periodically in the Diocesan Clergy Mailing.  The Warden will need to be given the names of potential candidates at least 5 weeks before the date of a particular conference in order that he may arrange preliminary interviews, write references etc.
Many potential Readers feel rather daunted by both the thought of the interview with the Warden and the prospect of a Selection Conference.  Please be assured that neither of these stages is designed to trip candidates up or to be uncomfortable.  They are designed to help the selectors and potential Readers discover whether the individual is called by God and the Church and whether the gifts that they have are best suited to Reader ministry.

The Selection Conference itself typically lasts for a morning but may last up to a day depending upon the number of candidates offering for selection.   Each candidate has an interview with an educational, pastoral and senior selector.  Each of these interviews last about half and hour and are used to discuss candidates' background, gifts and spiritual lives.  At the end of the Selection Conference the Selectors meet to discuss each candidate and to write a letter to the Bishop in which they make recommendations as to whether a candidate is or is not selected for Reader training and in which they may comment on particular training or formation issues that need to be considered.

The Bishop writes to potential Readers after Selection Conference
The diocesan Bishop writes to each of the candidates and lets them know his decision based upon the recommendations of the Selection Panel.

Potential Readers Selected for Training Begin a Course of Study
In September of each year a course begins in which student Readers undertake theological study and practical training.  Unless there are exceptional circumstances a course of study lasts 3 years.  The course is designed to develop the trainee's knowledge and practical skills through study combined with some parish based ministry.

Potential Readers need Support from the Parishes at all Stages of the Selection and Training Process
As mentioned earlier PCCs and Incumbents are essential to a potential Reader being selected for training.  Parishes remain an important support and monitor throughout the training process.  It is our aim to keep incumbents fully informed of progress being made and support needed for those who are in training.  It is hope that relevant aspects of this will be shared with the PCCs and wider parish as is appropriate to the particular need and support.

If you have any further enquiries or would like to recommend someone for selection then please do not hesitate to contact me on 01872 247210 or click here to send an email for more information.
 
Revd Paul Arthur
Warden of Readers