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POLICIES AND GUI NES FOR LECTORS AND COMMENTATORS

Diocese of Daet
by Rev. Fr. Rowel Jose P. Abanto

I. NOMENCLATURE

1. i.ay tvlinisters

L.L.The term "LaY Mini is the official name for all members of the lav fait.hf ul v' ho

engage in various litu ministries. Lay Ministries incltlde the following:

1.1.1. Extraordina Ministers of Floly Communion

L,L.2. Mil"ristry of ctors and Commentators
1.1.3. Music Mini:
'1
.1.4. Ministry r:t Itar Servers
r".1.5. Ministry of ers, Greeters, and Collectors

2. turirristry of Lectors and tato rs

2.L. Ministry of Lectors a comnrentators (MLC) is the official naire of la5r rnember: of
the faithful who are t[-,e following tasks

2.L.L. Proclaim the Word of God in the Mass and other liturgical celebration:
2.1..2. I nstructi ng hose who are preparing to receive the Sacran'rents
2.1..3. Training th who are given temporary deputation to proclainr the Worti of
God in pa ar liturgical celebrations.

II. NATURE OF LECTORS AND NTATORS

1. The nature of Lectors and nlnlentators is parochial, to mean that lay nlinistrlr:; are de pu L.ed
and comnri:;sioned to serve rnariiy in parish communities.

) No special grr:ups are the privilege to commission lay ministers for the ;ole servict'of
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their particular com mun . (e.9., Trans-parochial communities, Catholic Charism rtic
Communities, private i ons, Academic lnstitutions, chapels)

3. Lectors and Commentators the Diocese of Daet are appointed on a temporary basis, he;rce
they are commissioned, instituted. The temporary deputation of their service is a per iod
of one year.

IiI. QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDI

1. The ministry is given to all y faithful, who are:

l-.1. Good Catholics in ith and deed;

1.2 Willing to commit emselves to perform the duties and responsi[rilities of lectors rnd
commentators, ially in proclaiming the Word of God in the Mass;:nd orher

liturgical celebrations, instructing those preparing to receive the Sacranrents, and
training those who are
liturgica I celebrations.
r".3. Physically and mental
L.4. Possesses above
1.5. Fluent in English and Fi
1.6. At least L8 years of ag
of the parish priest to
than the ages already i
and recommendation
1,,7 . ttesidents of the pa rish
1.8. Willing to give time for
parish based on-go
conferences, etc.
1.9. Children cannot be
temporary deputatio n
These children are to
to parishes with school
2. Screening and Evaluation
2.1.. Candidates must go
committee must be
screening committee
candidates, and pre
Diocesan Liturgical Min
?^.2. Candidates are to be gi
functions and tasks, as
2.3. Candidates are to sub
2.3.1. Baptismal and
later on but not
service.
2.3.2. (if married) Ma
).4. Candidates must
especially the basic tea
IV. BASIC FORMATION
2
rily deputed to proclaim the Word of God in particuiar
fit;
communication skills and competencies
pino languages
and not more than 70 years old. However, it is the irrerogative
determine, in cases when the candidate is younger or olc'er
dicated the suitability of the minister based on the evaluatiln
the screening committee.
intend to serve
arly scheduled meetings, as well as diocese, vicariate a rd
formation programs, such as recollections, retrea,.s,
missioned as lectors and commentators, They are giv:n
nly in particular celebrations such as Masses for childrr n.
trained by duly commissioned lectors. Tht-. same rule applies
h a screening and evaluation process, for which a screenirrg
up by the parish priest/chaplain/spiritual director/rector. T re
gether with the priest-in-charge determines the viability of t re
res them to receive the Basic Formation Program of t te
try
sufficient information about the nature of the rninistry, t,re
I as duties and responsibilities as lay liturgical ministers
the following requirements to the screening conrmittee
rmation certificates, if not yet Confirmed, may receive it
ng the following year to be qualified for another year of
ge Contract (Catholic)
a scrutiny about their knowledge of the Christian faiih,
ngs and doctrines
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1. After having determined who are eligible for the ministry, the candidates are to
undergo and complete the ba ic formation program and seminar conducted by the Dioces,ln
Liturgical Mirristry

t.2. The Basic Formation ram is a one-day session of a week-end, or days not
exceeding for three-d session, which begins on Friday evening o{ a given date, arrd
ends after lunch of the llowing Sunday

