Diocese of Novaliches

St. Joseph the Worker Parish

St. Joseph the Worker Avenue, Tala, Caloocan City, 1427
 961 1524 |  sjwptala@yahoo.com

Ministry of Lectors and Commentators

By-laws and Amendments to Diocesan Guidelines

A. Name and Purpose

1. The name of the Ministry shall be St. Joseph the Worker Parish Lectors and Commentators Ministry
hereinafter referred to as “the Ministry”, “the LeCom Ministry” or “LCM”. The abbreviated name of the
Ministry shall be SJTWP-LCM where all letters are capitalized.
2. The purpose and objectives of the Ministry shall be as follows:
a. Schedule commisioned laypersons to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture for all liturgical,
sacramental and other parish celebrations in St. Joseph the Worker Parish (hereinafter referred to as
“the Parish”), with the exception of the Gospel reading during masses.
b. Maintain a qualified group of lay faithful to serve in this ministry.

B. Membership
1. Qualifications. Refer to Article I of the Diocesan Guidelines for basic qualifications. The following are the
additional requirements for SJTWP-LCM members:
a. Be a graduate of the Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) seminar conducted within the Parish
prior to application or within 1 year of service.

2. Admission. Refer to Article II of the Diocesan Guidelines for basic admission process. The following are the
additional steps in the admission process for SJTWP-LCM members:
a. Prior to the interview the Screening and Evaluation Committee, the applicant needs to submit a
written letter of intent to apply as an LCM member.
b. Once admitted into the Ministry, but before undergoing the basic formation seminar, new
members will be given schedules to attend mass and observe other LCM members in service.
They shall be seated in the front pews together with the LCM or beside the commentator.

3. Formation. Aside from formation requirements set for in the Diocesan Guidelines (Article III and IV), the
following are additional requirements for SJTWP-LCM:
a. With regards to formations seminars:
- 100% attendance on all retreats / recollections (quarterly).
- 80% of all on-going formation seminars/trainings (daily/weekly/monthly)

4. Classification of Members. Members shall be classified as follows:

a. Regular Members. Regular membership is composed of members who assume the complete duties
and responsibilities prescribed in Article D.
b. Honorary Members. Honorary membership is composed of members who are given special
considerations and exception from selected rules due to substantial causes.
c. Executive Members (Officers or ExeCom). Executive members is composed of the Parish Priest,
Worship Ministry Servant Leader, LCM Servant Leader, LCM Deputy Servant Leader, LCM
Secretary, LCM Treasurer, LCM Public Relations Officer and LCM Chapel Coordinator.

C. Rights of a Member
1. Participate fully in meetings, practices, trainings and other activities of the Ministry.
2. Be informed of all affairs of the Ministry and the reasons thereof.
3. Freely express opinions, submit resolutions and suggestions.
4. Be nominated by members of the Ministry and be appointed by the current Parish Priest into the leadership of
the Ministry.
D. Duties and Responsibilities of a Member
1. Uphold the Guidelines and By-laws of the Ministry
2. Attend regularly and punctually his/her assigned service schedule as well as the meetings, trainings, and other
activities of the Ministry.
3. Inform in a timely mamnner any Executive member about predertimed absence in a service schedule,
meeting, training and other activities of the Ministry, and the reasons thereof.
4. Secure a substitute or arrange an exchange with another Lector/Commentator should there be a justifiable
conflict with the assigned service schedule.
5. Pay the fees and other dues set by the Executive Committee.
6. When serving as Lector and/or Commentator:
a. Understand that service in the Ministry is for the purpose of meeting the needs of the Parish and is a
commitment to assist in the celebration of the liturgy in its fullest beauty;
b. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to start of the mass at which one is scheduled to service;
c. Wear the appropriate attire as prescribed in the Diocesan Guidelines (ArticleVIII);
d. Engage in the full participation in the mass;
e. Follow the SJTWP Liturgical Rules for Lectors and Commentators duly approved by the current
Parish Priest.
7. Ensure the attendance of the assigned readers on the mass next to his/her schedule; and act as a substitute in
their absence.
8. Perform other duties and responsibilitie as set forth by the Parish Priest, Worship Coordinator, LCM
Coordinator and/or Executive Members.

