READERS & BAPTISMReaders and Baptism, my view as expressed at the Readers? Day is that I hold to the general principle that Readers would not Baptise as a matter of course, and would certainly not be the normal minister at Baptisms in a particular place. However, I have given permission for Readers to Baptise when I have been approached in relation to particular circumstances e.g. family or other close personal relationships, so long as I am consulted in each case (i.e. I don?t think a general mandate can be issued, at least until such time as the national stance changes) then I would expect to respond positively. Obviously, in all such cases the consent of the Parish Priest will be essential.PUBLIC WORSHIP WITH COMMUNION BY EXTENSION1 Explicit permission must be obtained from the bishop for the use of this rite. This permission should relate to specific pastoral circumstances, thus emphasizing the exceptional nature of this ministry. See also the Guidelines issued by the House of Bishops on pages 32-33.2 In parishes or cures in which Public Worship with Communion by Extension has been authorized, care should be taken to ensure that a Sunday celebration of Holy Communion continues to take place regularly in each church. Public Worship with Communion by Extension will normally take place on Sundays and Principal Holy Days. Exceptionally, the rite may be appropriate on other occasions.3 This service is led only by a person specifically authorized by the bishop; this may be a deacon, Reader or other lay person who has received appropriate training. Those who have permission under Canon B 12 may share in the giving of communion.4 If the minister is a deacon, Reader or lay worker authorized under Canon E 7, the appropriate vesture is worn.5 Care should be taken to ensure that those who play any part in the administration of Communion by Extension treat the elements in a seemly and dignified manner and observe the rubrics in the rite provided.6 Proper provision must be made for the consecrated bread and wine to be brought to the church from the celebration of Holy Communion in a seemly and dignified manner. They should be placed upon the Holy Table and covered with a clean white cloth.7 Proper care should be taken to ensure as far as possible that the consecrated elements are adequate to meet the needs of the congregation. If the bread and wine prove insufficient for the number of communicants, there can be no supplementary consecration in the course of this service.(Click below for useful link & references to Canons)http://cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/other/extension/extensionnotes.html
GUIDELINES FOR READERS IN THE LINCOLN DIOCESE. (BISHOP JOHN - JANUARY 2006)
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