The persons who serve in the role of lector are chosen by their respective pastor/parochial administrator/parish life collaborator or chaplain. Chosen persons must be fully initiated, mature, members of the Church, who have by their actual Christian living shown that they have taken their faith seriously. They should embody the Christian life of service, and be willing to grow in their love for the Eucharist.

Qualifications

The following are qualifications for a person to serve as lector in the Diocese of Covington. A lector must:

1. be Catholic and have received all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist);
2. live his or her life in such a way that their love for the Eucharist is evident by their regular participation in the Eucharistic liturgy;
3. demonstrate acceptance of the teachings of the Church by his/her way of life;
4. be adequately formed to carry out this ministry as the Church intends, and take part in continuing formation through parish and/or diocesan workshops and/or retreats;
5. be chosen by their pastor/parochial administrator/parish life collaborator or chaplain for a four year term renewable;
6. be at least sixteen (16) years of age;
7. not labor under a canonical penalty whether imposed or declared (e.g., not be in an invalid marriage or be a laicized cleric; see RS 168);
8. commit to a faithful and reliable presence at the liturgies to which they have been assigned.

Catholic family members or friends who are trained lectors should be asked to read during funeral or wedding liturgies.

Formation

Trainings are required at both the Diocesan and parish levels. You can visit the Diocese of Covington page for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors Training for information on upcoming Diocesan trainings. Parish trainings will be announced in the bulletin and on parish social media.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Roxanne Calhoun at roxanne.calhoun@fuse.net