E. Meetings
1. Monthly General Meetings of the Minstry.
a. A quorum shall consist of two-thirds of the total membership
b. The general meeting of the Ministry shall be held every last Saturday of the month at the Parish from
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
c. All proposals/agenda for the general meeting shall be conferred on an Executive committee meeting
by the officers prior to the actual meeting with the members.
d. The meeting place and date may be moved upon approval of a quorum.
e. The general meeting of the Ministry may be cancelled on crisis situations by either the current Parish
Priest, his deputized representative or a quorum decision of the Executive Committee.
2. Monthy Executive Meeting.
a. A quorum shall consist of two-thirds of the total membership
b. All proposals/agenda for the monthly general meeting of the Ministry shall be discussed and finalized
during this meeting.
c. Other agenda for the monthly executive meetings shall be as follows:
i. Financial report by treasurer
ii. New members by screening committee
iii. Disciplinary actions by disciplinary committee
iv. LCM Schedule for next 4 weeks (Sundays, weekdays and other special celebrations)
d. All Chapel Coordinators shall bring the members attendance report for the
3. Monthly Worship Committee Meeting.
a. The general meeting of the Worship Ministry (to which the Ministry is a part of) shall be held every
last Saturday of the month at the Parish from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
b. The meeting place and date may be moved by the current Parish Priest or his deputized
representative.
c. The general meeting of the Worship Ministry may be cancelled by the current Parish Priest or his
deputized representative.
4. Emergency /Special Meeting.
a. Special meetings and/or emergency may be called by a quorum, the Parish Priest or any Executive
member whenever a need arises.
5. Annual Strategic Planning Meeting
a. The executive committee shall meet once a year, preferably before the end of the liturgical year, to
plan for activities and projects for the Ministry for the next liturgical year.
6. Quarterly One-on-One Meetings
 a. The LCM Servant Leader and/or Deputy shall have quarterly one-on-one meetings with other
member of the Executive committee.
b. Chapel Coordinators shall have a quarterly one-on-one meetings with their respective chapel LCM
members.

F. Dues, Fees and Penalties

1. Membership Dues
a. Dues for students, unemployed or retired members shall be P20.00 per month
b. Dues for members who are employed or engaged in a business shall depend on the amount of their
pledge. The pledged amount shall be consistent for one year. After such a period, a member may
change the sum of his/her monthly dues.
c. Dues may be paid on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.
2. Penalty for a missed service / duty
a. A penalty of P50.00 shall be paid for failure to serve the scheduled duty/service.
b. With regards to Article D.4 (finding a substitute/replacement), if the substitute/replacement fails to
service scheduled duty/service, the original assigned member shall pay the incurred penalty.

G. Leave of Absence
1. Leaves shall be officially granted to members with reasons deemed acceptable by the Parish Priest or the
Executive Committee.
2. An official leave shall be formally applied for in writing. The letter shall be addressed to the Servant Leader,
noted by the current Parish Priest.
3. Refer to Diocesan Guidelines (Article VII) for various guidelines on leaves and absences.

H. Liturgical Attire
1. Refer to Diocesan Guidelines (Article VIII) for guidelines on Liturgical attire.
2. During services, jewelries and other accessories which would be distracting to the assembly shall not be worn.
3. During church meetings and assemblies (within the Parish, the Vicariate, Diocese, etc), members representing
the Church shall wear proper/appropriate clothes.

