I have been a reader at Mass for many, many years. However, I have always been a sceptic as far as being commissioned is concerned; after all, one can either read in public or one can’t! However, I was persuaded to attend the Diocese’s Formation and Commissioning Day at Askham Bryan College, York in May this year. Wow! How wrong had I been! Not only did I feel that there was much I learned on the day, but it was also a thoroughly interesting and enjoyable experience (probably just topped later that month by watching Hull City at Wembley gaining promotion to the Premier League!).

The first session, led by Caroline and Kit Dollard, examined the development of the Church’s teaching on the Sacred Liturgy and explored the issue of the spiritual preparation of the reader. The second session, led by Fr John Wood, examined the structure of the Liturgy of the Word and gave practical advice on delivering the Word of God to the people of God. I found both sessions extremely interesting. After lunch, the day concluded with Mass at which the Ministers of the Word and the Ministers of Holy Communion were commissioned.

Based on my experience, I would recommend any reader who has not been commissioned to take the opportunity when it arises. I feel I am now a better reader as a result of the information and advice that I received.

Tony Clark

St Charles Borromeo Parish, Hull