Lectors

Guidelines for Lectors/Readers

 

“The Word of the Lord.” These five words tell us a lot about the ministry of the lector/reader. Whether you are simply interested in liturgical ministry, are thinking about becoming a reader, or have been serving in this ministry for a long time, think for a moment about the words, ‘The Word of the Lord.” When the proclaimer at the ambo finishes the reading, looks up at the assembly and says, “The Word of the Lord” something wonderful has happened. The mystery of God’s interaction with us has been recalled, revived and renewed. That is, we have once again heard God reveal the divine intention to love, redeem and reclaim us. The promise, the covenant, that God has made with us has been written on our hearts again…The unfathomable love God has for us, the love that God is for us, has been made flesh again.

 The reader does what any good minister does: comforts us in our suffering, rouses us from our lethargy, confirms us in our faith, encourages us in our discouragement. All ministry is the noble and unselfish impulse to tell the good news of God’s love for the world in Jesus Christ…”When the scriptures are read in the church, it is Christ himself who speaks.” So says the church in teaching us about liturgical prayer. All Christians are, by definition, proclaimers of the good news. Because we were baptized into Christ’s life, mission, death, resurrection and ascension, we announce to the world by our very existence that “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”…Each time the Eucharist is celebrated, we hear Jesus say, “Do this in memory of me.” At Mass we are doing something – not talking about something, not simply remembering something, not merely speaking words. We are speaking deeds – deeds that are accomplished at the moment they are spoken. God’s word is an event, a happening, an accomplishment, a fulfilled promise, an act of love. And at its fullest expression, God’s word is a person – Jesus, Word made flesh. So it is with the proclamation of the word. It is far more than a telling, a relating, a recounting; it is God’s Word becoming flesh in our midst in order to achieve the purpose for which it was sent – to redeem us in love. Can there be any more compelling reason to proclaim the word effectively? 

“The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue, that I may speak to the weary a word that will rouse them” – Isaiah 50:4 

(Excerpts from the “Guide for Lectors – Aelred Rosser, OSB) 


Reader Guidelines

 

Who can be a reader?

Any confirmed Catholic may be a reader at our Sunday liturgies.  Training is offered throughout the year.  To volunteer in this ministry contact the church office at 863-465-3215.

Preparation

Please love your ministry enough to prepare your readings ahead of time.  Refer to the Lector Workbook.  Read your reading over and over again. Seek to understand the Word! Find the meaning and let the Word come into your heart! Practice out loud. You should have read it enough so that by the time you are ready to read at Mass you will almost have it memorized. When the assembly hears the Word proclaimed well their faith is built up.  They can be encouraged, comforted, challenged or moved in some way by what they hear. In the same manner a poor reading can detract from the liturgy. 

The way in which you proclaim the Word affects the liturgy every bit as much as a stirring homily or stirring music. YOU interpret the Word for us!

Please touch our hearts with the Word of God!

Scheduling

Two Lectors are scheduled for each Mass on Sunday - one for each reading. You should prepare for both readings ahead of time in the event the other reader is unable to be at their scheduled Mass. 

In order to be regularly scheduled at Mass (after being commissioned) you will need to fill out a Liturgical Minister Information Form indicating your Mass preferences or enter your preferences on your profile page of MSP.  The schedule for liturgical ministries is posted both online and on the bulletin board in the minister’s room.  It is your responsibility to be at the Mass for which you are scheduled.  If you are unable to fulfill that duty you should request a sub through MSP or find a replacement.  Simply crossing your name off of the schedule is not acceptable. 

Dress appropriately

What we wear to church is extremely important. We would hope that everyone – not just our Liturgical Ministers - realizes this. However, we especially ask that all Ministers model proper and “holy attire” that expresses the dignity of our celebration. If possible, the men should wear a coat and tie. All clothing should be neat, clean, modest, and appropriate signifying the honor of the ministry you perform. Dress should be conservative, including skirt length and general style. Shorts, jeans and flip flops are never acceptable.

Remember – you are attending a sacred celebration! Whether you are scheduled in your ministry or not, each Sunday we would hope that your dress would reflect your appreciation of this holy gathering. 

Before Mass

Please arrive 15-20 minutes early.  It is important that you sign in to let the Sacristan know you are there. Check the Lectionary to make sure the correct readings are marked with the ribbon, and familiarize yourself with their layout on the page.  Place the ribbon at the first reading.  Wait in the church lobby area rather than in the minister’s room.  One of the two readers should carry the Book of the Gospels in the entrance procession.  It doesn’t matter who that is, but the one carrying it should process in just before the priest (or deacon if there is one present).

Mass

Entrance Procession - When the priest is ready, proceed with him and the servers down the aisle. You are an important part of the entrance procession.   If you are carrying the Book of the Gospels hold it up so that everyone can see it. 

