When the Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself is speaking to his people, and Christ, present in his own word, is proclaiming the gospel (General Instruction of the Roman Missal #29). Table of Contents Welcome... 3 Pre-requisites... 3 Lector or Reader?... 3 Preparation during the Week... 3 Dress Code... 4 Before the Mass... 4 During the Mass... 5 Exceptions... 6 General Tips... 6 Schedule... 8 Substitutions... 8 Lector Communication & Google Groups... 8 Special Occasions... 8 Lost & Found... 9 Emergencies... 9 Attachments... 9 1. Sample Lector Announcements... 9 2. Sample General Intercessions... 9 3. Sanctuary Diagram... 9 4. Speaking Handouts for Proclaiming the Word... 9 Paul Juàrez Page 2 of 20 3/25/2014
Welcome Welcome to this important liturgical ministry. We are thankful that you were inspired to become a Lector. The purpose of this guide is to share basic procedural information and some useful tips to help you effectively proclaim the Word of God. Pre-requisites To become a Lector, you must first become certified in the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM). Visit http://www.austindiocese.org/offices-ministries/offices/ethics-and-integrity-ministry-office for the application, workshop dates and for more information. Complete the one-time only Application for Ministry (a criminal background check application). Then, arrange to take the required Protecting God s Children EIM workshop. If this is your first time, then take the Basic Workshop. If you have already done so, then you will need to take the Refresher Workshop (or Basic Workshop) every three years. There is a full list of workshops on the Diocesan website. You may also check the SJN Bulletin or call the SJN Office for upcoming workshops at the parish. All liturgical ministers have 60 days from the beginning of the new Liturgical Minister Schedule to complete these requirements before being removed from service or 60 days after their EIM compliance status expires, whichever occurs first. We value all of our volunteers and we hope that they can continue to serve at SJN. However, we aim to protect the safety of vulnerable children and adults and to remain in compliance with the Diocese s EIM policies. Secondly, you must be trained by this parish. If you have studied, trained, and served elsewhere, you may be permitted to undergo an abbreviated training that includes a review of this manual and consultation and approval by the Director of Liturgy. For serious reasons, a Lector may be temporarily deputed to Lector for a particular Mass by the Director of Liturgy or clergy. Lector or Reader? You are called Lectors, not readers, although some may still use this term. To be exact, you re called non-instituted, commissioned Lectors. For the sake of brevity, you will be referred to as Lectors (General Instruction of the Roman Missal #101). Preparation during the Week 1. Read the Lector Workbook At the beginning of the new liturgical year, SJN will provide you a Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers. You will be notified by e-mail when and where they are available. This will be your greatest tool. It has all of the readings (except for the Responsorial Psalm in the 2013 Workbook only) and detailed explanations to help you understand and deliver the content. The 2014 Workbook does have all the readings. A Sacristy Copy is available in the cabinets above the Roman Missal stand in the Sacristy. 2. Pray, Pray, Pray With prayer, God will take the talents He has already bestowed on you, and expand their usefulness far beyond anyone s expectations. Moreover, the preparation is more than technical, grammatical, and mental. It is, above all, spiritual (Meagher and Turner 13; Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass, #55). The spiritual preparation includes a biblical and Paul Juàrez Page 3 of 20 3/25/2014
liturgical formation. The biblical formation s purpose is to give readers the ability to understand the readings in context and to perceive the central point of the revealed message (GIRM #61). 3. Practice, Practice, Practice The old cliché is true, Practice makes perfect! About a week before your scheduled reading time, become familiar with what you will read and read it aloud many times. This is necessary because the writers did not speak as we do and there are many run-on sentences and unfamiliar names of people and places. However, we are not editors, but Lectors. We have to deliver the material as is. That said, because the writing can sometimes be difficult to read, it may require you to read it many times before the light bulb turns on and you actually understand it. 4. Understand the Reading IF YOU DON T UNDERSTAND THE READING, YOU WON T DELIVER IT IN A WAY IN WHICH THE CONGREGATION WILL UNDERSTAND! So, if you don t comprehend it, please ask for help! The Director of Liturgy (512.328.3220, ext. 107) will be happy to help you with it or you could speak to one of our priests. Online help may be found at: www.lectorprep.org/ 5. Memorize First Lines Try to memorize the first couple of lines so that you make eye contact immediately with the congregation. For instance, memorize the introduction to the reading, i.e. A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. (See more suggestions below under Tips. ) 6. Don t Change the Words- Lectors should never change the text s introduction, words, or conclusion. The lectionary contains the approved translations of the Scriptures for Mass. The introduction and closing have been set for various reasons (Meager and Turner 7). Dress Code Please remember to dress reverently and modestly. Common sense goes a long way. A nice long-sleeve shirt with collar and khaki or dress pants are most appropriate for men. For women, a knee-length or longer dress, skirt, or pants would be appropriate, along with a top that does not have a revealing neckline. On special occasions, it would be more appropriate to dress-up in a suit and tie for men and nicer outfit for women. However, the focus should be on God s word, not you. A bare midriff, too low of a neckline, tight clothing, colors far brighter than is customary for our community, blue jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are inappropriate for Mass, much less Lectors. Before the Mass 1. