The Ministry of Lector
“The Word of God as proclaimed in the sacred Scripture lies at the heart of our Christian life and is integral to all our liturgical celebrations (Book of Blessings, 1827).”
The ministry of lector is an important and essential one for our celebration of the liturgy. This booklet includes information about this ministry here at St. Mary’s. It also includes some information from “Guidelines for Lectors from the Archdiocese of Portland.”
This ministry is open to women and men, aged sixteen and above, who have been fully initiated. They should be practicing Catholics, in good standing with the parish community and possess a love of the Scriptures. (“Guidelines for Lectors”)
At St. Mary’s, there are two lectors for each Mass. They serve as part of a liturgical ministry team which is on a four week rotation.
Preparation for this ministry begins at home with reading and studying the Scriptures. “ The lector designated to proclaim the readings from Scripture, should have both the perspective and the ability to understand the Word, and must proclaim the sacred texts from a standpoint of faith. Therefore, preparation for this ministry should include both study of the scriptures and prayerful reflection on the passages to be proclaimed.” (Guidelines for Lectors)
“Good communication skills are necessary for anyone who proclaims the Word of God. Pauses, enunciation, phrasing, and the speed with which one proclaims should be well practiced. Silence after the readings is essential. Readers use the text as written; they do not add their own words.” (Guidelines for Lectors)
Lectors are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes early for Mass. This allows them to practice with their partner and also to become familiar with the prayers of the Faithful.
Once lectors have practiced, we ask them to join Father and the acolytes in the vestibule.
The lectionary and the folder containing the prayers of the Faithful and the announcements should be placed in the pew where the lectors will be seated. (Front pew, ambo side).
The lectors follow the cross bearer and acolytes in the entrance procession. If there is a deacon, he will carry the Book of the Gospels. Otherwise, ne of the lectors will carry the Book of the Gospels.
“Ordinarily lectors should carry the book of the Gospels slightly elevated in the entrance procession at the Sunday celebration. Thus the assembly sees the Book of the Word and the respect with which it is held.” (Guidelines for Lectors)
When the lector who is carrying the Book of the Gospels reaches the altar he(she) should place the Book on the altar. Then he(she) should rejoin the others at the base of the steps and make a profound bow before going to her(his) seat.
At the conclusion of the Opening Prayer, the lector will go to the ambo to proclaim the first reading. Please be sure that the people are seated and ready to listen before beginning.
At the conclusion of the reading and the people’s response, the lector should return to her(his) seat. If there is only one lector, please step down from the ambo, but remain in the sanctuary while the psalm is sung.
The second lector should go to the ambo at the conclusion of the pslam.
Because the lector will be moving in front of the altar to get to the ambo, they should make a profound bow in front of the altar.
The Prayers of the Faithful happen once the Creed is finished. Be ready to return to the ambo as soon as the Creed is completed. Father will do an introduction to the Prayers. You should then read the prayers. Father will do a concluding prayer and then the lector should return to their seat.
At the conclusion of the Mass, line up with Father and the acolytes at the base of the steps. When Father makes his profound bow, the lectors should make one also.
Process out in the same order that you processed in. The Book of the Gospels should not be carried out of the church.
“ Christ is truly “present in the word” since it is he himself who speaks when the holy scriptures are proclaimed in church (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 7).”
The BibleCatechism of the Catholic Church
Catholic Prayers
Liturgical Readings
The Holy Rosary
Stations of the Cross
Morning Prayer
Evening Prayer
Saint of the Day
Three Minute Retreat
