Guidelines for Lectors

Revised Spring 2010

The Ministry of Lector is rooted in the power of the Word of God. Prayerful proclamation of Scripture makes the presence of God alive in our midst, stirs hearts, challenges, comforts, and moves the community to work for the Kingdom of God. Those who serve as lectors agree to make the Word of God an integral part of their lives by entering into regular study and prayer of Scripture.

Contact Sheet and Tentative Schedule

Look for your name on the contact sheet. Make sure all of your information is spelled and copied down correctly. Look at the schedule and find the Masses that you are scheduled for and make sure that you are ready and available for all of those dates.

What all do I have to do?

Read and reflect on each week’s scripture. Prayerfully seek the context of the reading and how it informs the themes of the liturgical year.

Check and see whether you will be reading the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm or the Second Reading and Gospel Acclamation.

Arrive 15-20 minutes early and sign in on the white board by your ministry assignment. Let the usher know that you one of his/her Lectors. This is very important, as the usher may not know all of you that well at first. If you don’t tell him you’re here, he might scramble and find somebody to replace you.

You can look at your readings beforehand online at http://usccb.org/nab/. In addition, please note what specific liturgical day and cycle we are in on the whiteboard as you are coming in. An ordo can be found in the sacristy to check and be sure that you can find your correct reading in the lectionary.

Reverently approach the podium and go over your reading quietly to yourself. Ask your musicians if they will be singing the Psalm or Acclamation. Most of the groups will sing the Acclamation only, but please check with your musicians and see just in case.

Wait for the mass to start.

Now – the big moment. You’re about to stand up and read. What now?

Approach the altar from the center aisle and bow before you start up the steps and proceed to the podium. Please be careful as you go up the steps, as they tend to be slippery.

Announce from where in the Bible your reading is from; it should be clearly listed at the top of the reading (A reading from the Book of…, A reading from the Letter of…). Read loudly and solemnly so we can all hear and understand you. At the end, announce “The Word of the Lord.”

If you’re reading the Responsorial Psalm, begin by reading the responsorial line (The Responsorial Psalm is …) and then hold up your hand to indicate that we are to repeat after you. As you reach the end of each verse of the psalm, hold up your hand to indicate that we are to respond with the psalm.

If you’re reading the Gospel Acclamation, begin by reading the acclamation line (Alleluia Alleluia or the provided verse during Lent), and then hold up your hand to indicate that we are to repeat after you. Then, read the verse, and then hold up your hand to indicate that we are to respond with the acclamation.

After you are finished, step down to the center aisle and bow before returning to your seat. You’re done!

What if I can’t make it?

Find this email again and hit Reply-All and let us know that you’re in need of a sub. Let us know your available times and general dates that you could switch for and hopefully someone will respond to you.

Check the schedule online and look at your contact database for people scheduled for masses at the same time as you. Email them all and ask for a switch.