Lectors

A Lector reverently proclaims the Word of God in the readings and Prayers of the Faithful during Mass and other seasonal liturgical services.

Responsibilities include:

  • Complete the initial training program and take part in on-going formation
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before the service in the Sacristy for preparation
  • Understand the liturgical service in which you are participating
  • Prepare for the service making sure all necessary books, readings, announcements, etc. are correct and in place
  • Prepare for your reading assignment with thoughtful preparation in order to better understand the context of the readings and to be knowledgeable in any difficult pronunciations
  • Create a sense of respect and reverence during your reading
  • Be available for your assignment or get a substitute from the Lector list
  • Be open to substituting for others, if you are available
  • Dress appropriately

Lectors:

  • Be a person of faith and spirituality
  • Be comfortable and able in your public speaking abilities so that the Word of God is heard and understood by the people
  • Be able to make eye contact with the congregation
  • Be able to fully participate in the Mass or service
  • Be dependable
  • Be high school age or older
  • Volunteer at any service where you see a Lector is not available, as a Lector is needed at every Mass
  • Be willing to commit to a 2 year term with renewal in consult with the Pastor

Ministry Spotlight – Lectors

By Parish Staff | Published: August 13, 2010

When a family gets together, often one of the things they do together is to share stories, remembering events of the past, and sharing wisdom or insight into current family experiences. At Mass, we share stories of our faith through the readings.

The Lectors at Mass are lay parishioners who proclaim the readings from the Old and New Testaments. These readings are determined by the liturgical cycle, certain readings are always proclaimed on certain feasts, while most of the readings rotate through a three year cycle so that over the course of three years, the entire bible is covered.

The purpose of having Lectors at Mass is to proclaim the readings in such a way as to communicate meaning in the words of the Lord in a way that reciting or reading without intonation cannot. The Lector uses their gifts and skills to give voice and life to words given to us by God.

To have the humility and wisdom to recognize that the words are the words of the Lord can only come from prayer. Firstly, prayer to be open, willing to be God’s vessel, then to listen to what God is communicating to His people, the congregation, in our church, on that particular day. By reading the readings and listening prayerfully; certain words or phrases emerge as being of particular importance or offering an important message; these may be highlighted verbally through intonation. The point is not for the lector to draw attention to themselves as great orators, but to draw the listener into intimate listening with God.

As a modern church, we do not primarily proclaim the readings out loud due to illiteracy, but to invite all who are present to enter in more deeply, to use our faculties of imagination, hearing and processing intellectually as well as listening with the heart, to God’s message both personally and as a community. This is why Fr. Phil invites and reminds us to “N be attentive to the word of the Lord.”

Finally, part of an engaging and beautiful liturgy involves the practical considerations of proclaiming; knowing how to pronounce some difficult words, having a confident manner to smoothly proclaim the reading involves particular preparation. Thank you to our 25 parish Lectors for your time and dedication to bringing us closer to the Lord and opening up readings so that we may experience a new perspective in God’s words for us today.

“If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts”, if you feel that God is calling you to use your gifts to proclaim the word of the Lord at Mass, please set up a time to discuss this ministry further with Fr. Phil.