Lay Readers are men and women, both young and old, from diverse backgrounds that have a significant voluntary but consecrated role in assisting the church’s ministry. Lay Readers also do some of the same activities as clergy or engage in preaching, planning/conducting worship services. Lay Readers primarily function as worship leaders under the direction of a priest. At Metropolitan Cathedral our lay people are encouraged to take upon them responsibilities of service and leadership. There is a level of responsibility, commitment, and training required from all Lay Readers, which calls for consistency and increases accountability for their ministry. Our Licensed Lay Readers are authorized to assist the Clergy during worship services by performing such functions as reading lessons, assisting in administering the chalice, leading the Prayers of the People, sharing leadership in and planning for public worship services.