Qualities of Candidates for Instituted Ministries

♦ ‘Men and women of deep faith and human maturity, active participants in the life of the Christian community, capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a life of communion as brothers and sisters… It is essential that they be faithful co-workers with priests and deacons, be prepared to exercise their ministry wherever it may prove necessary, and be motivated by true apostolic enthusiasm.’ (Antiquum Ministerium 8)

♦ ‘Aware of the office they are undertaking, Lectors are to make every effort and employ suitable means to acquire that increasingly warm and living love and knowledge of Scripture that will make them more perfect disciples of the Lord.’ (Ministeria quaedam 5.See Sacrosanctum Concilium 24)

♦ ‘Set aside in a special way for the service of the altar, Acolytes should learn all matters concerning public divine worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning. In that way they will be able each day to offer themselves entirely to God, and be an example to all by their gravity and reverence in the church, and have a sincere love for the Mystical Body of Christ, the people of God, especially for the weak and the sick.’ (Ministeria quaedam 6)

♦ They should be a recognised, trusted, and respected member of the local community with potential for leadership and talents specific to the ministry in question (discernment of gifts). They should be inspiring examples of service in the associated lay ministries.

The following qualities and competencies are also noted:

Qualities needed for instituted ministries:

♦ An understanding of leadership as service;

♦ A sense of prayer, both private and communal;

♦ A commitment to inclusiveness and collaboration in the Church;

♦ The ability to consider a situation, make a decision, and act confidently on it;

♦ The ability to communicate with clergy and parishioners alike;

♦ A pastoral sensitivity to the needs of others.

Competencies needed for instituted ministries:

♦ The knowledge of the liturgy, its rites, structures and symbols;

♦ Skills in proclaiming the Word of God, in presiding at public worship, including public speaking;

♦ A sound theological, scriptural and ecclesial background;

♦ Skills in pastoral care especially of the sick and bereaved.