LECTORS

Those who proclaim God’s Word in the liturgy are known as Lectors. The word “lector” originates from Latin and means “reader”.  Lectors are the individuals who bring the Word of God to the congregation through the readings selected from the lectionary. Through the Lector, the Word of God is proclaimed to the people through the Old and New Testament readings . It is an ancient teaching in the Church that Christ is truly present in His Word: the Word spoken, heard, and acted upon. Answering the call to become a Lector enters one into a deeper relationship with God as he is revealed in Sacred Scripture. God’s Word has power and challenges as it comforts and builds our faith community. In the ministry of the Lector, God’s Word is spoken to God’s people. To be a Lector is a commitment to service. The ministry of Lector is one of the most visible service roles at Holy Mass.

A willingness to study the Scriptures and time to pray with the readings before each liturgical assignment is a necessary commitment for a Lector. Reading skills, the ability to develop proclamation techniques, and a clear and steady voice are attributes of a Lector. Those who take on the responsibility of Lector are presumed to be of good faith, eager to serve their fellow Christians, and willing to engage in the formation process to improve the effectiveness of their service.

 

Key elements to keep in mind as a lector

• Preparation: This includes spiritual preparation (prayer and reflection on the text), scriptural preparation (understanding the text’s context and meaning), and practical preparation (practicing the reading aloud, focusing on pronunciation and pacing). 

• Delivery: Guidelines on how to stand, use the microphone (if applicable), maintain eye contact with the audience, and project the voice clearly and effectively. 

• Pacing and Emphasis: Lectors are instructed to read slowly and clearly, emphasizing key words and phrases to convey the meaning and emotion of the text.

• Pauses: Strategic pauses are encouraged before and after readings, as well as within the text, to allow for reflection and emphasis.

• Respect for the Text: Lectors are reminded to avoid adding or changing words, and to treat the Lectionary with reverence, as it contains sacred texts.

• Enthusiasm and Engagement: Lectors are encouraged to read with enthusiasm and passion, engaging the audience and making the Word of God come alive.

• Qualities of a Lector: Many guides emphasize the importance of having a strong love for the Scriptures, excellent reading and enunciation skills, and the ability to connect with the congregation.

Prayer for Lectors

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Father, as I share in the work of the Holy Spirit,
Who opens our hearts to God’s holy Word,
bless me in my task of telling the story of salvation.
Give me grace to proclaim the true and saving word of God
As a messenger of God’s love for us all.

Oh Holy Spirit, open my heart to that which I proclaim.
Be with me as I study the Scripture and prepare the Word which is yours to speak.
Grant me your gift of understanding so that the passage may dwell deep within me.

Let me approach the Ambo, the Table of the Lord’s Word, with reverence and awe.
Let me handle the book of the Lord’s Word with great care
knowing it is a Tabernacle of the Lord’s presence.
Let my eyes fall often on the faces of the Assembly
knowing they are the body of the Lord whose Word I proclaim.
Let the Lord’s peace settle in my heart that my voice may be clear and steady.
Let my voice echo the sound of the Word with conviction,
gentleness, strength and wonder.

As I proclaim the words of Holy Scripture
which challenges, confronts, and captures our hearts;
which heals, comforts and consoles;
which feeds the hungers and the longing of our hearts for truth;
let me offer the story of the great things the Lord has done for us
that we might turn to the table of Holy Eucharist with good cause
to give thanks and praise.

In awesome reverence of the Word I proclaim, as one judged and saved by the Word, I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen