A group of Readers and Readers in Training met on 14th -16th November at a religious house run by Salesian brothers in Madrid for a funeral training course led by Father Richard A. Seabrook SSC. 

Father Richard said:

"Funeral ministry is such an important ministry in our chaplaincies and our clergy often will share this ministry with our much valued Readers. Indeed, in many of our chaplaincies our Readers (where there are no clergy) may be called upon often for this ministry. Such ministry needs careful preparation and the workshop aims to equip those who share in this ministry so they are confident in all aspects of funeral ministry - from understanding death in the light of the Christian faith, the pastoral principles involved and putting together a funeral liturgy."

Sessions were varied and covered all aspects of funeral ministry from how to prepare and take the service itself through to ministry and care for those who need it before and after the funeral service. The training was framed with morning and evening prayer and the Holy Eucharist as everyone gathered in community together. 

It was a really engaging two days with great participation by those who attended.

Celia Paterson, Diocesan Director of Readers was also there and thanks to her for arranging the practicalities of the weekend.