1.3. The basic formation nar ends and is completed by a liturgiral commissioniirg
within the celebration of the Mass, to be presided over by the trishop, or by l,is
delegate, or by the par h priest in their respective parishes.

1..4 asic formation seminar, at least two weeks, candidates will lre
Prior to the day of the
required to present a mendation letter signed by their respective parish prie ;t,
or his duly appointe representative. The rule "No recommerrdation letter, rio
seminar" will be str implemented

1.5. Failure to complete hasic formation program disqualifies r-andidates from bei rg
commissioned as lay li rgical ministers.

r.6. Study rnslsrials given uring or after the seminar should be periodically reviewed lry
the ministers for their nal growth as well as their growth in the ministry

1. Recognition of new lay liturgical inisters

1.1. The names of the newlil commissioned lectors and commentators are to be posted on
the parish bulletin or nqwsletter.

L.2 The new lectors and com mentators are to be presented bytheir parish priests to tht ir
respective commurn ities in the celebrarion of Mass where a great nunrber of tile
fairhful are present or on the day of their commissiorring.

v. oN-GorNG FORMATTON (OGF)

1. The OGF program of Lectors a Commentators conducted by the Diocesan Liturgical Ministry
is mandatory, and is consider the renewal of their duties as lay ministers.
as

2.1 The OGF program is a e-day seminar which treats on particular topics to aid in tlre
integral formation of l, and commentators.

2.2. The tf,(iF seminar en with the Eucharistic Celebration where the lectors and
comrnentators are com ssioned for eligibility to serve in their respective parishes f >r
a period of one year or their respective pa rishes.

2.3. Failure to complete t e OGF (which includes missing a signifrr,ant part of tl ie

conferences) or absen during the Mass disqualifies the lay ministers from being
commissioned, They then rendered ineligible to serve in their parishr s.
Exemptions are on a case-to-case basis
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2,4 Lectors and commen will be required to present their recornrnendation letters
signed by their respe parish priests or his duly appointed repre sentative, prior to
the day of the formati seminar, at least two weeks. The rule "Nlo recomme ndation
letter, no seminar" will e strictly implemented.

2.5. Failure to attend the OGF program is adequate reason for suspension from tite
ministry until such t that the minister shall have attended the said renevr al
program.

2.6. Newly commissioned lectors and commentators are not required to attend the OtlF
seminar of the current year, however, they are most welcome tc participate for thcir
personal growth and i rriprovement.

?.7 Prior to the annual OGF seminar, the screening committee of each parish mr st
evaluate the candidate! for renewal on the basis of the following:

7..7 .1,. their capacity to carry out the roles and functions, duties and responsibilities of
lectors and commentators
2.7.?_. faithfulness in their duties during Masses and other liturgical celebrations,
2.7.3. faithfulness in other functions, duties and responsibilities
2.7.4. attendance in regularly scheduled meetings
2.7.5. participation in formation programs as stipulated and required hy the ministe"s'
respective pa rish priests.
2.7.6. their moral standing in the Christian community.

The annual OGF seminar conducted by the DLM is intended for the following reasons

2.1.To deepen their commitment to the ministry and spiritual formation;

2.2. To enhance the required skills and competencies in the pursurt of well
formed proclaimers of the word.

?-.3 To enhance liturgical unity in the Diocese;

2.4 To deepen their knowledge rn liturgy and the understanding of their

rnin istry;

2,5 To deepen their appreciation love for the Word of God and the Eucharist, as well as
the other aspects of the liturgical life.

4 Lectors and commentators are to have a retreat or recollection in their respective partsh
comnrunities at least once a year.