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the Mass. You need this time to prepare spiritually, mentally, and physically for the liturgy. Go to the Sacristy. Sign-in on the Mass Sign-in Sheet in the binder on the Sacristy counter near the copier. Take a Lector necklace (the book-symbol medallion) located on the middle Sacristy counter. (If you do not arrive early and sign-in, the sacristan will ask another Lector to replace you.) 2. Secure a seat at the end of an aisle in the first few pews close to the Ambo. Please see Attachment 3 for a diagram of this seating. We don t want to delay the Mass by having everyone wait for you to go to and from the Ambo. Paul Juàrez Page 4 of 20 3/25/2014
3. Second Lector: Always check with the sacristan to see if there is a deacon. They are usually present on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 9:00 and 11:30 a.m. If not, you will need to practice the Universal Prayers or General Intercessions (previously known as the Prayers of the Faithful) before the Mass so you can read them following the Nicene Creed. (See Tip #11 and #12 below for details.) 4. Go to the Ambo and make sure the Lectionary is there and properly prepared. Review or practice reading from that book. It looks different than it did in your workbook. The First Lector should also check and adjust the microphone position. The Second Lector should identify the best position, and be prepared to readjust quickly it if needed, immediately prior to beginning the Second Reading. Make sure the microphone light is on. If not, the button is located at the base/stem of the microphone. 5. First Lector: Practice the Lector Announcements found on the Cantor Lectern. 6. About 10 minutes before the Mass, join the priest, servers, and other ministers in the sacristy for a group prayer. 7. Five minutes before Mass and once the Lector Announcements have begun, there should be no more preparation or walking around the Sanctuary. During the Mass Welcoming the Congregation First Lector: 5 minutes before Mass, read the Lector Announcements from the Cantor Lectern. If you serve at the Sunday 7:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. Mass, start them at the beginning of Mass (7:30 or 5:30). Afterwards, return to your seat within the congregation unless otherwise directed by the presider. Liturgy of the Word 1. First Lector: Proceed to the ambo as soon as the priest finishes the Collect (formerly known as the Opening Prayer (which is after the Gloria) and as the congregation begins to sit. Wait until the congregation has settled down and is quiet. After you proclaim the introduction, pause (2 seconds) and then begin the reading. After completing the First Reading, follow with a distinct pause, and acclaim, The Word of the Lord. Ensure the Lectionary is open to the Second Reading. Come down the steps to meet the Psalmist/Cantor. After bowing together, return to your seat. 2. Responsorial Psalm: If there is no Cantor, the First Lector will proclaim the Responsorial Psalm. Pause for a moment after the First Reading and then begin the Responsorial Psalm. a. Do not say, Responsorial Psalm at the beginning. Start with the Refrain. b. There is no need to raise your hand to signal the congregation to repeat the psalm unless there are many people who are not familiar with the Mass, such as at weddings, funerals, Easter, Christmas, etc. c. The Responsorial Psalm is not in the Lector Workbook 2013 but it is in the 2014 edition. Read it online at www.usccb.org/nab/101308.shtml. Paul Juàrez Page 5 of 20 3/25/2014
3. Second Lector: Proceed to the Ambo when the Cantor or First Lector finishes the Responsorial Psalm. Bow together and then proceed toward the ambo to proclaim the Word. When you are finished with the reading, follow with a distinct pause and acclaim, The Word of the Lord. Then, place the lectionary (or special binder with the readings if used) in the lower shelf of the Ambo and proceed back to your seat after bowing. If the priest has notes in the lower shelf, be sure not to cover it up with the Lectionary. 4. If a deacon is not present, the Second Lector reads the General Intercessions- Before the Mass, become familiar with them, especially the names. If necessary, seek others who may know the correct pronunciation of names. The binder is located on the Cantor Lectern. a. To read the General Intercessions, start walking to the ambo near the end of the Nicene Creed when you hear the line We believe in one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic church so that when it is time to read the Intercessions, you will already have the binder open and be prepared to begin without making the congregation wait. b. Don t read them as announcements, but as prayers of the people. Exceptions When there is Only One Lector (& Cantor) If you will be the only Lector, follow the procedure described above for both First and Second Lectors. When you finish the First Reading, step