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26 August 2025
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Three new Readers licensed in our cathedral
BISHOP Jonathan has licensed three new Readers in a special service in our cathedral.
The three new lay ministers are Sue Craft, who will serve at Holy Trinity, Fareham; Sam Piggot, who will serve at St Cuthbert, Copnor; and Carolyn Shannon, who will serve at St Francis, Leigh Park. Their new roles will include leading services, preaching and offering pastoral ministry.
Family and friends packed into the cathedral for the Eucharistic service, which also gave other Readers a chance to recommit themselves as lay ministers.
The service began with the three candidates making their declarations in St Thomas Chapel, the oldest part of the cathedral in its east end. They were presented to the bishop by the Rev Neil Smart, our diocese’s Lead for Revive. Neil also preached the sermon, drawing on the story of the prophet Jeremiah bringing God’s word to the King as a way of explaining the role of Readers as those who bring God’s word.
Two trainee Readers, Peter Smith from Crofton parish and Clive Ellam, from Holy Trinity, Fareham, gave the Bible readings while Janet Clarke, Deputy Warden of Readers, led the Litany of Prayer.
After the service, Carolyn Shannon said: “It was really inspiring and uplifting, almost overwhelming. I hope now I’ll be able to offer ministry with even more purpose. I definitely feel more whole.”
Sue Piggot began life in the Church of Scotland, was then a lay preacher in the Baptist Church for 15 years, and joined St Cuthbert’s after moving to the area three years ago after chancing on its café. She said: “It was a very moving service. I’ll look forward to offering ministry after this. I already lead Alpha and it will be good to do more.”
And Sue Craft said: "I was surprisingly nervous prior to the service, but I think that was more about us three being the centre of attention!. We had studied the wording of the service as part of our last training assignment, so we really appreciated how deeply meaningful it all was. The presence of so many parishioners and family was humbling.
"I now face forwards, having the wonderful support of my clergy team in the parish of Holy Trinity and St Columba. Its exciting to know I can be of service to our community, in ways only the Holy Spirit knows about as yet!"