I. Structure of the Ministry

1. The highest policy-making body of the Ministry are the following, in order of rank:
a. The current Parish Priest
b. The Worship Ministry Servant Leader, provided that his/her decisions are consistent with the mandate
of the current Parish Priest
c. The LCM Executive Committee (composed of a quorum of the Servant Leader, Deputy, Secretary,
Treasurer and Chapel Coordinators), provided that their decisions are consistent with the mandate of
the above two.
d. The Disciplinary Committee, provided that their decisions are consistent with the mandate of the
above three.
2. The highest governing body of the Ministry are the following, in order of rank:
a. The current Parish Priest
b. The LCM Executive Committee (composed of a quorum of the Servant Leader, Deputy, Secretary,
Treasurer and Chapel Coordinators), provided that their decisions are consistent with the mandate of
the above two.
c. The Disciplinary Committee, provided that their decisions are consistent with the mandate of the
above two.

J. The Officers
1. The Servant Leader shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
a. Exercise general supervision and responsibility over the Ministry and ensure the functioning of all
officers and members;
b. Represent the Ministry in all occasions and events that need representation;
c. Sign all resolutions, communications and other documents of the Ministry to make them official;
d. Enforce the provisions of this Guidelines and By-Laws and all other rules and reulgations, which may
be promulgated from time to time;
e. Ensure the continouous spiritual and liturgical formation of the members
f. Conduct monthly one-on-one meetings with members of the Executive Committee
 g. Recommend to the current Parish Priest outstanding members of the Ministry, as validated by the
Executive Committee, for recogniztion
h. Call for special meetins of the Ministry as may be deemed urgent and necessary.

2. The Internal Deputy Servant Leader shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
a. Assume the role of the Servant Leader in his/her absence or incapacity to perform that role;
b. Assist the Servant Leader in all the internal affairs of the Ministry;
c. Maintain and update the official Directory of the members;
d. Formulate and enforce House Rules during meeting sessions;
e. Assist the Servant Leader ensure the continouous spiritual and liturgical formation of the members
f. Maintain and update Continuous Formation Profile of the members;
g. Perform other functions as may be delegated by the Servant Leader or current Parish Priest.

3. The External Deputy Servant Leader shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
a. Assume the role of the Servant Leader in the absence or incapcity of the Servant Leader or Internal
Deputy Servant Leader;
b. Assist and/or represent the Servant Leader in all external affairs of the Ministry (ex.
Diocesan/Vicariate meetings);
c. Perform other functions as may be delegated by the Servant Leader or current Parish Priest.

4. The Secretary and Deputy Secretary shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
a. Assist the Servant Leader;
b. Record the minutes of all the meetings and transactions in a book to be kept for that purpose;
c. Keep in safe custody the the physical logo of the Ministry and the Parish, and when authorized by the
Executive Commmittee, affix the same to any instrument requiring it;
d. Maintain continuous correspondence with members of the Ministry which include, but is not limitted
to:
i. Correspondence for leaves of absence
ii. Correspondence for excuse letters
iii. Correspondence for suspensions and other discplinary notices
iv. Correspondence for recognition of outstanding members
v. Keep unclaimed certificates for trainings/formations attended by the members
vi. Prepare certificates for internal trainings/formations conducted by the Ministry
e. Prepare the monthly schedule of service for members of the Ministry;
f. Maintain the attendance record of members in services and meetings;
g. Recommend, at the end of the liturgical year, to the Executive Committee outstanding members of the
Ministry for recognition by the Bishop;
h. Perform other functions as may be delegated by the Servant Leader or current Parish Priest.

5. The Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
a. Have the primary responsibility over the acquisition,, control and utilization of the funds of the
Ministry.
b. Collect and keep a record of all collections (fines and dues) of all members
c. Keep a transparent and updated record of all the Ministry’s financial transactions.
d. Perform other functions as may be delegated by the Servant Leader or current Parish Priest.

6. The Public Relations Officers shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
a. Be the official communications channel for the Ministry. All official announcements of the current
Parish Priest, the Worship Ministry Servant Leader and the Executive Commmitee shall be
distributed to members of the Ministry through them.
b. Organize the members in parochial activisuch as processions,pilgrimages,
c. Perform other functions as may be delegated by the Servant Leader or current Parish Priest.

