Ministers of the Word
Ministers of the Word, or Lectors, read short passages from the Bible to the congregation during Mass.
Readings can be found at the following website:
Liturgical Readings
Lector Guidelines
Preparation:-Check the Lector Schedule in the Bulletin.
-Carefully read the scripture passages for your assigned Mass. They are available from the lectionary in the chapel or go to http://www.usccb.org/nab/ and you will find the readings of the day.
-If your name appears first on the schedule, you will do the first reading; if second, you will do the second reading as well as the Prayers of the Faithful.
-Note: If the responsorial psalm is not sung, then the first lector will proclaim the response. The first reader should always check with the choir to see if they are going to sing the response.
-Get into the habit of practicing the reading several times, even out loud if possible.
-Wear clothing which is appropriate for proclaiming the Word of God. Remember this is a ministry to the community.
-Arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass to complete your preparation.
-Note: If you are unable to proclaim the Word when you are assigned to, you have the responsibility to find a substitute. A lector list with e-mail addresses and phone numbers will be provided.
After Arrival:
-Check the lectionary and review the reading you will proclaim. Place the ribbon marker where the readings begin.
-One of the Lectors need to place the lectionary on the ambo (lectern) before Mass begins and open it to the first reading.
-If you will be reading the Prayers of the Faithful (the second Lector responsibility) review the petitions. At the end of the petitions please include: "For all the intentions written in the Community Book of Prayer, We pray to the Lord".
-Before Mass starts join the Celebrant and the Eucharistic Ministers at the back of the Chapel for prayer.
During the Mass:
-When the Celebrant finishes the Opening Prayer, he will sit down. When he sits down the first Lector stands and walk towards the ambo. Bow to the altar.
-As you proclaim the scripture, look directly at the assembly with reasonable frequency in order to invite their continued attention to the Word being proclaimed.
-Be sure that when you are proclaiming the Word, everyone in the assembly can hear you comfortably.
-Read at a slow pace and with clarity so that the assembly can understand the reading.
-When you announce the reading, please do not say "the first reading..." but simply say "a reading from..."
-After finishing the whole reading, pause for a few seconds before you say "The Word of the Lord" while lifting up the lectionary.
-After the responsorial psalm, the second Lector will proceed to the ambo. Bow to the altar. Please do not say "the second reading is..." but simply say "a reading from..."
-When you finish the reading, pause for a few seconds before saying "The Word of the Lord" while lifting up the lectionary.
-When the Creed is over, the second lector will come forward for the Prayer of the Faithful. Stay next to the Celebrant until he recites a concluding prayer.