Lectors

(For a printable version of these guidelines, please click here)

Blessed Sacrament Church
THE MINISTRY OF LECTOR
PASTORAL GUIDELINES

“Christ is present in his word, since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 7). Introduction

This quote from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy should be at the spiritual heart of anyone who proclaims the Word of God in the Liturgy. Christ uses the voice of the lector to speak his word to the assembly in the here and now. Lectors are often called “the mouthpiece of God.” It is for this reason that lectors must strive to stop simply reading and start proclaiming. Lectors brings the living Word of God to the liturgical assembly. In and through them God speaks to the gathered assembly. Therefore, as a minister of the word, the lector’s role is treated seriously and with great dignity. In order to truly proclaim God’s Word, preparation is required.

Jesus was a lector.
“He went into the synagogue,
according to his custom on the Sabbath day,
and he rose up to read.” Luke 4:17

Preparation for Proclamation
In order that the Liturgy of the Word might be truly effective, all lectors are expected to be prepared for their ministry. Preparation should be spiritual, scriptural, and practical. Spiritual preparation involves reflection and praying with the text to be proclaimed, using a model such as Lectio Divina. Scriptural preparation includes a general knowledge of Scripture, understanding the text to be proclaimed, and interpreting it sufficiently so as to evoke a response from the assembly. Practical preparation involves mastering difficult words, learning the right pronunciations, and practicing the delivery of the text aloud. Looking at the readings right before Mass is to be avoided. Each lector will be provided a copy of Workbook for Lectors, Gospel Readers and Proclaimers of the Word. How to effectively use this resource will be covered in the Lector training sessions.

The Word of God is not merely read during the Liturgy. It is proclaimed. Effective proclamation involves the delivery of the message with clarity, conviction, and appropriate pace. Proclamation is a special ministry which presupposes faith and also rouses faith in those who hear the word proclaimed.

Procession
If Deacon Lou is present, he carries the Book of the Gospels in front of the priest.  When he is not present the lector carries the Book of the Gospels carrying it slightly raised so that it can be seen in the procession. When carrying the Book of the Gospels, the lector does not genuflect or bow.  The lector immediately goes to the altar and places the Book on the center of the altar standing up. When not carrying the Book of the Gospels, he or she joins the other ministers before Mass in the narthex to greet and welcome parishioners. The lector then sits on the left side of the sanctuary. The lector does not process out at the end of Mass.

Proclamation of the Word
There are three parts to the proclaimed scripture text. The salutation, “A Reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah”. The text itself “About Zion I will not be silent, about Jerusalem I shall not rest until justice dawns for her like a bright light and her salvation like a blazing torch……” And the closing, The Word of the Lord.
There is a pause after the salutation, “A Reading from..”, before proclaiming the text, and at the end of the text before the closing, “The Word of the Lord”.
After “The Word of the Lord”, the assembly responds “Thanks be to God”. The lector does not join in the response.
After proclaiming the reading, the removes the lectionary and puts it on the shelf below. He or she then returns to their seat.

Announcements
Announcements are to be made from the Cantor Stand and no longer at the Ambo.
  Although rare please check the lector binder to see if there is an announcement to be made before Mass. The announcements during Mass are made after the prayer after communion. Please read only what is on the announcement sheet, there is no need to editorialize or say there are a few announcements.   

INTRODUCTION OF TWO LECTORS
We have begun using two lectors at the 10am Mass. The first lector listed on the schedule proclaims the first reading and reads the Universal Prayer. The lector listed second on the schedule proclaims the second reading and reads the Announcements.

 Training Materials 2022

1. 1. Workbook for Lectors, Gospel Readers, and Proclaimers of the Word 2022, Liturgy Training Publications
   2. Stop Reading and Start Proclaiming, Douglas Leal, Liturgy Training Publications
   3. Lector and Gospel Reader’s Workshop
      A Resource for Bringing God’s Word to Life, DVD, Audrey Sommers, Liturgy Training Publications (this resource can be borrowed from the Office of Liturgy)
   4. Liturgy Training Publications Virtual Workshops: The Spiritual Life of the Lector, Preparation Skills For Experienced Lector, Living Out the Ministry of the Lector in the World Today.

LECTOR RESOURCES: CLICK ON THE LINK
How to prayerfully prepare the reading using Lectio Divina
Accessing the Sunday Readings
Lector Prep
Lector Pronunciation Guide