Lectors
"When you answer the call to be a minister of the word (one who proclaims the Bible readings to the assembled faith community), you enter a deeper relationship with the Word of God as revealed in sacred scripture. You take upon yourself the duty and privilege of bringing the printed word to life – making it flesh, so to speak. Your ministry as reader gives choice to God’s healing and strengthening word as it goes forth irrevocable to the ends of the earth, achieving the purpose for which God sent it.”
- Aelred Rosser from “A Well Trained Tongue”
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Lector at Queen of Angels Church.
Proclaiming the Word of God at liturgy is a true privilege. This guide will hopefully help you be more comfortable with the procedures at Queen of Angels Parish.
What kind of preparation should I do before the weekend?
Preparation for your ministry as a lector includes spiritual, scriptural, and practical dimensions. Begin by, at least once during the week, going through the readings in the Workbook for Lectors a few times. Then, read them aloud to yourself, or with other family members.
Spiritual preparation involves praying over the Sunday’s readings and reflecting on its message, either alone or in a group. Use a daily meditation booklet such as Living Faith, Word Among Us or Magnificat, or visit usccb.org or download an app such as Laudate to help you develop the habit of reading the Bible daily. Spend time to hear what God is saying to you through His Word.
Scriptural preparation involves understanding the text so it can be proclaimed with meaning to the assembly. This type of preparation involves reading the passage in context i.e. noting where it is placed in the Bible; what verses come before and after the reading. Lectors can refer to biblical commentaries and other study aids to deepen their understanding of the author and the era in which the passage was written. Commentary in the Workbook for Lectors, footnotes in the Bible or writers on websites such as www.lectorprep.org give insights from the wisdom of the Church on the meaning of scripture.
Practical preparation involves mastering difficult words, learning the right pronunciation and practicing the delivery of the text aloud, ideally in the presence of someone who is able to critique the delivery. Here is a downloadable pronunciation guide. You are welcome to come before Mass and practice using the microphone.
What if I am unable to attend my scheduled Mass?
It is very important that you get a substitute for your Mass. We attach an updated phone list with each schedule. You may go on www.queenofangels.org under “schedules” on the sidebar to look to see who is scheduled that day.
When do I arrive for Mass on my scheduled day?
Be sure to arrive at church at least twenty minutes early. As you arrive, be sure to sign in the sacristy, and let the presiding priest know you are there. He will instruct you of any changes in the liturgy that would affect you. Make sure the other scheduled lector is in the church as well.
What kind of preparation should I do after signing in?
After you sign in and check with the priest, go to the ambo and check the lectionary to see it is set for the correct day. If you are the First Lector, make sure the liturgical binder is present with the announcements and interssesory prayers. Read through them a couple times. Check for any names you cannot pronounce, and ask the priest if you are unsure.
If you are the Second Lector, make sure you know where your reading is in the lectionary on the ambo. Open up the binder and look at the general intercessions. Read through them a couple times. Check for any names you cannot pronounce, and ask the priest if you are unsure. Return the binder to the ambo shelf.
Where should the Lectors sit?
The lector should sit close to the Sanctuary, normally in the side pews near the statue of St. Joseph.
General Intercessions
The prayers of the faithful will normally be said by the second Lector. If a Deacon is serving he will recite the prayers. The lector should proceed directly to the ambo and begin the prayer after the priest says the introductory which will include "let us offer our prayers". Make sure that you respond to the petition, “Lord hear our Prayer”, together with the assembly, you are not an announcer but a participant. Pause for three seconds at the end of each prayer and before saying, ‘We pray to the Lord.’
Dress Code
All liturgical ministers are asked to observe the following dress code:
Slacks, Dress shoes and socks, belt, collared shirt, jacket and tie are encouraged.
Nice slacks and shirt/blouse (or) Skirt (of modest length) and shirt/blouse (or) Dress of modest style and length
No jeans, No shorts, No t-shirts, No tennis shoes, No flip-flop sandals, No beach attire.
Back, shoulders, midriffs, and undergarments should be covered.