Should I become an Instituted Lector?

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Bugsfan

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I read (proclaim) at mass with mixed feelings of awe, thankfullness, and unworthiness, and it’s always the same. I want to dedicate myself to Lectoring, as I feel myself drawn (almost “called”) to do so.

I’ve learned that there is such a thing as “Instituted Lector”, and wonder if it’s something I should be, but I know little about it, other than its reserved for males, which I am.

How do I become one? What are the preparation and requirements? Who do I talk to get started?

I also ask, if your Parish has an Instituted Lector, do you feel you have been well-served, or has it been less than a blessing? Our parish has only lay-lectors.

(name removed by moderator)ut would be greatly appreciated.

Bugsfan
 
The office of Instituted Lector was the first formal Rite that our class had as deacon candidates. If the local bishop wishes to do so, I am sure that he could have a ceremony to Institute a Lector outside of the permanent deacon program. Also, Transitional deacons (On their way to the priesthood) are instituted. I don’t believe the bishop has instituted any lectors other than clergy in our diocese. Have you thought about becoming a deacon? You seem to have a great love for The Word Of God. This is one thing they look for in a deacon candidate.

May God bless those who have a great love for HIS WORD…JESUS
 
Yes, Lector is actually a Minor Order. I agree - you should examine the diaconate. At least go to an informational meeting. You might find just what you are looking for. It’s been my experience that the deacons themselves are the last ones to recognize their vocation. And if you are married, it is such a blessing and grace on your marriage and family!

I’ll keep you and God’s will for you in my prayers.
Sue
 
Detroit Sue:
Yes, Lector is actually a Minor Order. I agree - you should examine the diaconate. At least go to an informational meeting. You might find just what you are looking for. It’s been my experience that the deacons themselves are the last ones to recognize their vocation. And if you are married, it is such a blessing and grace on your marriage and family!

I’ll keep you and God’s will for you in my prayers.
Sue
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Lector is not a minor order – it’s an instituted ministry open only to men.
 
I have been told that their is an installation ceremony for Lectors in the Catholic “Book of Blessings”.
 
I believe the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska has instituted lectors who are not on their way to the diaconate or the priesthood, but I’m not aware of any other diocese that does this.
 
Just a friendly correction about Lectors. The Deacon is correct, an Instituted Lector is still considered a minor order for those on the path to priesthood (and I believe to the Diaconate as well). Instituted Acolyte being the other. This was how they were described to us when we recieved these ministries.

Before Vatican II, the Minor Orders were Porter, Lector, Acolyte, Exorcist, Sub-Deacon, and Deacon. I believe Tonsure was their for those who belonged to religious orders. After Vatican II, Lector and Acolyte remained (with, of course, the Diaconate). Candidacy replaced the others and is not considered a minor order but the final step before Diaconate and it is a promise we make that we will remain with our Diocese unless loaned out to serve as a Chaplain position. Key word is loaned! Since it is the last step before Diaconate we refer to this one as “the fullness of the laity.”

There is in the Book of Blessings (I believe this is the right book) of a special blessing for new Lectors, Altar Servers, and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist that includes a commission. Lay members holding these positions are considered commissioned, not instituted.

Hope you consider Diaconate, sounds like you may have a calling. You are in my prayers.

Dan G.
 
Dan, nice to have you around to keep us straight.

May God bless you in your ministry,
Deacon Tony SFO
 
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Gouletdr:
Just a friendly correction about Lectors. The Deacon is correct, an Instituted Lector is still considered a minor order for those on the path to priesthood (and I believe to the Diaconate as well). Instituted Acolyte being the other. This was how they were described to us when we recieved these ministries.

Before Vatican II, the Minor Orders were Porter, Lector, Acolyte, Exorcist, Sub-Deacon, and Deacon. I believe Tonsure was their for those who belonged to religious orders. After Vatican II, Lector and Acolyte remained (with, of course, the Diaconate). Candidacy replaced the others and is not considered a minor order but the final step before Diaconate and it is a promise we make that we will remain with our Diocese unless loaned out to serve as a Chaplain position. Key word is loaned! Since it is the last step before Diaconate we refer to this one as “the fullness of the laity.”

There is in the Book of Blessings (I believe this is the right book) of a special blessing for new Lectors, Altar Servers, and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist that includes a commission. Lay members holding these positions are considered commissioned, not instituted.

Hope you consider Diaconate, sounds like you may have a calling. You are in my prayers.

Dan G.
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1.) There are no longer any minor orders in the Catholic Church – at least not in the Latin Church.

2.) Instituted acolytes and lectors are indeed laymen.

3.) Lectors are not “commissioned” – readers are, however.
 
I agree with Franciscum, disagree with Gouletdr.

According to Pope Paul VI’s 1972 Motu Proprio of 15 August 1972, Ministeria Quaedam :

“It is in accordance with the reality itself and with the contemporary outlook that the above-mentioned ministries should no longer be called minor orders; their conferral will not be called ordination, but institution.”

and:

“3. Ministries may be assigned to lay Christians; hence they are no longer to be considered as reserved to candidates for the sacrament of orders.”

The Book of Blessings does not have the ceremony for the institution of lectors. The USA Book of Blessings has a ceremony for the “Blessing of Readers”, but:

“1828. This order is not intended for the institution of readers by the bishop, who uses the rite contained in the Roman Pontifical. Rather, this blessing is for parish readers who have the responsibility of proclaiming the Scriptures at Mass and other liturgical services.”

Perhaps the issue for Bugsfan is should he be instituted or blessed? I think he should try to be instituted. The 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal for the USA, has: “101. In the absence of an instituted lector, other laypersons may be commissioned to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture.”

The instituted lector is the proper minister to proclaim the first reading. If one is available a blessed reader should not read instead of an instituted one.
 
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