What is a Lector?
A lector is the person who proclaims the first or second reading at Mass. This person also may lead the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass.
A lector must have the qualifications listed below and have a desire to minister in this capacity at the Eucharistic liturgy. This ministry in the Church requires a person who is of excellent character and serious about the practice of their 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 coordinator of lectors or make their desire known directly to the Rector. However, lectors will be selected after all other criteria have been established on the basis of objective pastoral need.
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 our Lector´s Coordinator, Robin Corner, at (250) 477-7333.
Who can be a Lector?
The two requirements for lectors listed in the General Instruction are that they are to be truly suited to perform this function and that they should receive careful preparation. The General Introduction to the Lectionary provides a more detailed description of the qualifications for non-instituted lectors:
What is required for formation?
All new candidates for lector must receive training, either from the Rector or his delegate (normally done in a parish workshop) or through a diocesan workshop. No person, no matter how well educated or trained, may be excused from formation for the ministry of lector.
The instruction must include the following: