Dear Nativity Lectors,

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1 Dear Nativity Lectors, THANK YOU for praying, preparing and proclaiming God s Word to our Nativity family. Yours is a most important ministry, for St. Paul says that God s Word is very near, yet this Good News must be heard and proclaimed so that all can come to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus Christ is Lord. Like an athlete on the field, a musician in concert, or a doctor caring for a patient, so as lectors, practice, study, and share the mystery of God s Word entrusted to you. For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful,..... So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, Achieving the end for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11) God Bless You for sharing this most treasured gift. Fr. Francis

2 Church of the Nativity Lector Proclamation Procedures Brothers and Sisters! These updated procedures include input and recommendations from Fr. Francis, Sister Kathleen, Deacon Mike, Michael Podebarac (Archdiocesan consultant for liturgy and sacramental life), and many of the wonderful Nativity parishioners who serve as lectors. This is your resource for the choreography of our ministry. Please contact Kathleen at with any questions. Lector Ministry The keys to prayerful proclamation of the Word of God are solid preparation and an understanding of the scriptural setting of the writing. The work of this ministry is too important to be left to chance. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide in your work in this ministry. The week before your assignment should be spent in preparation, preparation and preparation. You need to use the Guidebook for Lectors and to provide you with the necessary understanding of when and why this passage was written and who was its intended audience. This information may help you understand the contents of the passage and enhance your proclamation. As lectors we have just a few minutes at the ambo to convey meaningful, life-saving lessons and instructions to the Nativity Parish community. Make every minute count. Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before the beginning of Mass to be sure that all the assigned lectors are present and know what their duties are. Be sure to sign in at the table outside the vesting sacristy. Make certain the Lectionary is open to the proper readings for the day and that the petition and announcement notebook is on the ambo shelf. Check to make sure the holder for the Book of the Gospels is on the Altar. You should review the petitions and announcements and be prepared to proclaim any of the readings, petitions or announcements if called upon. In addition to the actual proclamation of the readings, it is the duty of all the lectors to carry themselves in a dignified and graceful manner that will enhance the reverence and flow of the liturgy. Timing, movements, body language, and demeanor all contribute to better communication of God s word and a more meaningful liturgical encounter. Eye contact and engagement with the congregation will make your proclamation more effective.

3 Lector 1 Entrance Procession After checking that the Lectionary is opened to the first reading, Lector 1 will wait outside the Priest s Sacristy with the Book of the Gospels for the beginning of Mass. The opening procession begins in front of the Baptismal Font with Lector 1 in line behind the Altar Servers and in front of the Priest except when a Deacon is present. Lector 1 (or the Deacon) should carry the Book of the Gospels elevated slightly with the front of the book (the picture of Jesus) facing forward toward the Altar to allow for easier placement in the holder on the Altar. Upon reaching the Altar steps, follow the Altar Servers up the steps and around the Altar without bowing or pausing since it is not necessary to bow to the Altar while carrying the Living Word of God. Lector 1 (or the Deacon) will place the Book of the Gospels in the red book holder which has been placed in the center of the Altar. Lector 1 will then walk down the ramp or the stairs to his or her pew. Proclamation of the First Reading Once the Priest has completed the Collect (Opening Prayer) and has been seated, Lector 1 will approach the ambo using the ramp or the stairs, whichever is more comfortable for you. At the 9:00 and 11:00 Masses, Lector 1 will wait until the children for Little Church have been blessed, dismissed and have reached the Baptismal Font before approaching the ambo to proclaim the first reading. Lector 1 should NOT begin his or her way to the ambo until the music is finished and/or the children have reached the Baptismal Font. The Lector should step up to the ambo and proclaim the first reading. After the congregation responds Thanks be to God, the Lector should leave the Lectionary open to the second reading for Lector 2 and return to his or her pew. At the 7:30 Mass, Lector 1 will also prayerfully proclaim the Responsorial Psalm. There should be no bow as the Lector approaches or leaves the ambo since the ambo is the focal point of Liturgy of the Word. Lector 2 Proclamation of Second Reading Please be seated at the end of one of the front pews on the ambo side in front of the Annunciation statue when Mass begins.

4 Lector 2 (continued) After the Cantor has completed the Responsorial Psalm (or Lector 1 has recited the Psalm), wait for the Cantor or Lector 1 to come down the ramp before approaching the ambo. Approach the ambo using the ramp or the stairs. There should be no bow as the Lector approaches or leaves the ambo since the ambo is the focal point of Liturgy of the Word. Step up to the ambo and proclaim the second reading. After proclaiming the reading, Lector 2 is to CLOSE THE LECTIONARY AND PLACE IT ON THE SHELF BELOW so that the Priest will have room to place the Book of the Gospels on the ambo reading surface. Lector 2 should then return to his or her pew. After Mass At the end of Mass after the recessional hymn is completed, Lector 2 is to set up for the next Mass by placing the Lectionary back on the ambo and opening the Lectionary to the First Reading. Lector 2 should also return the Book of the Gospels to the lector table in the back of Church. Lector 3 Offering the Petitions (Prayers of the Faithful) During the Creed when the Priest and congregation say, I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, approach the ambo using the ramp or the stairs. Step up to the ambo, open the notebook to the petitions and be ready to proceed with petitions when the Priest says, LET US PRAY. Do not be in the act of opening the notebook when the Priest begins his introduction of the petitions. When the petitions have been read, Lector 3 is to remain at the ambo until the Priest has concluded the prayer. LEAVE THE NOTEBOOK OPEN for the reading of the announcements after Communion. Lector 3 then returns to his or her pew. NOTE: When a Deacon assists with the celebration of Mass, he will offer the Prayers of the Faithful. Sharing the Good News of the Parish the Announcements After Communion when the tabernacle has been locked and the last Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is leaving the Altar, proceed to the ambo using the ramp or the stairs.