When you arrive at the Altar platform, move to the left, servers to the right. If you are carrying the Book of the Gospels do NOT bow along with the celebrant and other ministers. Follow the priest up to the sanctuary and allow the priest to reverence the altar then place the Book of the Gospels in the stand with the front towards the assembly. Then bow reverently and move to your seat. 

First Reading

After the opening prayer, and after the priest is seated, it is time for you to read.  When you approach the ambo, bow to the altar (when you bow both head and eyes should “go to the floor”) before stepping onto the platform.  Adjust the microphone to the appropriate height.  After your reading, step off the platform to your left, bow to the altar and return to your seat.  If you are the second reader, close and place the Lectionary on the shelf under the ambo.

When you arrive at the ambo first LOOK at the community gathered. Make sure that they are ready to listen. You have something very important to tell them. (If the children are being dismissed for children’s Liturgy of the Word, please wait until the children are out the doors before you begin.)

Maintain eye contact.  Say, “A reading from the book of ______.”   (Do not say, “Our first reading is______.”) Read slowly and clearly, and project. Read with enthusiasm and interpret the reading for the listeners. Don’t be afraid to read with all the meaning the Word of God deserves.

At the end of the reading PAUSE before you say, “The Word of the Lord” and say it with meaning.  (Note: Do not say, “This is the word of the Lord.”)  The pause is very important as it distinguishes the reading and adds to our meditation time.

Responsorial Psalm

Most of the time the Psalm will be sung by the cantor who will move to the ambo after the first reader is seated. 

When there is no cantor and you are reading the psalm please step back (or bow your head) after the first reading. Wait for a few moments and then proceed with the antiphon (first line) of the psalm. If the psalm is read DO NOT SAY, “Our Responsorial Psalm is _____.” 

Second Reading

Wait for the cantor to finish the psalm and move to his or her seat.  Do not rush up to the altar as soon as s/he has finished. 

Prayers of the Faithful – (Intercessions)

These are sometimes presented by the cantor.  If the cantor is not presenting the intercessions, please anticipate the time for the intentions and be in place AHEAD of time. There are still some who are not coming forward early enough. The reader who will read the Prayers of the Faithful should stand and start walking forward at the last line or two of the Creed. Wait on the floor level until the creed comes to an end. When the creed is completed you will go up to ambo AS the priest introduces the intercessions. 

Please try to read the prayers with meaning - Read the intentions PRAYERFULLY and say the names of our parishioners slowly and clearly. If the petition begins with a quote from Scripture please pause a bit after the Scripture reading.  This will set it apart from the petition. After each petition is read –pause slightly – and then say, “Let us pray to the Lord.”  (DO NOT say “Please respond, “Lord hear our prayer.” The only time you would announce the response is IF it is different from our usual response.) 

When finished reading the intercessions - DO NOT LEAVE! IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU WAIT until the priest FINISHES saying the concluding prayer.  Give your attention to the priest until he finishes the prayers. After he is done and after all respond, “Amen” you may leave the ambo.  

The reader is a part of the procession out of church. Be prepared to join the procession out as the priest leaves the sanctuary. Come forward as the priest and servers bow at the altar, and process out, following the cross bearer. You do not carry the Book out.

Some of our Readers do not proclaim the word strongly enough. Even though you have a microphone you need to speak a little more loudly - as if you are talking to the person in the back of the church.  Speak strongly and clearly! Many times we think we are loud enough but many are not. 

It is a good idea to sometimes ask someone who will be attending Mass to give you some feedback that may allow you to improve your delivery.

Reader Guidelines

 

Who can be a reader?

Any confirmed Catholic may be a reader at our Sunday liturgies.  Training is offered throughout the year.  To volunteer in this ministry contact the church office at 863-465-3215.

Preparation

Please love your ministry enough to prepare your readings ahead of time.  Refer to the Lector Workbook.  Read your reading over and over again. Seek to understand the Word! Find the meaning and let the Word come into your heart! Practice out loud. You should have read it enough so that by the time you are ready to read at Mass you will almost have it memorized. When the assembly hears the Word proclaimed well their faith is built up.  They can be encouraged, comforted, challenged or moved in some way by what they hear. In the same manner a poor reading can detract from the liturgy. 

The way in which you proclaim the Word affects the liturgy every bit as much as a stirring homily or stirring music. YOU interpret the Word for us!

Please touch our hearts with the Word of God!

Scheduling

Two Lectors are scheduled for each Mass on Sunday - one for each reading. You should prepare for both readings ahead of time in the event the other reader is unable to be at their scheduled Mass. 

In order to be regularly scheduled at Mass (after being commissioned) you will need to fill out a Liturgical Minister Information Form indicating your Mass preferences or enter your preferences on your profile page of MSP.  The schedule for liturgical ministries is posted both on line and on the bulletin board in the minister’s room.  It is your responsibility to be at the Mass for which you are scheduled.  If you are unable to fulfill that duty you should request a sub through MSP or find a replacement.  Simply crossing your name off of the schedule is not acceptable. 