K. The Committees
1. Screening and Evaluation Commmittee
a. To be done
2. Training Commmitee
a. To be done
 3. Disciplinary Committee
a. To be done

L. Appointments and Nominations

1. On the Nomination Day/Night appointed by the current Parish Priest, the members shall nominate ___ names
to the Parish Priest for appointment into the Ministry Leadership.
2. The current Parish Priest shall appoint all seats for the Executive Committee.
3. An elected officer shall
4. Executive members shall serve a term of two years. This may be extended or shortened as per the decision of
the current Parish Priest.
5. A member shall be allowed at most two consecutive terms in the same position.

M. Disciplinary Actions
1. This article/section contains additional disciplinary guidelines to Article VI of the Diocesan Guidelines
(Offenses and Sanctions)
2. One (1) absence from the quarterly retreat/recollcetion shall result to a suspension of service for the whole of
the following month.
3. All suspended members
4. Any member of the Ministry will be meted disciplinary actions on the following grounds:
a. Willful violation of the Guidelines and By-laws of the Diocese and the Ministry, and other policies
set forth by the Executive Committee and the Parish Priest
b. Unreasonable neglect of duty
c. Lack of respect for the Word of God
d. Gross misconduct
5. Any person (ministry or non-ministry members) may provide information to the Ministry about the
performance and conduct of its members. Matters shall be subject to investigation by the Disciplinary
Committee. The Disciplinary Committee shall provide the Executive Committee its verbal or written
decision and recommendation for action as appropriate.
6. Major disciplinary problems shall be decided by the Parish Priest upon recommendation of the Discplinary
Committee.
7. Penal sanctions shall be distinguished in the following forms:
a. Voluntary Resignation – at any stage of the investigation, the concerned may file a letter of
resignation addressed to the Servant Leader and/or the current Parish Priest;
b. Suspension – upon recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee, the parish priest may prohibit the
concerned of all or some rights and functions attached to the Ministry within a specified period of
time;
c. Expulsion – the penalty shall be imposed only when a serious offense, as determined by the
Disciplinary Committee, had been committed.
8. An expelled member may be re-admitted based on the recommendation of the Discplinary Committee with
proof that the problem has been sufficiently resolved, justice restored, the offender reformed (if needed) and
upon the discretion of the current Parish Priest. Also refer to the Diocesan Guidelines (Article VII-c) for
additonal guidance on expelled members.

N. Amendments
1. Any provision of this Guideline and By-Laws may be amended, altered or repealed by a quorum with the
approval of the current Parish Priest.
2. All proposal for amendments shall be submitted by any member in written form with the explanations thereof
to the Secretary.
3. Proposed amendments shall be voted one (1) week after the notice of such amendment has been given the
members. The Screening and Evaluation Committee shall be in-charge of conducting the plebescite.

O. Effectivity
1. This By-laws and Amendment to the Diocesan Guidelines shall take effect on 3rd of March in the Year of
our Lord 2018 and thereafter unless amended.
Submitted by:

Kuya Robert B. Pareja

Servant Leader
Lectors and Commentators Ministry
St. Joseph the Worker Parish

Kuya Arwin A. Olivar Ate Jennifer J. Placente

Deputy Servant Leader Deputy Servant Leader
Lectors and Commentators Ministry Lectors and Commentators Ministry
St. Joseph the Worker Parish St. Joseph the Worker Parish

Maria Elena P. Octubre Rothlen May M. German

Secretary, Lectors and Commentators Ministry Secretary, Lectors and Commentators Ministry
St. Joseph the Worker Parish St. Joseph the Worker Parish

Approved by:

Kuya Arthur G. Octubre

Servant Leader, Worship Ministry
St. Joseph the Worker Parish

Noted by:

Rev. Fr. Aristeo M. de Leon

Parish Priest
St. Joseph the Worker Parish