THE MINISTRY OF LECTOR GUIDELINES

November, 2006

 

Preparing for this ministry

           

            There are 2 lectors at all masses.  Lector 1 will read the first reading and read the petitions while Lector 2 (Commentator) will welcome and give the announcements  at the beginning of mass and  read the second reading.

 

            Review contents of Lector Workbook.

                        The introduction contains worthwhile general information.

 

            Begin the week before you are scheduled to lector.            

Read all readings for the weekend.

Read the background information at the bottom of the page. 

           

            Practice out loud several times during the week.

                        Become comfortable with the readings.  This will give you confidence.

                        Learn where to

                                    Place emphasis on a word or phrase

                                    Pause

                                    Be slow

                                    Be loud

                                    Shade your words with solemnity, joy, awe, reverence where appropriate.

 

On the day of your assigned Mass 

 

Arrive 10-15 minutes before mass.

                        Sign in, check the ribbons in the Lectionary and place it in the ambo, don’t cover anything.

Read the petitions and announcements so you are prepared and can pronounce the names of the people on the sick list

 

            Prior to mass

                        At the time of the announcements the second lector will proceed to the ambo for the announcements and greeting.  When you are done go to your seat.

 

            Procession order

                        Cross bearer

                        Candle bearers

                        Lector one (1) carry the Gospel Book with the open side toward your right).  Hold it upright, face height or slightly higher.

                        Deacon, if present, will carry the Gospel Book

                        Priest

 

 

            At the steps to the sanctuary

                        Proceed right to the Altar place the Gospel book upright on the center of the altar.

                        Genuflect to the tabernacle and proceed to the side chairs or your seat with the community.

                        If a deacon is present, genuflect when the priest does, but then proceed to your seat.

 

            The Readings

                        First Reading

                        Lector one (1) to move to the ambo in a dignified, reverent manner

 Do not genuflect in front of the tabernacle.

Retrieve the Lectionary, open to the first reading.  The microphone will pick up your voice so it is not necessary to adjust it each time you go to the Ambo.

                        Pause 5-10 seconds.  This allows the people to make the transition and be settled.

                        Don’t move away from the ambo until the congregation has replied “Thanks be to God”

                        Return to your seat.

                       

Response Psalm: Sung by Choir or Cantor.  If for some reason a Choir or Cantor is not present the first reader will do the Psalm.

                       

                        Lector two (2) will approach the Ambo, from your seat,  after the Psalm is completed.

Do not genuflect in front of the tabernacle.

                        The Lectionary, should be open to the second reading.

                        Pause 5-10 seconds.  This allows the people to make the transition and be settled.

Don’t move away from the ambo until the congregation has replied “Thanks be to God” Return the Lectionary to the ambo shelf.  Don’t cover any papers.

                        Return to your seat.

 

 

            After the Homily

 

Prayers of the Faithful.

                        Lector one (1) will return to the Ambo and read the petitions (Prayers of the faithful)

                        Wait for the priest to conclude the prayers before you move.

                        Return to the seat.

                       

            Communion

                        It would be desirable to go up to communion with the rest of the congregation.

                        If you are with your family after your reading this will be automatic.

            If you are sitting at the side chairs you can simply wait and go to communion after the people in the pew behind you. Please do not go up to the altar for communion.

 

 

Recessional Procession

                        Just remain at your seat.  We do not take the Gospel book out.

            After mass

                        Carry the Gospel Book back to the sacristy.

 

If you have an e-mail address please call the office and give it to Maryann so we can e-mail you the schedule.  If you do not have an e-mail address you will be able to pick-up the schedule at the ushers table each month.  Phone number 564-5805

 

If you do not want to lector on a particular month call Mary.  If you can not lector at a mass once the schedule is published please call for a substitute from the above list.  This is your responsibility not Mary’s.