Dress appropriately

What we wear to church is extremely important. We would hope that everyone – not just our Liturgical Ministers - realizes this. However, we especially ask that all Ministers model proper and “holy attire” that expresses the dignity of our celebration. If possible, the men should wear a coat and tie. All clothing should be neat, clean, modest, and appropriate signifying the honor of the ministry you perform. Dress should be conservative, including skirt length and general style. Shorts, jeans and flip flops are never acceptable.

Remember – you are attending a sacred celebration! Whether you are scheduled in your ministry or not, each Sunday we would hope that your dress would reflect your appreciation of this holy gathering. 

Before Mass

Please arrive 15-20 minutes early.  It is important that you sign in to let the Sacristan know you are there. Check the Lectionary to make sure the correct readings are marked with the ribbon, and familiarize yourself with their layout on the page.  Place the ribbon at the first reading.  Wait in the church lobby area rather than in the minister’s room.  One of the two readers should carry the Book of the Gospels in the entrance procession.  It doesn’t matter who that is, but the one carrying it should process in just before the priest (or deacon if there is one present).

Mass

Entrance Procession - When the priest is ready, proceed with him and the servers down the aisle. You are an important part of the entrance procession.   If you are carrying the Book of the Gospels hold it up so that everyone can see it. 

When you arrive at the Altar platform, move to the left, servers to the right. If you are carrying the Book of the Gospels do NOT bow along with the celebrant and other ministers. Follow the priest up to the sanctuary and allow the priest to reverence the altar then place the Book of the Gospels in the stand with the front towards the assembly. Then bow reverently and move to your seat. 

First Reading

After the opening prayer, and after the priest is seated, it is time for you to read.  When you approach the ambo, bow to the altar (when you bow both head and eyes should “go to the floor”) before stepping onto the platform.  Adjust the microphone to the appropriate height.  After your reading, step off the platform to your left, bow to the altar and return to your seat.  If you are the second reader, close and place the Lectionary on the shelf under the ambo.

When you arrive at the ambo first LOOK at the community gathered. Make sure that they are ready to listen. You have something very important to tell them. (If the children are being dismissed for children’s Liturgy of the Word, please wait until the children are out the doors before you begin.)

Maintain eye contact.  Say, “A reading from the book of ______.”   (Do not say, “Our first reading is______.”) Read slowly and clearly, and project. Read with enthusiasm and interpret the reading for the listeners. Don’t be afraid to read with all the meaning the Word of God deserves.

At the end of the reading PAUSE before you say, “The Word of the Lord” and say it with meaning.  (Note: Do not say, “This is the word of the Lord.”)  The pause is very important as it distinguishes the reading and adds to our meditation time.

Responsorial Psalm

Most of the time the Psalm will be sung by the cantor who will move to the ambo after the first reader is seated. 

When there is no cantor and you are reading the psalm please step back (or bow your head) after the first reading. Wait for a few moments and then proceed with the antiphon (first line) of the psalm. If the psalm is read DO NOT SAY, “Our Responsorial Psalm is _____.” 

Second Reading

Wait for the cantor to finish the psalm and s/he has moved to their seat.  Do not rush up to the altar as soon as s/he has finished. 

Prayers of the Faithful – (Intercessions)

These are sometimes presented by the cantor.  If the cantor is not presenting the intercessions, please anticipate the time for the intentions and be in place AHEAD of time. There are still some who are not coming forward early enough. The reader who will read the Prayers of the Faithful should stand and start walking forward at the last line or two of the Creed. Wait on the floor level until the creed comes to an end. When the creed is completed you will go up to ambo AS the priest introduces the intercessions. 

Please try to read the prayers with meaning - Read the intentions PRAYERFULLY and say the names of our parishioners slowly and clearly. If the petition begins with a quote from Scripture please pause a bit after the Scripture reading.  This will set it apart from the petition. After each petition is read –pause slightly – and then say, “Let us pray to the Lord.”  (DO NOT say “Please respond, “Lord hear our prayer.” The only time you would announce the response is IF it is different than our usual response.) 

When finished reading the intercessions - DO NOT LEAVE! IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU WAIT until the priest FINISHES saying the concluding prayer.  Give your attention to the priest until he finishes the prayers. After he is done and after all respond, “Amen” you may leave the ambo.  

The reader is a part of the procession out of church. Be prepared to join the procession out as the priest leaves the sanctuary. Come forward as the priest and servers bow at the altar, and process out, following the cross bearer. You do not carry the Book out.

Some of our Readers do not proclaim the word strongly enough. Even though you have a microphone you need to speak a little more loudly - as if you are talking to the person in the back of the church.  Speak strongly and clearly! Many times we think we are loud enough but many are not. 

It is a good idea to sometimes ask someone who will be attending Mass to give you some feedback that may allow you to improve your delivery.