Dozens of people attended a special service at Carlisle Cathedral to celebrate lay ministry and welcome newly licensed Readers.

The Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh officiated at the annual Reader and Admission Licensing Service which took place in November.

It saw the following people licensed:

Kay Hall newly licensed to serve Dacre, Watermillock, and Matterdale

Rachel Rose newly licensed to serve the Benefice of Workington

Charlotte Lait newly licensed to serve the Benefice of Workington

Wendy Mellor newly licensed to serve the Benefice of St Bees

Diana Lesley Jackson transferred from the Diocese of Blackburn to serve the Benefice of Beetham and Arnside

Elaine Geenhalgh was welcomed to the Diocese after transferring from the Diocese of Manchester

Each was presented with a Bible and with this being the quinquennial year, all Readers were requested to attend in order that their licences could be renewed in person. 

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Annie Garden, Warden of Readers, said: “It is always such a thrill to have our Readers gather together in this way in order that we can collectively welcome new members to the fold and also give thanks to God for the wonderful ministry that every lay Reader offers.”

There are currently 89 Readers in the Diocese of Carlisle who work with clergy and churchgoers in communities across Cumbria to spread the Gospel message. They can lead worship or preach on a Sunday.