A guide for lectors at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church

LECTOR PROCLAIMING THE

WORD

Lector Proclaiming the Word

A Guide for Lectors

at

St. Albert the Great Catholic Church

REVISED AND UPDATED

August 14, 2013

Lectors: Proclaiming the Word, A guide for Lectors at St. Albert the Great

Catholic Church has been developed as a resource by Deacon Chuck Lanham for

ministers who are responsible for proclaiming the Word at Mass.

Lector Proclaiming The Word

The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I

might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse

them. Isaiah 50:4

“The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the

Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the Prayer of the Faithful and, in the absence of

a psalmist, proclaim the Psalm between the readings.”

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 99, USCCB

Thank you for your desire to become a Lector and serve in this wonderful

ministry. The Lector performs an important role in the Liturgy of the Mass—

proclaiming The Word of God. When the Lector reads the Sacred Scriptures

during Mass, God himself speaks to His people, opening up to them the mystery

of redemption and salvation, offering them spiritual nourishment. Having been

nourished by His Word, the people pour out their petitions in the Prayer of the

Faithful for the needs of the entire Church and for the salvation of the whole

world.

Ministry schedule

6

Ministry schedule The schedule for every Mass is published in the bulletin and mailed to all

ministers prior to the beginning of every month. Each month when you receive

the calendar, please review your assignments and make note of when you are

scheduled to read.

The schedule is organized by weekend and by ministries. Lectors will be listed

using Roman numerals (I, II, III.) Specific assignments are detailed later in this

guide but in general they are:

I. First Reading

II. Second Reading

III. Pre-Mass Announcements and the Prayer of the Faithful

Absences

We are all called away on occasion for various reasons and in most cases these

absences are known and arranged in advance. Please, let the Parish staff know

when you will not be available as far in the future as possible; this will allow them

to create the schedule with those who will be available.

Replacements

If you cannot read at a Mass you have been assigned it is your responsibility to

find a replacement. You can procure a phone list from the Parish Office.

Lector—Proclaiming the Word

7

Preparation “In the absence of an instituted lector, other laypersons may be commissioned to proclaim the

readings from Sacred Scripture. They should be truly suited to perform this function and should

receive careful preparation, so that the faithful by listening to the readings from the sacred texts

may develop in their hearts a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture.”

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 101, USCCB

The week before you are scheduled to read, the Parish office will mail you a copy

of the readings, taken from the Workbook for Lectors, Gospel Readers, and

Proclaimers of the Word. Each reading will be accompanied with helpful

suggestions, pronunciation guides and a brief commentary on each reading to

assist you in preparing to proclaim The Word. You can also review the readings

by visiting the USCCB website ( http://usccb.org ) and clicking on the calendar

for the day that you will be reading.

You may also wish to purchase your own copy of the Workbook for Lectors,

Gospel Readers, and Proclaimers of the Word through the Parish office; they are

very helpful.

To prepare for your ministry, don’t just look the readings over—PRAY them—

absorb what God is saying to His people. Most of all … Practice, Practice,

Practice. Practice them out loud so that you can hear how you are going to

proclaim your reading. Don’t guess at difficult words. If you don’t know how to

pronounce a word, ask someone, such as the priest when you arrive at church.

Dress

8

Dress “… acolytes, altar servers, lectors, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable

vesture or other appropriate and dignified clothing.”

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, # 339, USCCB

As a Lector, you are serving in a ministry role and should always dress

appropriately; after all it is a special banquet you are attending and serving. This

is not an occasion for T-shirts, shorts, blue jeans, tennis shoes, or other casual

dress.

Arrival All Lectors should arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass begins. It is important

that you inform the Sacristan of your presence and initial your name on the

schedule posted on the bulletin board near the cry room. Ask the Sacristan if there

are any special instructions for that particular Mass.

Lectors should approach the ambo prior to the beginning of Mass and review their

readings to insure that they are easily located and the correct one for the day.

There are occasions, such as feast days, when readings vary between the Saturday

Vigil Mass and Sunday Masses. Taking the time to review prior to the beginning

of Mass will improve the flow and beauty of the Mass.

Lector—Proclaiming the Word

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Bowing

There are two kinds of bows: a bow of the head; and a bow of the body, which is

referred to as a profound bow. A bow of the head is made whenever the three

names of the Trinity are said together, and when the name of Jesus, Mary, or the

saint in whose honor the Mass is celebrated is said.

A profound bow, bending the entire body at the waist to where you can touch the

knees with the palms of your hand, is made at a few specific parts during the

Mass, and whenever you pass in front of an altar. We bow to the altar because the

Altar represents Christ—so we reverence it with a profound bow. When we

reverence the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle we are adoring God Himself,

since the Lord is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, so we genuflect.

For Lectors, as you approach the sanctuary to perform your reading, you should

perform a profound bow toward the Altar—not the tabernacle— before

proceeding to the Ambo. After your reading, proceed down the steps, turn, face

the Altar and perform a profound bow; then return to your seat.

Assignments

10

Assignments Up to three Lectors may be assigned to each Mass, although at times there may be

only two, so assignments will vary. When a Deacon serves the assignments will

also be different.

Responsibilities If there are three Lectors (no Deacon):

III – Says the “pre-” Mass welcome announcements

I – Processes in the Book of the Gospels and proclaims the 1st Reading

II – Proclaims the 2nd

Reading

III – Leads the Prayer of the Faithful

If there are two Lectors (no Deacon):

II – Says the “pre-” Mass welcome announcements

I – Processes in the Book of the Gospels and proclaims the 1st Reading

II – Proclaims the 2nd

Reading

I – Leads the Prayer of the Faithful

Deacon and two Lectors:

II – Says the “pre-” Mass welcome announcements

I – Proclaims the 1st Reading

II – Proclaims the 2nd

Reading

Deacon – Processes in the Book of the Gospels and leads the Prayer of the

Faithful

Lector—Proclaiming the Word

11

Lector I “In coming to the altar, when no deacon is present, the lector, wearing approved attire, may

carry the Book of the Gospels, which is to be slightly elevated. In that case, the lector walks in

front of the priest but otherwise along with the other ministers.

Upon reaching the altar, the lector makes a profound bow with the others. If he is carrying the

Book of the Gospels, he approaches the altar and places the Book of the Gospels upon it.”

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 194-195, USCCB

When no Deacon is present the Lector assigned to proclaim the 1st reading carries

the Book of the Gospels, slightly elevated, to the Altar during the entrance

procession. The order during the entrance procession is:

Cross Bearer

Server(s)

Book of the Gospels

Presider

Altar

Lector I

12

When the entrance procession reaches the front of the Altar the order should be:

Server(s) Book of the Gospels* Presider Cross Bearer

* The Lector carrying the Book of the Gospels should stand directly in front of

the Altar candle nearest the Ambo.

When the Presider performs a profound bow, all should reverence the Altar with a

profound bow, with the exception of the Cross Bearer and the Lector carrying the

book of the Gospels. The Book of the Gospels and the altar are both symbols of

Christ, and one should not bow to the other.

The Lector carrying the Book of the Gospels should wait at the foot of the Altar

until the Presider has kissed the Altar. The Lector should then proceed to walk,

slowly and reverently around and to the back of the Altar, placing the Book of the

Gospels in the center of the Altar, exit the sanctuary, stop at the floor level, turn

and face the Altar. Perform a profound bow and return to your pew.

IMPORTANT: The Lector never kisses the Altar.

Altar

Lector—Proclaiming the Word

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It is strongly suggested that for simplicity and reverence that you take a seat near

the front left side near the Ambo. Walking across the entire sanctuary is

distracting and time consuming.

Reading “After the collect, all sit. The priest may, very briefly, introduce the faithful to the Liturgy of the

Word. Then the lector goes to the ambo and, from the Lectionary already placed there before

Mass, proclaims the first reading, to which all listen. At the end, the lector says the acclamation,

Verbum Domini (The word of the Lord), and all respond, Deo gratias (Thanks be to God).”

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 128, USCCB

The first reading is proclaimed after the Presider concludes the opening prayer

(collect.) The Lector should approach the Altar, stop and perform a profound

bow, then proceed to the Ambo.

Lectors should always enter and exit on the left side of the Ambo and always

reverence the Altar with a profound bow.

Make sure that the book is open to the first reading. Take your time and relax.

You should know the introduction and be able to make eye contact with the

congregation. Remember, you are proclaiming the Word of God to your sisters

and brothers.

Lector I

14

Begin with

“A reading from ...”

PAUSE for a second or two after the introduction, and then proclaim the reading.

At the conclusion of the reading PAUSE. This is important. Wait 2-3 seconds,

long enough for everyone to recognize that the Word has been proclaimed, before

announcing the acclamation. If you fail to pause, the congregation will often not

realize that you have finished, so PAUSE and then look at the congregation and

proclaim clearly and slowly

”The Word of the Lord.”

Wait until the congregation responds with

“Thanks be to God”

then turn the page in the book to the second reading then exit the sanctuary the

same way you entered, stop at the floor level in front of the Ambo, turn and face

the Altar, perform a profound bow and return to your pew.

