The Lector proclaims the readings for the parish assembled during the liturgy of the Mass. The Lector may also read the psalm at Mass and the announcements before and after Mass.
The duties for this ministry:
Read and proclaim the first reading from the Old Testament.
Possibly read the Psalm (if it is not sung).
Read the second reading from the New Testament of the Bible.
Read the announcements before/after Mass.
The skills, abilities, and gifts desired to serve in this ministry:
The Lector must be a baptized/confirmed Catholic, fully initiated into the Catholic Church, with a desire to assist at Holy Mass.
The Lector must dress appropriately for serving at Mass (no jeans or t-shirts) and must be articulate and pronounce all the words of the Scripture reading(s).
The Lector must take time to practice the readings during the week. It is very evident and parishioners know when the Lector is not prepared to proclaim the readings.
The Lector should be reverent in their movements and in the reading of Holy Scripture.
The Lord is present at Mass in many ways; one of the ways is in the proclamation of the Sacred Scripture during the readings by the Lector. This is Jesus speaking; it must be read by the lector reverently.
The Lector should arrive early for Mass so that they may check the reading in the Missal and read over the announcements before the Mass begins.
Contact information for the ministry leader: Name: Tom Zeoli
The general meeting days and times for this ministry:
The Ministry Leader, or the parish staff, prepares a schedule for Lectors; the Lector should be aware of the Mass they are scheduled for and be present at that time or call a substitute.