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Parish Ministries LectorsMinistry of Lector Early in Church history lay people proclaimed God's Word in the liturgical assemblies. Gradually, though, this responsibility became one of the minor orders conferred on men in training for ordination. As Vatican II challenged all of us to reassess our baptismal role, the role of Lector and reading sacred Scriptural passages in Church services once again became open to lay people. Reading is therefore one way in which we can publicly witness to our faith, in answer to our baptismal call,
If Lector reading is to be a Ministry, a "witness to faith" for a person, then the reading has to be much more than just a good sight reading and articulation of words. As a Ministry and Lector, our reading is to be a true proclamation. The Bible is God's Word, and Jesus is the Word made Flesh. Just as Mary gave flesh to the Infant Christ, so too do Lectors give flesh to the Word Who is Christ. We are His mouthpieces. Christ is present, of course, regardless of our style as Lector, but the reality of His presence is strengthened and increased when His Lector proclaims with faith, skill and compassion. Lectoring then, in this way, is not just helping out at church on Sunday. Lectoring is to be truly proclaiming the Word, effecting the presence of Christ within the worshipping assembly, and finally, to enabling a consciousness of how God's Word is calling each of us to His service and to serving God's people. (Paraphrased from "Readers at Liturgy", NOVALIS, ISBN: 2-89088-082-6.) Becoming a LectorLector positions are assigned by the different Mass times on Sundays and are scheduled for roughly a three month period of time. Positions frequently open up for all Masses, although normally 7:30 am Mass has the fewest Lectors and the 11:00 am has the most. Sunday, the Lord's Day, on which the resurrection of Christ is especially commemorated, is at the heart of liturgical life as the "foundation and nucleus of the whole liturgical year." At St. Cornelius we are striving to be totally faithful to the new "General Instruction of the Roman Missal". One of the guidelines states we need to have a separate lector for each of the two readings on Sundays. In the readings, God speaks to his people opening up to us the mystery of redemption. If you feel called to serve in this Ministry, please contact Kathy Howley at (610) 388-6998. Liturgical PreparationComplete readings, for both daily and Sunday services, are available on the website of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The readings match the Lectionary and are taken from the "New American Bible". Sunday Readings, summarized for families with children and youth, and helpful for preparation before mass and dialogue after mass, can be found at Open Wednesday. Because the theme of the liturgy is taken from the Gospel, it is good to read the Gospel first, even though this will be proclaimed by the Deacon or Priest. Next, study the First Reading, Psalm, and Second Reading in the context of the theme of the Gospel, and reflect on the meaning each reading adds to understanding the Gospel theme. Pray for understanding the significance of the Gospel theme in your own life and the lives of others in the community. Scriptural PreparationThe Scripture passage for any Word liturgy may be very short and difficult to understand out of context. To help come to a better understanding, it is useful to locate and study the context of the passages in the Bible. Further, reading commentaries on the readings and theme in "The Catholic Standard & Times," the weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, can deepen our understanding. Finally, a time of reflection and prayer is required for increasing our internal grasp of how the Holy Spirit is speaking to us today. Preparation of SelfProper preparation of our own state of being can help to eliminate nervousness and self-consciousness and to give our attention to becoming a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in proclaiming God's Word to the Church community. Setting aside the opportunity for quiet prayerful reflections on the Readings, and for contemplation on the meanings of the passages and actions being depicted, can help to calm us and focus our attention. And practicing deep breathing and meditating on particular words in the readings can enable us to "Let go and let God's Spirit sustain you." Technical PreparationAt Home:
At Church:
What motivation is needed to be an effective and good Lector?
AbsencesAll lectors are reminded that if they cannot make their scheduled mass, please arrange for a substitute. |
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