5 Lector 3 (continued) Step up to the ambo and read the announcements from the OPEN notebook. Smile, be welcoming, and use a conversational tone. This is the good news of the parish offering ways to go forth in service and blessings. After reading the announcements, Lector 3 will leave the notebook open, step down from the ambo and return to his or her pew. NOTE: Please check with the Priest before Mass for any special arrangements for a GUEST SPEAKER at the end of Mass. Any guest speaker will make his or her presentation BEFORE Lector 3 reads the announcements. Sister Kathleen or Lisa Grasing always send an notification of a guest speaker, so be on the lookout during the week you are scheduled. Leading the Stewardship Prayer Once a month, after the announcements are read, Lector 3 will introduce and lead the assembly in the Nativity Stewardship Prayer. This will occur on the Sunday after the first Wednesday of the month (when the Stewardship Committee meets). The introduction and the prayer will be in the back of the notebook behind the announcements. The prayer is found in the inside cover of the hymnals. A reminder will be sent when the Stewardship Prayer is to be recited.

6 Lector Scheduling Tips & Protocols Prayer for Lectors Come Holy Spirit, into my mind and my heart as I read the Sacred Scriptures. Inspire me with your grace to proclaim your Living Word with sincerity and reverence. Help me to focus on the Word and discern its meaning so that I can communicate it clearly and enthusiastically. Each time I approach the Ambo, remind me that I am on holy ground and that the Ministry of proclaiming the Scriptures is a sacred trust. I place all my trust in you, that through your power, the people of God will hear and accept your Word into their hearts. Registering to Serve in the Lectors Ministry at the Church of the Nativity Please ensure your profile is kept current at the parish ministry scheduling web site (You will need to know your Username and Password). If you make a change to your address in the program, please also notify: Kelly Samuelson (parish scheduler) kelsam@kc.rr.com Lisa Grasing (Lectors Coordinator) lgrsng@gmail.com Kathleen Saunders (Lectors Mentor & Trainer) kathleensaunders10@yahoo.com The Ministry Scheduler site is your primary source for identifying your preferred Masses for lectoring during ordinary time; your availability to serve on Holy Days and during the Lenten and Advent seasons. Identify your preferred times to serve; availability to serve on Holy Days or at principal liturgical services Identify dates or periods you are unavailable to serve Be sure to click on the Submit button at the bottom of the screen after entering your preferences. This url can also be found at the site under the Liturgy & Sacraments: Liturgical Ministries section. If you have problems with the parish scheduler, contact Kelly Samuelson: kelsam@kc.rr.com. Comments submitted at the site may or may not be seen in timely fashion. As a representative of the broader assembly, the liturgy should not be concentrated in a select few celebrants. The Scheduler Pro web terminal is your primary resource for requesting and accepting opportunities to substitute. Please Request a substitute, using your ed assignment and the web terminal, in event you are unable to serve. (If you receive no ed acceptance and confirmation of a substitute, please call trained lectors to secure a substitute. A roster with numbers is available at the Scheduler Pro site.) Secure a substitute well in advance of your absence, to allow them time for preparation.

7 Lector Scheduling Tips & Protocols Do not reply to a person requesting a sub - as they will not get the via the scheduling software. If you need to contact that person directly, please go to the roster and find their address. Lectors offering to substitute have the option of offering a swap via the scheduling software. Note: Substitutes will be notified if the lector has accepted the proposed trade. Absent notification, you must presume the lector accepted a substitute or a trade more favorable to his or her schedule. Please assure the readings are not proclaimed by one lector. (Identify and request assistance from a lector in the congregation in preference to doing all readings by yourself.) Refrain from serving in multiple ministries at the same Mass. Coordinating with Other Lectors before Mass Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of Mass Lector 1: Check in at the table outside the priest s vesting sacristy. Greet the Priest/ Celebrant and/or Deacon and inquire about any arrangements unique to the day s liturgy and readings (while honoring the priest s time to prepare for Mass in the vesting sacristy). Inform the second lector (and third if scheduled) of special arrangements, accordingly. Lector 2: Check in at the table and notify Lector 1 of your presence; inquire as to special arrangements. Lector 3: Check in at the table and notify Lector 1 of your presence; inquire as to special arrangements.