5 l-ectors anC commentators are to give priority to periodic meetings in their respective
parishes, ancl must submit themselves to the formation program set up by their par sh
priests and the Parish Liturgica Commission
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6 After having undergone the OGF, commissioned lectors and commentators are to i)e
presented by their parish priests to their respective communities in the celebration of Mass
where a great number of the faithful are present or on the day of their cornmissioning.

VI. ROLE5 AND FUNCTIONS

1 As stipulated by the liturgical documents Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Gener al

lnstruction on the Roman lVlissal, and Ministerio Quoedom, the following are the roles and
functions of Lectors and Commentators.

1..1. To proclaim the readings except the Gospel in the Mass ancl other liturgi<al
celehrations

1.2. To chant or proclaim the responsorial psalm in the absence of a psalmist

1.3. To announce the intentiorrs of the Prayers of the Faithful in the absence oI a deacon
1.4, To give instruction to those preparing to receive the Sacraments

1.5. To train those who are temporarily deputed to proclaim the readings drrring particular
Masses and other liturgical celebrations.

1.6. Commentators are tasked with greeting and disposing the cornmunity for tire
cclebration of Mass, preparing the necessary announcen'rents or giving brief
instructions to the assembly as required by particular liturgical celebrati,:ns. They m:y
also be required to lead the community in singing.
1,.7. To nreditate assiduously on the Word of God, so that they may foster in themselvts
and in the community a deep love for Scriptures,

VII. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of lectors and commentators are the following

1". Prepa ration

1.1. Lectors must engage in the following preparations for their duties:

L.1.1. Preparation, as well as rehearsal of ALL the readings. This is to ensure that
in cases of emergency where their companions may be absent from tht:ir
duties,

1.1.? Preparation by studying the readings. This can be accomplished by learnirrg

and understanding the following:

1.1.2,1 The context of the Scriptural passages and the message that is
intended by the author
1.1..2.2. The particular genre or literary type employed in the readings
441)
r.4.4.J. The relationship of the readings with each other (including tlre
Gospel)
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L.L.2.4. The method ofproclaiming the Scriptures in ;r way that

communicates to the listeners
1.1.2.5. ln this task, books containing exegesis or textual analysis are
necessary.
1.1.1 It is illadvised to practice using missalettes. Lectors should use tlre
Lectionary to practice the readings, for it is the official liturgical book for
the Word of God. Other books, such as the Daily or Sunday Missal may al;o
be used, provided they use the same texts as those irr the Lectionary.

2. Celebration
2.1. Lectors must arrive for their particular duties at least 30 minutes before the Mass Lo
ensure the following:

2.'1.t. That the lectionary, Gospel Book and General lntercessir:ns are ready arrd
prepared
2.7.2. That the microphones are in good condition and set properly for tlre
proclamation of God's Word
2,1,.3 Self preparation through personal or group prayers

7.2. Lectors ntust dispose themselves for the effective proclamation of God's Word. This c,rn
be accomplished through the following:

2_2.t Careful preparation of the readings assigned to them

2.2.2 Maintaining occasional eye contact with the assembly to ensure effecti're
commurrication
2.,2.3. Observlng brief moments of silence in particular parts. {before beginnirrg
the readings, in between the first reading and responsori;:l psalm, after tlre
second reading)This is to provide the community with some time to refle ct
and meditate on the readings which have been proclaimed.
2.2.4 Commentators must be aware of the situation of the celebration, common
sense may apply. (Ex. don't say "Please stand" if they are already standir,g,
or "Please be seated" if they are already seated.)
2.2.5 Avoiding unnecessary movements, actions, or other elements which m:y
distract the assembly from paying attention to the readings.

?_.3. Under no circumstances should the readings be proclaimed anywhere else but tlre
Ambo, and the missalettes used to proclaim the Word of God. ln cases whe,'e
members of the music ministry are allowed to chant the responsorial psalm, this mL st
be done at the Ambo, and not the choir area.

