Lectors

“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4: 21). Being fully initiated and commissioned to proclaim the Word of God in the midst of the Eucharistic celebration, the ministers possess a love of the Word and a proclaiming skill. Training will be provided.

Guidelines for Lectors

SUNDAY and other HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

• Practice, Practice, Practice
• Arrive at St. Lawrence 15 minutes before Mass to decide who the first and second Lectors are, and who will read the intercessions. If there is a deacon present, the deacon will read the intercessions.
• Familiarize yourself with the intercessions, Mass intentions and the layout of the readings in the book.
• Place the lectionary in the ambo.
• Wait in the back of the church with the Book of the Gospels in preparation for the processional and greet parishioners as they arrive.
• Check with the Presider if there are the introductions for the first two readings.

Processional
• Order of processional:

1. Processional cross carried by altar server
2. Altar servers
3. Eucharistic Ministers
4. Lector (First Lector carrying the Book of the Gospels aloft). If there is a deacon present, the deacon will follow the Lectors and carry the Gospel.
5. Priest

• When the procession reaches the edge of the sanctuary, the ministers spread out, leaving enough room for the priest in the middle. See the below chart.

Altar
EMs Lector Altar Server Presider/Deacon Altar Server Lector EMs

• The Lector carrying the Book of the Gospels proceeds directly to the altar and places the Book in the stand on the altar. The Lector should then proceed down the front steps join the ministers for the bow. The Presider leads the bow for the ministers.
• After the bow, the Lectors and the rest of the Ministers proceed directly to a seat in the front row or somewhere nearby.

Mass – First and Second Reading
• After the Opening Prayer, the assembly is seated. As the Presider begins the introduction to the first reading, the first Lector goes to the ambo and waits for the introduction to be finished to proclaim the first reading. Then, wait for the assembly response “Thanks be to God” to step out of the ambo and take a seat in a pew. The first Lector may turn the page of the lectionary in preparation for the second reading. There is a short sacred silence.
• The choir/cantor will begin the Responsorial Psalm. The cantor will lead the Responsorial from the ambo.
• After the Responsorial Psalm concludes, there is a short silence. As the Presider begins the introduction to the second reading, the second Lector goes to the ambo and waits for the introduction to be finished to proclaim the second reading. When the second reading is concluded, the second Lector closes the lectionary and puts it in the inside shelf in the ambo. The Lector then returns to a seat in the assembly. 

Mass – Gospel and Homily
• The Presider or deacon processes the Book of the Gospels to the ambo, proclaims the Gospel, and delivers the Homily.

Mass – General Intercessions
• After the Homily and after the Profession of Faith (if recited), the Presider will provide an introduction to the General Intercessions. One of the Lectors should already have moved to the ambo to read the Intercessions by the conclusion of the introduction. The Lector remains in the ambo until the prayer is concluded and the assembly responds “Amen.”

Mass – Liturgy of the Eucharist

Mass – Recessional
• Both Lectors join the Presider, altar servers, and Eucharistic Ministers at the edge of the sanctuary (the books are left in the ambo). The Presider again leads a bow and all ministers process out.
• See below for additional thoughts, tips and suggestions. Thank you for your ministry!

WEEKDAYS AND SATURDAYS

• Practice, Practice, Practice
• On weekdays and Saturday mornings, a Lector proclaims the single Reading and Responsorial Psalm. Copies of the readings are provided in advance or may be viewed on the web. Please arrive a few minutes before Mass to familiarize yourself with the layout of the Lectionary. The weekday Lectionary is kept in the Vestry in a closet to the left of the main counter. Mass may be celebrated in either the Chapel or the main Worship Space. A microphone is not used in the Chapel. The Sacristan will place the Lectionary in the ambo, though you may do so yourself (coordinate with Sacristan). Please seat yourself with the Assembly before Mass begins. At the conclusion of the Opening Prayer, proceed to the Ambo and proclaim the daily Reading. Wait a few seconds after you have completed the Reading and then begin the Responsorial Psalm. Proclaim the response and wait for the Assembly to repeat it, then read the verses of the Psalm; waiting for the Assembly to provide the response after each verse. At the conclusion of the Psalm; return to your seat in the Assembly. Or if you are comfortable, you may lead the Assembly in singing the Alleluia. On Wednesdays and First Fridays and on Holy Days during the school year, the schools will provide Lectors for the 8:30 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Masses. Thank you for your ministry!

Additional tips, thoughts, suggestions
• In order to proclaim, you should study the text, pray about it, understand its meaning, and then meaningfully proclaim it in such a way that the Assembly becomes engaged by it.
• Proclaiming is an important and serious ministry. It is not joyless, but all aspects of it should be handled respectfully. Appropriateness of attire and decorum should be observed.
• Practice the name or names of the Mass intention and be sure you use it during the Intercessions. Family members often attend the Mass and this is very important to them.
• Observe what happens during Mass, even when you are not ministering. This will help you anticipate possible snags during Mass, various Presiders’ idiosyncrasies and minor changes in the liturgy.
• Keep track of your schedule and get a substitute if you are unable to minister as scheduled.
• Website for the New American Bible – Daily and Sunday Readings: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
• Website for Lector Notes: http://www.lectorprep.org/
• Practice, Practice, Practice