LECTOR PROCLAIMING THE WORD A guide for lectors at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church
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 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. III. Second Reading 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. 6
Preparation Lector Proclaiming the Word 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. 7
Dress 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. 8
Lector Proclaiming the Word 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. 9
Assignments 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 1 st Reading II Proclaims the 2 nd Reading III Leads the Prayer of the Faithful If there are two Lectors (no Deacon): Deacon and two Lectors: II Says the pre- Mass welcome announcements I Processes in the Book of the Gospels and proclaims the 1 st Reading II Proclaims the 2 nd Reading I Leads the Prayer of the Faithful II Says the pre- Mass welcome announcements I Proclaims the 1 st Reading II Proclaims the 2 nd Reading Deacon Processes in the Book of the Gospels and leads the Prayer of the Faithful 10
Lector I Lector Proclaiming the Word 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 1 st reading carries the Book of the Gospels, slightly elevated, to the Altar during the entrance procession. The order during the entrance procession is: Altar Cross Bearer Server(s) Book of the Gospels Presider 11
Lector I When the entrance procession reaches the front of the Altar the order should be: Altar 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. 12
Lector Proclaiming the Word 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. 13
Lector I 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. 14
Lector II Lector Proclaiming the Word 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 2 nd 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. 15
Lector II 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. 16
Lector Proclaiming the Word 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. 17
Lector III 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. 18
Lector Proclaiming the Word 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. 19
After Mass The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God. 20