Ministry of Lectors – Norms & Guidelines for Lectors
For Saint Philip of Jesus Parish
What is a Lector?
A lector (or, reader or proclaimer) is the person who proclaims the first or second reading at Mass. This person also may lead the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass, when there were not a Deacon and/or an Acolyte.
This ministry in the Church requires a person who is of excellent character and serious about the practice of their catholic faith.
The lector must believe that Sacred Scripture is the Word of God and have deep respect for God's presence in that Word.
How does a person become a Lector?
Parishioners may volunteer to the Deacon, Acolyte (or to the coordinator of lectors) or make their desire known directly to the Pastor.
Lectors should be carefully chosen based on their skills in proclamation, their willingness to complete formation in this ministry and their evidence of a deep spirituality.
If you are an adult and feel you may have the gift of proclaiming, please contact parish office at (713-672-6141)
Who can be a Lector?
Children as Lectors
At this time, St. Philip of Jesus Parish is not using children as lectors, even when, where the congregation consists entirely or primarily of young children, such as the first Holy Communion mass.
Non-Catholic Lectors
In certain circumstances, there is a desire to have a non-Catholic serve as a lector, such as the funerals, weddings, Quinceneras. These circumstances are governed by the Directory for the Application and Norms on Ecumenism.
*** In these special circumstances, the same criteria will apply as for a Catholic lector; namely, the non-Catholic lector must be a Christian living in communion with his/her church or ecclesial community, that is actively attending Church; he/she should not be living in an invalid marriage or in any other state of grave sin and be living a life that befits the ministry to be undertaken.
Thank you for all you do for this very important ministry.