When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his own word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, all must listen with reverence to the readings from God’s word, for they make up an element of greatest importance in the Liturgy. 

General Instructions of the Roman Missal, no. 29

The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the Prayer of the Faithful and, in the absence of a psalmist, proclaim the Psalm between the readings. In the Eucharistic Celebration, the lector has his own proper office (cf. nos. 194-198), which he must exercise personally. (GIRM, no. 99)

In our parish, the Ministers of the Word/Lector has the following duty:

• Check before Mass that the Lectionary is marked on the correct Sunday of the year (e.g. Year A, B or C)
• The Lectionary stays on the ambo (not carrying it during the processional as per rubric, GIRM no 117 and 120d. Click on HERE for more information)
• When the Deacon of the Mass is present, he will carry the Book of the Gospels during the entrance procession. It is not carried in the entrance procession when he is not present to assist the Mass (as per agreement during the liturgy workshop in February 2023)
• Process in and out with the Celebrating Priest and deacon (if he is present)
• Prior to reading – move to the middle aisle in front of the altar, bow, and then proceed to the Ambo (lectern)
• Introduction to the Readings: just say ‘A reading from the ….prophet, book or letter of St Paul, etc – do not say “First Reading” or ‘Second Reading’
• After reading, proceed off the sanctuary to the middle aisle in front of the altar, bow and return to your seat.

RESPONDERS: Please...

• Check with the choir if the Responsorial Psalm will be sung
• If not, be prepared to read it from the ambo (lectern) on the sanctuary
• Process in and out with the Celebrating Priest and deacon (if he is present)
• Be ready for the Prayers of the Faithful to be read either at the lectern/ambo
• If there is a Welcoming or Presentation for Baptism, use the Prayer of the Faithful for the Welcoming (provided seperately)