down from the Ambo and meet the Cantor to bow together. Then take a seat in the front pews closest to the ambo until it s time for you to return to for the Second Reading. If there is no Cantor, the Lector proclaims all the readings except for the Gospel. The Microphones When you approach the ambo during the Mass, verify that the microphone is on by looking for a red light. If not, turn it on using a small button at the base of the microphone. Moreover, make sure the microphone is at the appropriate level for your height. It should be about mouth level. (The second Lector should take the time to readjust it if needed.) When you speak, listen for feedback. If you start to hear popping noises, you are too close ease back slowly. Make sure that your voice projects so that the people in the back of the church are able to hear you. Remember, when you make eye contact, don t turn your head too much because your words will be off mic and get lost. Get acquainted with the microphone to figure out exactly where you and it need to be! Please be gentle it is a delicate piece of equipment. We have a unidirectional microphone, which means that your mouth needs to be in-line with the microphone. The distance from your mouth to the microphone should be about 5 inches. General Tips 1. Throughout the week, ask the Holy Spirit to use you as an instrument to reach the hearts of others. Try to say a final prayer as you walk to the ambo. Paul Juàrez Page 6 of 20 3/25/2014
2. Paste Post-it Notes in the lectionary containing phonetic spellings, reminders, and instructions for yourself. Be sure to remove them after Mass. Do not use Scotch tape or the like. 3. Record yourself at home as you practice your readings and listen to yourself or have a family member or Lector buddy listen. Can you hear and understand every word? Are you modulating your voice to keep the listener interested? 4. Let your emotions show through your voice. Ask yourself "What are the most important points I am trying to convey here? Then, emphasize those. Listen to your recording with your eyes closed and see if you can hear the wisdom come through. Let yourself become the voice of the person who wrote what you are reading. Don t just read it to us; remember you are proclaiming God s holy word! 5. Enunciate every syllable, and pause at appropriate places to help the congregation better understand what you are trying to say. If there is a comma in your sentence, let the listener hear it in your voice. Practice difficult words (names, towns, etc.,) throughout the week. 6. Don't read too quickly or too slowly just because there is a microphone before you. However, take into account the acoustics to allow your words to strike home with the listeners. Imagine yourself reading this reflection as a bedtime story to your child. This will put you in a relaxed state of mind and fill you with the inspiration needed to deliver it in a conversational manner. 7. Make eye contact with the congregation, but keep your finger on the spot where your eye left the page. If you feel uncomfortable doing this in the middle of the passage, try to memorize the beginning and ending lines and deliver those while looking at the congregation. 8. Ideas on how to spiritually prepare: a. Meet with others to discuss the readings genre, themes, speakers, voice, context, etc. b. Pray the Scriptures c. Reflect on the Scriptures d. Join a Bible Study e. Read Scripture Commentaries for a detailed study and reflection on the Scriptures. Our library has commentaries available. 9. If you would like individual coaching, contact Suzanne Davis who will be happy to help anyone who asks. She has had special training and coaching experience. Suzanne Majors Davis 327-5909 Home 773-3036 Cell SDavis1427@aol.com 10. Always prepare both readings for your scheduled date in the event of an emergency. 11. A great link to help prepare is: http://www.lectorprep.org/ Paul Juàrez Page 7 of 20 3/25/2014
Schedule We ask that everyone on the schedule remain faithful to it. We understand that emergencies, vacation, work, or other circumstances prevent one from serving as scheduled. Unless those circumstances arise, we ask that you make every effort to serve at Mass as scheduled. The schedule can be found online as a PDF at www.sjnaustin.org/mass and entitled as the Mass Volunteer Schedule 2013-2014. It will be updated as needed online. The location of our page will change once the new website goes in effect in December 2013. If you would like to switch readings with the other lector due to difficult readings or other important reasons, you may do so as long as this has been done in advance. Remember that the other lector may have already begun preparing for their scheduled reading. Substitutions In the event that you are unable to Lector as scheduled, please contact a trained substitute Lector from our Lector Substitute Call List or e-mail the group (sjnlectors@googlegroups.com) in advance. Subsequently, call Paul Juarez at 512.328.3220, ext. 107 (preferred method of communication) or e-mail him at pjuarez@sjnaustin.org with the name of the replacement. If it is the night before or hours before your scheduled Mass, please call a person rather than using e-mail to find a substitute. If something occurs minutes before Mass or if you were not able to find a sub, please also call the sacristan in the Sacristy at 512.328.3220, ext. 134 (sacristy phone number). The Call List is comprised of those people who have volunteered to be listed on it. It will be e-mailed to everyone once it is compiled. This list will also be available in the Mass Sign-in Sheets