Mission:

Those participating in the Lector ministry are called to proclaim the Word of God for Masses offered on Saturday, Sundays, Holy Days, and other special services throughout the Church year. Lectors also offer the Prayers of the Faithful. The Lector’s task is to reveal God’s presence in the liturgy of the living Word for our parish community.

Eligibility:

Any Baptized Catholic who attends Mass weekly, is living according to the moral teachings of the faith, and possesses the necessary public speaking ability, may serve in this ministry. The Lector must be able to proclaim the Scriptures from the depths of their lived faith.

Vatican II has this to say about the Lector/ reader:

“Readers exercise a genuine liturgical function. They ought to discharge their office therefore, with the sincere devotion and decorum by so exalted a ministry and rightly expected of them by God’s people. Consequently, they must be deeply imbued with the spirit of liturgy, in the measure of proper to each one. And they must be trained to perform functions in a correct and orderly manner.”

Commitment:

Most Lectors are scheduled to read at Mass twice in a three month period. They may contact Parish Secretary Carmen (93706688) in advance to request any dates off that they know they will be unavailable. If a schedule conflict arises once the schedule is already finished, however, it is the Lector’s responsibility to call other ministers and arrange coverage.

Contact:

For further information, scheduling requests, or to apply to be a Lector, please call Parish Secretary Carmen (93706688).

A Lector Prayer:

Come Holy Spirit, into my mind and my heart as I read these Sacred Scriptures. Inspire me with Your grace to proclaim this Living Word with sincerity and reverence. Help me to focus on the Word and discern its meaning so that I can communicate it clearly and enthusiastically. Each time I approach the Ambo, remind me that I am on holy ground and that the Ministry of proclaiming the Scriptures is a sacred trust. I place all my trust in You, that through Your power, the people of God will hear and accept the Word into their hearts.

The above prayer for Lectors, describes the focus and challenge before each Lector. Being a Lector is more than just being a good reader. Our focus is centered on proclaiming God’s Word as a living revelation and guide for His people. Lectors should have a genuine love of God’s Word, embracing the Scriptures as part of their daily prayer life.

READER / COMMENTATOR at ST MARY'S PARISH: practical advice

Opening announcement introduction / and Requirements concerning this Ministry:

You have volunteered to proclaim the Word of God to all those gathered in the Church. The Word of God calls for reverence and careful reading so that all may hear and understand you. Good reading assists the people to receive God's message.

Preparation for this Ministry:

Preparation:

• prepare during the week by reading out loud to yourself the Readings and Psalm (Scripture Readings are available online)
• if unable to be the Reader assume the responsibility of arranging a replacement]
• come to the sacristy (St. Mary's) ten minutes prior to the beginning of Mass and check the place of Readings in the lectionary as well as the liturgy sheet
• (at St. Margaret's) check the place of Readings in the lectionary at the lectern as well as the liturgy sheet
• check the height of the microphone at the lectern beforehand
• check to ensure awareness of any sung parts beforehand.

Manner of Reading/ Proclaiming the Word:

Manner of Reading:

• consider the tone of the Reading(s) and read slowly, with expression, and distinctly be aware of the pace of your reading, of times to pause and look up at the congregation, e.g. after announcing the Reading and before beginning and after the end of the Reading before saying, The Word of the Lord (punctuation marks, commas, full stops, and new paragraphs)
• when reading the verses of the Responsorial Psalm pay attention to making the verses sound complete giving them a definite ending note, and look up at the congregation
• be aware of moments for looking up engaging the congregation, e.g. announcing the  Reading, on saying The Word of the Lord and ending the Intercessions
• concentrate on voice projection intent on being heard right at the back of the church. The microphone will not do all the work!

Approach/ Movements within the Liturgy:

• ensure you are dressed befitting this ministry.
• (St. Mary's) to give the Call to Worship leave from the sacristy on your own. Then, after the Call to Worship move to the steps at the foot of the altar and wait for the Celebrant, other Ministers to arrive and all genuflect together
• be seated in the front section on the lectern side close to the centre aisle. This will mean walking up and back by the centre aisle.
• go forward immediately the celebrant says, Through our Lord Jesus Christ ... (at the end of the Collect/ Opening Prayer). Bow at the step and proceed to the lectern stay at the lectern until the conclusion of the Gospel Acclamation.
• go forward and bow for the Prayer of the Faithful as the Creed is ending when all are saying, I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church... (Nicene Creed) Or I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints...(Apostles' Creed)