Lectors Should Arrive at Least 15 Minutes Before the Scheduled Mass Time

LECTORS

Your ministry is to PROCLAIM the Word of God. You are doing more than just reading the word. You are actually proclaiming the Word of God. However, you should not act as if you are performing. Proclamation means that you have taken time to PREPARE, PRACTICE the words, PRONOUNCIATE the words correctly, and PRAY over the readings.

Be sure that there are two Lectors present at the Mass. If a Lector does not arrive by 10 minutes before the start of Mass, please find a replacement. If another Lector is not available, one Lector may do both readings. However, it is preferable that two Lectors participate at the Mass.

Lectors should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled Mass time.  Check the book to make sure that the ribbon is on the correct page.  Adjust the microphone for you. The microphone will pick up at most heights. It is important to speak naturally and into the microphone. If you speak too softly, the congregation will not be able to hear you.  Both Lectors should sit in the 1st pew on the left.  Both Lectors should bow to the Altar of Sacrifice before proceeding to the podium.  Both Lectors should bow to the Altar of Sacrifice after the reading.  1st Lector: You will proclaim the first reading. PAUSE and then say “THE WORD OF THE LORD.” Return to your seat in the congregation.  2nd Lector: You will proclaim the second reading. After you have proclaimed the word, PAUSE and then say “THE WORD OF THE LORD”. Close the book and place it on the shelf below in the podium. Remain at the front of the Church. After the Profession of Faith, you will do the Prayer of the Faithful. (White book is located on shelf.)  Bow to the Altar of Sacrifice before proceeding to the podium for the Prayer of the Faithful. Go to correct Mass; i.e., if you are a Lector for 8 a.m. Mass, read the prayers for this Mass only. When you are finished, return the book to shelf under podium.  Bow to the Altar of Sacrifice before returning to your seat in the congregation.

Anyone participating in the Mass is placed before the congregation and, therefore, are leaders of our community. Suits and ties and fancy dresses are not required; however, each participant in the Mass should dress appropriately. Flip flops, plunging necklines, extremely short skirts, dirty sneakers, etc. are not considered appropriate church wear.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to St. Joseph Church.