notebook. Rather than calling your Lector partner at first, try to call a different Lector. Alternatively, switch weeks with another Lector. Last minute substitutions should be avoided due to the extensive nature of the preparations required. Lector Communication & Google Groups The Director of Liturgy sends regular e-mail notices to the group that includes special instructions, notices, substitute requests, Volunteer requests, etc. All Lectors are part of the SJN Lector Google Group upon joining the ministry. To communicate with the group, send an e-mail to sjnlectors@googlegroups.com (in the To box of your e-mail client program). If anyone is NOT part of the group, please contact the Director of Liturgy or the Lector Coordinator to be added. Please also feel free to contact either of them with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at: Marty Murrell Lector Coordinator 263-2365 Home 796-4357 Cell mmurrell@austin.rr.com Paul A. Juàrez Director of Liturgy 512.328.3220, ext. 107 pjuarez@sjnaustin.org Special Occasions On special occasions, such as Christmas, Easter, and Holy Days of Obligation, we will need additional Lectors. Such ministers will receive special invitations by the parish. In choosing the Lectors, we will follow St. Benedict s Rule, which is that Brothers will read and sing, not according to rank, but according to their ability to benefit their hearers (Rule of Saint Benedict #38). In other words, we want Paul Juàrez Page 8 of 20 3/25/2014
Lectors who are the best at preparing, proclaiming, who are responsible, who can best meet the demands of the occasion, and who the congregation can best understand. The Director of Liturgy will send you the readings in advance if they are not available in your Lector s Workbook. At special Masses, the readings may be provided in a liturgical binder for ease of reading and in larger text. If you have your own copy with notes and other markings, you may use it in place of the one in the binder. If so, be sure to remove the unused reading. Lost & Found A Lost & Found box will be located in the Sacristy. If you find something left behind, place it in this box. It will be checked on Mondays or Tuesdays and taken to the parish Secretary s Office Lost & Found drawer for safekeeping and collection. Emergencies Mass Cancelations: an e-mail will be sent to parishioners and a post on Facebook. If something occurs right before Mass, please call the Director of Liturgy at 432.230.0677. First Aid Kit- this is located in the Sacristy in a drawer marked First Aid. There will be an AED Defibrillator in the Sacristy in addition to the Usher s Room. Phone- if necessary, please call 911 using your cell phone or the phone in the Sacristy. Dial 9 to get an outside line. Disruptions- if something minor occurs that causes the Mass to be interrupted or distraction, please pause. Let the ushers, sacristan, or other personnel take care of the situation. Then pause and resume proclaiming the Word. For example, if the deacon fainted and falls to the ground, let others carry him from the Mass to another location to be treated. Once he has left, pause a moment and then continue with the Mass as normal. Attachments 1. Sample Lector Announcements 2. Sample General Intercessions 3. Sanctuary Diagram 4. Speaking Handouts for Proclaiming the Word Paul Juàrez Page 9 of 20 3/25/2014
Attachment 1: Sample Lector Announcements Lector Announcements August 3-4, 2013 (Given 5 minutes before Mass, or at 7:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. for the Sunday Masses w/o choir.) Welcome to St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Today is the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. To prepare ourselves for the Holy Mass and as a courtesy to others, please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices. The celebrant (and deacon) for this Mass is/are: Saturday, 5:30 Fr. Fr. Bud Roland p.m. Deacon Manuel Torres Sunday, 7:30 a.m. Fr. Barry Cabell Sunday, 9:00 a.m. Fr. Bud Roland Deacon Mike Gesch Sunday, 11:30 Fr. Bud Roland a.m. Deacon Mike Gesch Sunday, 5:30 p.m. Fr. Bud Roland Let us now prepare our hearts and minds for worship. Paul Juàrez Page 10 of 20 3/25/2014
Attachment 2: Sample of General Intercessions General Intercessions August 3-4, 2013 Introduction (priest only) God is our refuge and strength, caring for us from morning to the evening of our day. But he calls us to be responsible. Let us be attentive as we pray together today. 1. For the continuing witness of those consecrated to God in the religious life, we pray to the Lord. Assembly: Lord, hear our prayer. 2. For a just sharing of food among all nations, we pray to the Lord. Assembly: Lord, hear our prayer. 3. For our protection against all greed, we pray to the Lord. Assembly: Lord, hear our prayer. 4. For wisdom to see through the vain and foolish things that clutter our lives, we pray to the Lord. Assembly: Lord, hear our prayer. 5. For the souls of the blessed dead, we pray to the Lord. Assembly: Lord, hear our prayer. 6. For those intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts (brief pause), we pray to the Lord. Assembly: Lord, hear our prayer. Please do not add any intentions unless instructed to do so by our clergy or for an important reason. Paul Juàrez Page 11 of 20 3/25/2014
Attachment 3: Church Map Lector Announcements & Intercessions Book Sacristy Lector Seating Cantor Lectern Paul Juàrez Page 12 of 20 3/25/2014
Attachment 4: Speaking Handouts for Proclaiming the Word (See the next few pages.) Paul Juàrez Page 13 of 20 3/25/2014
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