Procedures

Before you arrive. The lectors schedule is mailed out from the rectory and usually contains the schedule for three months. Look to see where your name appears on the schedule. The expectation is that you would fulfill your obligation on that date. If you are unable to be there, it is your responsibility to find a substitute. A list of all the lectors is included with the schedule. You should dress appropriately for proclaiming God's Word. Preparation through prayer and reading of scripture is essential. One way of preparing is to use the Workbook that the parish provides for all lectors; this book also contains biblical pronunciations.

Entrance Song and Procession. Please arrive in the Sacristy approximately 15 minutes before Mass begins. You should review the texts you will be proclaiming, as well as the petitions. In the past, the lector made announcements before Mass began and then returned to the sacristy before the entrance song began. This practice will be discontinued, and the priest will make the announcements following the Prayer after Communion. Thus, the lector remains in the sacristy until the entrance song begins. This practice will be discontinued, and the priest will make the announcements following the prayer after communion. Thus, the lector remains in the sacristy until the entrance song begins. The lector follows the servers into the body of the church, holding the book high so that all might venerate the Word. As the servers reach the foot of the sanctuary, the lector stops behind them, just to the left of center. As the priests and servers genuflect, the lector remains upright, holding the book high and after the servers pass by, the lector proceeds to the ambo, places the book there, and then returns to his/her seat. The first pew [behind the servers] is usually the place for the lector and his/her family. If a deacon is present, the deacon may carry in the Book of the Gospels.

The 1st Reading. After the Opening Prayer, as everyone else sits down, the lector approaches the ambo. During weekdays the lector may bow in front of the altar before proceeding to the ambo. Once you arrive at the ambo, make eye contact with the assembly, pause, and begin by stating the formula: A reading from the book of..., etc. Do not alter the words of the formula or any of the words of the Lectionary text. Pause after the formula; do not rush directly into the text. After you pause, begin proclaiming the text clearly and slowly. 2/3 of your regular rate of speech might be a good pace. Remember to use appropriate expression; "embody the text" without drawing attention to yourself. At the end of the text, pause for a few seconds, and then say "The Word of The Lord". After this take two steps back from the ambo and pause there a few seconds; this serves to create a more contemplative mood. Then return to your pew. [If you are doing the responsorial psalm, don't return to your pew, but leave about 10-15 seconds between the end of the 1st reading and the start of the Psalm.]

The Responsorial Psalm. On Sundays, this is usually sung by Mr. Englert or the Folk Ensemble, but if there is a guest organist, you may have to proclaim the psalm. Familiarize yourself with the text before mass, just in case. Sometimes on weekdays, especially Saturday, when there is no organist, the lector must lead the assembly in the responsorial psalm. Begin by stating the response; the assembly will repeat the response back to you. You may wish to lead them back in the response. Do not say. "The Response is..." Simply proclaim the response. Though the assembly may repeat the verse back the first time, the people may not remember it the subsequent times, so the lector should lead the assembly in the responsorial verse after each "stanza" of the psalm. On weekdays, after the psalm, the lector may return to his/her seat. On Sundays, the lector should take two steps back, pause for a few seconds and then may begin with the second reading.

The 2nd Reading. At the conclusion of the Responsorial Psalm, the lector approaches the ambo and follows the same procedure as that of the 1st reading.

The Gospel and Homily. The deacon, priest or bishop proclaims the Gospel. The homily follows the Gospel.

The Creed and General Intercessions. The Creed is professed on Sundays and Holy Days. Should it be inadvertently omitted, stay alert as the priest might just begin with the prayer for the general intercessions (petitions). Most lectors have been trained to approach the ambo after the words We acknowledge one baptism. This practice will be retained, although the lector should remember to continue to pray the Creed. Face the presider as you finish the Creed and as he says the prayer before the petitions. Then turn to face the assembly and begin the general intercessions. Familiarize yourself with the petitions and with the names for whom the Mass is being specifically offered. When you are finished with intercessions, you should face the presider, as he prays the concluding prayer. You may return to your seat at this point. If a deacon is present, the deacon will read the general intercessions and you may remain seated.

The Concluding Rite. In the past, the lector has carried the Lectionary out of the assembly in Procession.