LECTORS AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST

This is one of the most awesome ministries in which a lay person is allowed to participate. As a Lector he/she proclaims – not just reads – the holy word to the entire assembly during Mass. As an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, he/she, holding the real, living Jesus in his/her hands, distributes the Body or Blood of Jesus to the congregation.

Adults age eighteen (18) or older may volunteer to serve as a Lector or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Candidates must be practicing Catholics in good standing. One has the opportunity to choose to serve as a Lector only, as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist only, or both. This should be made known to the Office when you apply for candidacy to this ministry.

Training of individuals for this ministry is done by the Pastor about twice a year or as the need for additional ministers arises. Following the training, the Pastor must submit the name(s) of the successful candidate(s) to the Bishop requesting him to issue a mandate allowing the candidate(s) to serve in this capacity. Mandates are usually issued for a period of three (3) years and then must be renewed. From time to time, Father will hold additional training sessions for all Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist ‒ those who are already mandated and others who hope to become mandated.

Service schedules are prepared (usually twice a year), assigning each individual to the various weekends and holy days, and designating them as either a Lector or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for the particular weekend/holy day.