3. Additional Responsibilities

3.1. Lectors and commentators are expected to know how to understand and use tlre
following for the preparation and celebration of the liturgy:

3.1.1. The Ordo

3.1.2. The Lectionary and Gospel Book
3.1.3. The Roman Missal
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3.2. The MLC are expected to care for and maintain the liturgical books especially tire
Lectionary and Gospel Book. This is in view of the dignity and resper:i which are
accc,rded these important treasures of the Church.

VIII. ATTIRE AND DECORUM

I ,Attire
1", :1. White long sleeve (standing collar) with diocesan seal/logo, black skirt, black close
shoes.

1..2. For male lectors and commentators, white polo barong long sleeves with dioces tn
seal/logo, black pants, black leather shoes and dark socks.

2. Decorum

?_.r. Lectors and commentators are expected to display appropriate decorum wh,:n
exercising their duties, since they are to be examples for the rest of the comnrunity.

2.2. They are to listen attentively to other lectors proclaiming the readings at the Ambo,
and not browsing through missalettes or other books containing the Scriptural
readings.

2.3. They are to sit properly, avoid unnecessary conversations or movenrents which m.:y
attract attention to themselves.

3. Personal Decorum and Grooming

3.1 Lectors and commentators are to avoidmaintaining perscnal eff ects )r

ornamentations that attract attention to themselves rather than to the Word of God,
including the following:

3.1. L. Distracting hair-styles or unnatural hair color

3.L.2. Jewelries, such as decorative earrings, bracelets, pendants, anklets, or tlre
like.
3.1.3 Open-toed sandals or shoes, high-heeled shoes

tx. oFFENSES, pROCESS, SANCTTONS

t. ln case of serious suspicion that an offense has been committed by the ministers, ttie
following process shall be undergone by the parish liturgicalcommittee and the parish priest:

1. 1. The minister shall be called to explain his/her actions, and w;:rnt:d if suspicion h:s
basis.

i.2. lrl case of scandalous behavior, the minister shall be

7.2.7. notified in writing of the offense or behavior;

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1.2.2. called to a meeting with witnesses or complaining party

1..2.3. given a particular sanction (to be determined by the parish prie:;t)

?-. Sanctions may be determined in the following ways

2.1. Voluntary resignation: at any stage of the investigation, the minister may file a wriflen
letter of resignation addressed to rhe parish priest.

2.2. Suspension: upon the recommendation of the liturgical committee of the parish, the
parish priest may prohibit ministers from exercising his/her functions for a specified
period of time.

1.3. Expulsion: This penalty may be imposed when serious offenses have been
con mitted.

L.4. Suspension or even expulsion may be imposed under the following circumstairces

L.4.L. lack of respect for the Word of God or for the liturgical books
t.4.2. habitual neglect of assignment or habitual and obvious lack of preparation
in the performance of their duties
1.4.3. serious inability to proclaim the Word of God effectively to the communitl,
1.4.4. habitual errors made in the performance of their duties
1.4.5. other similar circumstances to be determined by the parish priest

7 Suspended or
expelled ministers may be re-admitted based on proper evaluation a,td
recommendation of the parislr liturgical committee and upon the discretion af the par sh
priest.

x. vAtilA

1 Leave of Absence: Within the period of one month, ministers should submit a letter of requ()st
for a leave of absence in view of any personal reason or based on unforeseen or pressirrg
circu mstances.

2. During election period, upon filing of the certificate of candidacy, ministers who are aspirlrg
for public office are automatically considered to be on a leave of absence and mav be back
after the election.

3 ln view of the specialized skills and competencies required by the various liturgical roles a rd
functions, Lectors and Commentators are to choose only one ministry to which they will i:e
involved. (e.g., one cannot be a lector and at the same time an EMHC) This rule applies €ver, if
thc minister does not perform the tasks during the same celebration.

+. Lectors and Commentators may render service in their respective parishes and in ca:e
necessary, may serve in other parishes with the consent of the parish nriest.