LECTOR ROLES
- Lector 1 processes in with the Book of the Gospels, proclaims the first reading, reads the closing announcements, exits with the Book of the Gospels.
- Lector 2 proclaims the second reading, removes the Lectionary, reads the Prayers of the Faithful.
GENERAL REMINDERS FOR BOTH LECTORS
- PRACTICE ALOUD in ADVANCE. Use the lector’s workbook, and pray over the readings and Gospel. Have a good understanding of what you proclaim—internalize the readings and get comfortable with pronunciations.
- Project your voice by speaking loudly; use your whole body for support. The microphone must be placed in front of your mouth, not above or below it. Do not hesitate to adjust the microphone! Remember: the microphone will not sufficiently compensate for lack of vocal projection.
- Speak slowing and distinctly. Pay attention to closing consonants, and be careful not to ‘drop words’ at the end of sentences.
REMEMBER: You are a Proclaimer of the Word of God! Use timing, inflection and expression to tell the story. Allow yourself to be a vehicle for God’s message!
- Be careful. Use the railing and take your time climbing up and down the stairs of the Ambo. The floors are very smooth, so wear proper shoes.
- Dress appropriately – nothing should distract the congregation from hearing God’s word. Avoid casual shirts, sleeveless shirts or short hemlines. Jewelry should be minimal.
- Do not rush in speaking or movement. Move reverently at all times.
- Be flexible. Sometimes things may change!
- Always remember that as a liturgical minister, people look to you as an example. It is important for you to be a model of full, conscious and active participation in all aspects of the liturgy!
BEFORE MASS
- Arrive 15-20 minutes before the Mass. � You should find the sign-in sheet, lectionary, announcements, and prayers of the faithful set out on the table in the center of the room. Please gather there.
- Sign the sign-in sheet.
- Check the Lectionary for the correct readings. Place the open Lectionary on the Ambo.
- Lector 2 reviews the opening announcements and Prayers of the Faithful. Check name pronunciations with the priest.
- Lector 1 reviews the closing announcements.
- Place the Prayers of the Faithful binder near the lector’s chair.
DURING MASS
LECTOR 2 - at the beginning of Mass
- When the procession is at the back of the church and the music concludes, begin the announcements.
Look like you are glad to be here! Relax! Convey through your face and voice that this is a celebration! Put your own personality into the welcome announcements.
- Leave the announcements on the lectern shelf.
- Go to the center of the sanctuary, make a simple bow and return to a pew.
LECTOR 1 - at the beginning of Mass and the First Reading
- Take the Book of the Gospels and go with the procession to the back of the Church. The book in the silver casing is used for the 11 a.m. Mass. The red book with crosses on the cover is used for all other Masses.
- Walk at a slow, reverent pace. Carry the Book of Gospels, raised slightly in front of you. Hold the Book of Gospels away from your body. � After you enter the sanctuary, move to your left in front of the altar and stop. Watch for the presider; when he bows, bow your head (not your body or the Book) at the same time. Place the Book of the Gospels on the Altar. The Book should be opened slightly in order for it to stand upright on the middle of the Altar, facing the assembly. The Book of Gospels is a symbol of the Word among us, and therefore should be visible to the assembly, both in procession and on the Altar.
- Go to your chair behind the Ambo.
- After the Gathering Rite the priest sits down. At that time, move to the Ambo and carefully climb the steps using the railing. Wait for the assembly to settle themselves.
- Take a moment to find your place on the page. Look out at the assembly and then return to the book. Announce the reading “A reading from the Book of Wisdom…” PAUSE (4 or 5 seconds) before proclaiming the reading. At the end of the reading, PAUSE before saying “The Word of the Lord.” PAUSE again before leaving the Ambo.
- If necessary, turn the page to the second reading.
- Exit the Ambo, go to the center of the sanctuary, make a simple bow and go to a pew.
LECTOR 2 - for the Second Reading and the Prayers of the Faithful
- When the responsorial psalm concludes, leave your pew and enter the sanctuary via the middle aisle. Bow, walk to the Ambo and climb the steps carefully.
- Take a moment to find your place on the page. Look out at the congregation and then return to the book. Announce the second reading “A reading from the First Letter of St. Paul…” PAUSE (4 or 5 seconds) before continuing the reading. At the end of the reading, PAUSE before saying “The Word of the Lord.” PAUSE again before closing the Lectionary.
- Bring the Lectionary down from the Ambo. Put the Lectionary on the lector table. Remain standing for the gospel.
- The priest brings the Book of the Gospels from the Altar to the Ambo and reads the gospel. Remain standing until he comes down from the Ambo and passes by.
- Stand for the Creed. After the portion of the Creed that states “one holy catholic and apostolic church” take the Prayers of the Faithful and begin moving up the stairs of the Ambo. There should be no pause between the Creed and the Prayers of the Faithful.
- Open the binder and place it on top of the Book of Gospels (if the priest did not carry it down with him). Wait for the priest to say the introductory lines.
- Read the Prayers of the Faithful slowly and clearly. Leave a couple of seconds before saying “We pray to the Lord” or however that invitation may be worded. This gives the assembly the chance to take in that prayer and respond mindfully.
- Remain at the Ambo until the priest has completed the closing of the prayers.
- Bring both the Prayers of the Faithful and the Book of the Gospels down from the Ambo and place them on the lector’s table.
- Go to the center of the sanctuary, make a simple bow and return to a pew.
LECTOR 1 -after Holy Communion
- After you receive communion, enter the sanctuary from the right side and either sit or stand near the lectern. When the presider invites the assembly to sit for announcements, go to the lectern and make the closing announcements.
- When making announcements about the life and activity of our parish, convey some joy and excitement! Refrain from using a monotone voice and have some knowledge of the activities you are announcing. When there are a number of items, leave a little space between them so they are heard.
- Leave the binder on the lectern shelf.
- While the presider asks about visitors and birthdays, walk through the sacristy to the door leading behind the Altar and stand near the lector’s table.
- After the closing hymn begins and the presider has started toward the Altar, take the Book of the Gospels and stand to the left of him in front of the Altar. Bow your head when the presider bows, then turn to follow the Altar servers, carrying the Book of the Gospels before you.
- Follow the Altar servers back to the sacristy using the side aisle leading into the sacristy, and return the Book of the Gospels to the preparation area.
BOTH LECTORS - after Mass
- Pick up the books and binders and return them to the preparation area in the sacristy.
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