Lector—Proclaiming the Word

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Lector II “If there is to be a second reading before the Gospel, the lector proclaims it from the ambo. All

listen and at the end respond to the acclamation.”

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 130, USCCB

The Lector assigned to proclaim the 2nd

reading does not process in at the

beginning of Mass but simply takes a seat with the Congregation. It is suggested

that for simplicity and reverence that you take a seat near the front left side near

the Ambo.

Reading

The second reading is proclaimed following the singing or recitation of the

responsorial Psalm. The Lector should approach the Altar, stop and perform a

profound bow, then proceed to the Ambo.

Make sure that the book is open to the second reading. Take your time and relax.

You should know the introduction and be able to make eye contact with the

congregation. Remember, you are proclaiming the Word of God to your sisters

and brothers. Begin with

”A reading from ...”

PAUSE for a second or two after the introduction, and then proceed to proclaim

the reading.

Lector II

16

At the conclusion of the reading PAUSE. This is important. Wait 2-3 seconds,

long enough for everyone to recognize that the Word has been proclaimed, before

announcing the acclamation. If you fail to pause the congregation will often not

realize that you have finished, so PAUSE and then look at the congregation and

proclaim clearly and slowly

”The Word of the Lord.”

Wait until the congregation responds with

“Thanks be to God”

then close the book and place in on the shelf under the Ambo; exit the sanctuary

the same way you entered, stop at the floor level in front of the Ambo, turn and

face the Altar, perform a profound bow and return to your pew.

Lector—Proclaiming the Word

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Lector III Lector III is responsible for welcoming the people to the celebration of the Mass,

pre-Mass announcements and in the absence of a deacon, leading the Prayer of the

Faithful. The Lector should be positioned behind the Ambo a few minutes before

the Mass is to start. Check that the book is opened to the introduction. Watch for

the Presider to give you a nod or wave to begin.

Reading

Before Mass

After saying “good afternoon”, “good evening”, or “good morning” PAUSE to

allow the people to respond back. You will then have their attention and can

continue with the remainder of the welcoming and announcements. Proclaim the

greeting loudly and joyfully, like you are really happy and glad they are there.

Turn the page in the book to the first reading then exit the sanctuary the same way

you entered, stop at the floor level in front of the Ambo, turn and face the Altar,

perform a profound bow and return to your pew.

Lector III

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Prayer of the Faithful

“After the recitation of the Creed, the priest, standing at the chair with hands joined, by means of

a brief introduction invites the faithful to participate in the prayer of the Faithful. Then the

cantor, lector, or another person announces the intentions from the ambo or from some other

suitable place while facing the people, who take their part by responding in supplication. After

the intentions, the priest, with hands extended, concludes the petitions with a prayer.”

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 138, USCCB

The Prayer of the Faithful or Intercessory Prayer is read after the Creed following

the Homily. Toward the end of the Creed when the congregation begins to pray

“…we believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church…” the Lector should

approach the Altar, stop and perform a profound bow, and then proceed to the

Ambo.

Move the Book of the Gospels to the shelf under the Ambo and return the book of

readings to the top of the Ambo. Locate the Prayer of the Faithful page and

prepare yourself to read, following the introduction by the Presider.

After each prayer, PAUSE for a second or two, before saying

“Let us pray to the Lord.”

Don’t rush it…remember, we are praying. After the last prayer is read, remain

standing at the Ambo until the Presider has finished the closing prayer, then exit

the sanctuary the same way you entered, stop at the floor level in front of the

Ambo, turn and face the Altar, perform a profound bow and return to your pew.

Lector—Proclaiming the Word

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The Recessional While it has been the practice to process the Book of the Gospels and the

collection basket at the end of Mass this is liturgically incorrect as the Word of

God has been proclaimed. Therefore, the Book of the Gospels and the collection

basket are never processed out during the Recessional. Lectors never process out

at the end of Mass.

After Mass After the Presider, servers, and cross-bearer have processed out and the choir has

concluded the final song, Lector I should proceed to the sanctuary and retrieve the

Book of the Gospels, returning it to the stand at the back of the Church.

Lector II, along with the Sacristan, should proceed to the sanctuary and retrieve

the collection basket and take it to the Sacristy. The collection should be placed in

a “collection” bag, sealed, and signed by the Lector and Sacristan. The collection

bag should then be placed in the slot of the safe.

Upon completion of these duties, your ministry for the liturgy is complete and you

should go and serve the Lord.

After Mass

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The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God.