Guidelines for Lectors

"The exercise of your ministry calls for you to communicate the Word that pierces the silence of our lives, so that we might sing that song which is echoed in praise throughout the halls of heaven."
Bishop Anthony Pilla

 

Preparation for Reading

Proclaiming the Word of God is much more than just reading. It can be a powerfully prayerful experience for you - one that you share with the entire assembly. The key to effective proclamation lies in understanding the meaning, the lesson, which is contained within the words you are about to read.

Spend some time in prayer and contemplation during the week before you will be reading. Familiarize yourself with all three readings, so that you understand the tone and the flow of the entire Liturgy of the Word for that Sunday. Review the commentaries in your Workbook for Lectors and Readers, which will help you understand something about the purpose of the author and the historical setting out of which the passage arises.

Once you have an understanding of the content of the reading, begin to consider the tone and the pace at which it should be read. Read through the reading several times aloud. Decide where it is most appropriate to pause, and for how long. Review any words that you find difficult to pronounce (There is a pronunciation guide in the workbook. When in doubt - ask!) Become so familiar with the reading that it would appear you know it almost by head. This will let you feel comfortable enough to lift your eyes from the page occasionally, to make eye contact with the assembly.

When You Arrive At Church

Please be at church 15 minutes before Mass begins. Check off your name on the schedule in the north sacristy. Be sure to check to make sure that the Lectionary at the ambo is opened to the correct reading.

Then go back to the vesting sacristy to meet the Presider and the other reader. If you are the second reader, familiarize yourself with the General Intercessions. These common prayers deserve the same quality of reading, as do the Scripture. Make sure you know the proper pronunciation of the names for Mass intentions. Remember that family members of those for whom we pray are likely to attend. If you do not know how to pronounce a name, PLEASE ASK!

NOTE: If there is a deacon present, he will read the intercessions.

Procedures for Mass

Lector #1 carries the Gospel Book in procession (unless a deacon is scheduled). Hold the book reverently before you, or even better, upheld so that all in the assembly are able to see it. As the procession reaches the front of the altar, the servers will stand to the right, Lector #1 immediately goes to the altar and places the Gospel Book at the center, reverently walks back to the front of the altar, bows profoundly, and returns to his or her seat.

Lector #2 may simply bow at the before the altar and go to his/her seat. (Do not wait for the servers and presider!)

For the first reading, wait until the assembly is seated after the opening prayer and then approach the altar. Bow before the front of the altar, and walk to the Ambo. Before you begin, take a moment to compose yourself and to catch the attention of the assembly. Proclaim the reading with your whole heartl

Proclaiming is not the same as readingl Pause at the end of the reading, and then say "THE WORD OF THE LORD!" with strength and conviction-because what you have just read is the Word of the Lord!

Remember to bow reverently and return to your place in the same manner as you approach the altar. Lector #2 follows the same directives after the Psalm is sung. After the reading, Lector #2 places the Lectionary on the shelf of the ambo.

The second reader will usually read the intercessions unless a deacon is assisting at Mass. Allow yourself enough time to get to the ambo before the end of the Creed. These common prayers deserve the same quality of reading as do the Scriptures. Give them appropriate timing and pauses. Again, the words need to catch the attention of the assembly so we can pray with you. Please remain at the Ambo until the concluding prayer is finished.

At the end of Mass, Lector #1 walks to the Ambo for the Gospel Book. When the presider moves before the center of the altar, Lector #2 joins him in the same position as at the beginning of Mass.

The Gospel Book and the binder of intercessions are returned to the sacristy for the next Mass. Please go back to the Ambo and open the Lectionary for the next Mass

 

Points to Remember

The Lectors' and Eucharistic Ministers' schedule is made monthly by Karin Ostroske (216-486-8523). Monthly schedules are placed in the sacristy and are ready to be picked up by the Lectors on the last weekend of the month. If you are unable to serve at a particular liturgy for the coming month, please drop a note to Karin in the folder on the counter in the sacristy.

As for all those in any liturgical ministry, if there is a chance that you will be unable to read at your scheduled time, YOU are responsible for finding a substitute.

Since ministries are not to be duplicated in the same liturgy, we ask that the Lectors not be engaged in music ministry, as a Eucharistic Minister or any other liturgical ministry while serving as a Lector

Please be aware that Lectors and other liturgical ministers set an example for the assembly. Appropriate dress is required for ministers who wish to convey the importance of giving God our "Sunday Best".

Your cooperation is requested for holy days of obligation. Often, there are sign up sheets in the sacristy prior to the holy day and/or celebration. If you are available to read, please sign up. Your volunteering to read on these additional days is greatly appreciated.