“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and power forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:7-11
Before we are a lector, or any other minister in the Sunday assembly, we are one with each other as a people called by God to come together in worship. The fundamental ministry is that of the assembly. Under the leadership of the presiding priest, all of us are celebrants in the paschal mystery, the death and rising of Jesus. Therefore it is important for all to take full part in our liturgy, singing the acclamations, psalm and hymns. We listen attentively to the Scripture readings and homily. Those seated in the sanctuary area have an added responsibility to set an example to others in the sacred assembly, to be models of prayerful participation.
All members of the parish, male or female, who are fully initiated (i.e. been confirmed and received their first communion) are eligible to serve in this ministry. Lectors should be mature Roman Catholic, persons of character who have by their actual Christian living shown that they have taken their faith seriously. They should possess a love of Scripture and a profound faith in the presence of God in the Word. They need the ability to proclaim the Word. Lectors are required to exhibit a clear voice and a poise and composure to stand before a group and read in public. Lectors are not to serve in another ministry at the same liturgy.
The Parish has a responsibility to invite people to serve in a particular ministry and to train and support them so that they may serve to the best of their ability. Those called have a responsibility to attend workshops when offered and to exercise their ministry when scheduled. If a lector is unable to fulfill the schedule, then they must find a replacement lector, otherwise the community suffers when it gathers for worship. A volunteer information sheet is required and coordinators are expected to contact each minister for feedback and evaluation. Suggestions may be made to the pastor, deacon or coordinator.
Two lectors will be designated for each of the Sunday Liturgies. Lector One is responsible for the welcome, introduction, announcements and first reading. Lector two is responsible for the second reading and reading of the Intercessions.
Prepare for Sunday by reading and reflecting prayerfully on the Scriptures at home. Each lector should prepare both readings, in case the other is unexpectedly absent. The parish has workbooks for lectors available at the back of the church and gym to assist with your preparation. You should pick up a copy the week before you are scheduled and return it the next week. It is helpful to find the passage in the Bible and read the section before and after the passage to get a deeper sense of the meaning and context. Be sure to read the passage aloud. It may be useful to read it aloud to someone, share with them what it means to you and ask them share their understanding with you. Intercessions and the announcements will be emailed to you when completed to enable you to become familiar with them.
At least 10 minutes before the liturgy begins, the lectors make their presence known to the mass coordinator/sacristan. (Sign in, in the black binder.) If only one lector is present he or she will perform the functions of both lectors. Both lectors may wish to reserve a seat near the front of the church for you to go following the opening procession or following the announcement at the beginning of mass. If you are not with family, use the “Reserved for Lector” sign found in the sacristy.
Lector One: Locate the black binder in the choir area with the announcements before mass. Check that the microphone is on and turned up so you can be easily heard. Wait in the choir area before mass. The presider will provide the signal to begin. Return to your seat during the welcoming time before the opening hymn.
Lector Two: Make certain that the readings for the Sunday are correctly flagged in the Lectionary. Check that the Intercessions are on the shelf at the Ambo. Lector Two will carry the Lectionary in the opening and closing processions. Carry the Lectionary high enough so the book can be seen. When you reach the front, move over slightly to the right, pause and make a slight head bow and go directly to the ambo. Place the Lectionary on the ambo and leave it closed. The Lectionary is to be opened at the beginning of the first reading.
After the Opening Prayer, the assembly is seated and prepares to hear the Word of God. Lector One walks slowly and reverently to the ambo, opens the Lectionary with care and dignity, pauses for a moment and looks at the assembly before beginning. Wait silently until the assembly is settled and quiet, especially if children are going to their own Liturgy of the Word. Do not begin the reading until children have left and the assembly is settled. Following the reading and a period of silence of ten seconds, Lector One returns to the assembly or the seat to the right. Directly after the psalm is sung, Lector Two advances to the ambo in the same manner as Lector One. Do not begin reading until the cantor is seated. (If the psalm is to be read by Lector Two, advance to the ambo after the first lector is seated. Read the psalm observe a period of silence, and then begin the second reading) Be sure to look at the assembly and wait until it is settled before beginning the second reading. All lectors: Be sure the microphone height is adjusted before you speak. Introduce the reading using only the introductory words found in the Lectionary. Pause momentarily then and proclaim the reading clearly and at a moderate pace. Look up occasionally, usually at the end of some sentences or paragraphs. Pause as suggested by the punctuation. Suggestions about delivery are made in the “Workbook for Lectors”. When your proclamation is completed, pause slightly before saying,” The Word of the Lord.” Wait at the ambo for a moment of silence of ten seconds. Standing at the ambo during this time shows that the lector is involved in the silence. At the end of the second reading both lectors return to the assembly.
Lector Two will read the Intercessions. Move to the ambo directly following the creed. Once the presider has said the invitation to prayer, read the Intercessions clearly. When they are complete turn slightly to face the presider and wait until he finishes the concluding prayer. Return to the assembly as they are being seated.
Don’t be shy about asking about anything which is not clear to you. Thank you for serving our parish in this ministry.
Rev. C. Ross Finlan, pastor
pastor@stisidorekanata.com
Joe Post, Lector Coordinator
592-1209 (japost@magma.ca)
St. Isidore Parish
1135 March Rd.
Kanata, ON K2K 1X7
Phone (613) 592-1961
Fax (613) 592-4759
Email: office@stisidorekanata.com
Website: stisidorekanata.com
March 2006