Five people from parishes across the Diocese were admitted to the office of Reader in Worcester Cathedral.

The Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick, conducted the service, licensing the individuals to minister in the parishes they have been called to serve.

Readers are trained and licensed lay ministers in the Church of England authorised in particular to exercise a ministry of preaching and teaching and offer lay leadership in Mission.

They undergo a two-year training course before being admitted to the role, which ends with the award of a Certificate in Higher Education by the University of Durham.

After being licensed they carry out a wide range of tasks within their parishes and beyond, especially helping others to reflect on their faith and how it relates to their daily lives.

Those admitted and licensed were:

• Rachel Cramp, who will serve in St John the Baptist in Claines and St George’s Church in Worcester

• Christine Knight, who will serve in the parish of St Mary’s in Kingswinford

• Kay Mason, who will serve in the benefice of Kempsey and Severn Stoke with Croome d'Abitot and Norton

• Marion May, who will serve in the Worcester South East Team

• Julie Westlake, who will serve in the benefice of Evesham with Norton and Lenchwick

Bishop Martin said: “Lay Ministers play a very important role in our churches, sharing their faith with others and serving them in God's name. My father was a Lay Minister, so I grew up knowing how valuable that lay voice is as God’s word is opened and explored in our worship, and lived out in daily life. I was delighted to be able to license and welcome these five people to this very important role.”

The service took place in Worcester Cathedral on Saturday, September 9.

Rachel Cramp, Claines & St George’s, Worcester, said: “It has been a long time since I studied formally, but it has been wonderful. I have learnt so much through the Reader training and my faith has grown and developed.

"I have enjoyed the challenge of putting services together and also leading a prayer group. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to meet people pastorally, helping them through difficult times as well as lots of other new things which will challenge me.”

Marion May, Worcester South East, said: “I’ve always wanted to go further and explore some area of ministry, but it never seemed to be right time.

"The opportunity came after my vicar suggested lay Reader training and I thought that if I didn’t do it now, I never would! I’m really proud that I took the step and it has definitely given me more confidence in my ministry.

"It will be great to work in my parish and share the good news of Jesus with more people.”