Write, if you any answers to the questions listed at the end of this section, or would like to add to the answers below.
Your answers
At what age is it considered that an experienced Reader (or LLM) is too old to be ordained? [Answers, 26 August]
It is perhaps a red herring that “experience” qualifies anyone for ordination. It is also at the behest of the bishop, who may choose to ordain anyone at any age, with due regard to the candidate’s suitability and ability to fulfil the demands of holy orders.
The current process, while seemingly too long or difficult for some, takes time and prayerful discernment. To skip or fast-track that could lose much in the way of formation, and the development of strengths (pastoral, spiritual, and intellectual) that clergy will need to sustain them throughout active ministry, be it long or short.
Readers and LLMs might be considered to have a head start in this regard, but the ministries are distinct and different all the same.
(The Revd) Simon Walsh
London NW1
My Wakefield DDO friend told me in the early 1990s that the age-bar to ordination for Readers and others was 65, for stewardship of training resources. She sweetened the message by using a Valentine postage stamp. I nevertheless feel that all “young-retiree” Readers should be invited to discuss their ability to serve, for example, as much needed UMPIRES (Unpaid Mass Priests in Rural Environments).
Frank McManus (Reader Emeritus)
Todmorden
Your questions
After a break of several years, we returned to this year’s Glastonbury Pilgrimage. We were delighted to note the return of the great street procession, as that was its unique feature, but why were all the robed and unrobed people all jumbled together in a great untidy huddle? Surely this is liturgically incorrect?
J. P. and M. P.
Why does Common Worship, in its naming of combined services, place the emphasis on lesser sacraments: for example, “Confirmation within a Celebration of Holy Communion” rather than “Holy Communion with Confirmation”?
B. D.
Address for answers and more questions: Out of the Question, Church Times, 3rd floor, Invicta House, 108-114 Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0TG.
questions@churchtimes.co.uk
We ask readers not to send us letters for forwarding, and those giving answers to provide full name, address, and, if possible, telephone number.