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Proclaiming the Word. Forming others. Serving the Church.

The Diocese of Bathurst is inviting women and men to discern a call to the instituted ministry of Lector.

Instituted lectors are entrusted with proclaiming the Word of God in the liturgical assembly and fostering a deeper love of Sacred Scripture within their parish communities. Through prayer, formation, mentoring and leadership, they encourage others to encounter Christ in the Scriptures and strengthen the Church’s ministry of the Word.

The ministry of Lector is a stable ministry within the Church. Once instituted, a person remains a lector permanently. Within the Diocese of Bathurst, the Bishop authorises the public exercise of this ministry for a renewable five-year term.

Who can be recommended?

Candidates should:

  • be fully initiated Catholics in full communion with the Church;
  • be at least 21 years of age;
  • participate regularly in Sunday Eucharist and the life of their parish;
  • demonstrate a mature Catholic faith and commitment to prayer;
  • desire to deepen their knowledge and love of Sacred Scripture;
  • be able to work collaboratively with clergy and parish leaders;
  • show leadership qualities and a willingness to mentor others; and
  • have a genuine desire to serve the Church through the ministry of the Word.

Candidates must also provide a National Police Check and complete the Diocese’s Safeguarding and Safe Ministry requirements.

The formation pathway

The Regional Formation Day forms part of a broader pathway of prayer, discernment and preparation:

  1. Online Word and Faith Gathering – an introduction to Sacred Scripture, the vocation of the instituted lector and the diocesan vision of Word, Sacrament and Service. The initial gathering was held in July; however, new enquiries are still welcome.
  2. Regional Formation Day – exploring the theology, spirituality and practical responsibilities of the ministry.
  3. Online and in-person formation – approved formation in Scripture, liturgy, the Lectionary, effective proclamation and the preparation of the Prayer of the Faithful.
  4. Parish practicum and mentoring – supervised practical formation within the candidate’s parish.
  5. Institution as Lector – following successful completion of formation and discernment, candidates may be recommended to the Bishop for institution.

Regional Formation Day

Saturday, 5 September 2026
 Orange

The Regional Formation Day will explore:

  • Baptism and lay ministry;
  • the theology of the ministry of the Word;
  • the vocation and responsibilities of an instituted lector;
  • prayerful preparation of Sacred Scripture;
  • the relationship between Word and Eucharist;
  • leadership and service within the Church; and
  • fostering the ministry of the Word within parish life.

Further details, including the venue and program for the day, will be provided once a Parish Priest has recommended an individual for the formation program.

Recommendations and enquiries

Individuals may be recommended by their Parish Priest or put themselves forward for consideration with the endorsement of their Parish Priest. All recommendations must be formally submitted by the Parish Priest.

Parish Priests are asked to provide each candidate’s:

  • name;
  • parish;
  • email address; and
  • telephone number.

Once a recommendation has been received, the individual will be contacted with further information about the Regional Formation Day and the complete formation process.

For recommendations or enquiries, please contact:

Deacon Josh Clayton
Telephone: 0458 261 513
Email: admin@bathurst.catholic.org.au