Lector Preparation

PREPARATION

ü PIP Meetings: To make the service of the Word effective, all lectors are expected to be prepared for their ministry. Preparation should be spiritual, scriptural, and practical. Spiritual preparation involves prayer over the text and reflection on its message. Scriptural preparation involves understanding the text. Practical preparation involves mastering difficult words, learning the right pronunciations and practicing the delivery of the text aloud, ideally in the presence of someone who is able to critique the delivery.

ü Punctuality: Immediate preparation is also expected of all lectors. This requires arriving in ample time before the liturgy, locating the readings in the Lectionary, arranging the microphone, making sure that the sound system is properly functioning.

RITUAL ACTION

ü Readers should take part in the entrance procession. At St. Angela Merici, the first reader solemnly carries the Lectionary, pausing in front of the altar, places it on the ambo and opens the book to the FIRST READING.

ü The Lectionary/Book of Gospels is not carried in the recessional.

SILENCE

ü The reader should pause before beginning the first reading while the assembly is settling.

ü In order to enable the assembly to ponder and reflect on the Word proclaimed, a pause of about fifteen to thirty seconds should be observed after each reading

ü also, a brief period of silence should be allowed after the Psalm.

SOME USEFUL HINTS

ü Readers begin to read by saying, "A reading from the Book of Exodus." It is inappropriate to add words such as: 'The first reading..."

ü If the Responsorial Psalm is recited, readers should begin the recitation with the antiphon. Announcing "Responsorial Psalm" is unnecessary.

ü Ministers of the Word should not add any of their own words to the texts.

ü The title of the reading such as "A reading from the Book of Exodus" and the ending, 'The Word of the Lord", should be distinguished from the reading itself. Readers do this by observing a pause of about three seconds after the former and before the latter phrase.

ü While proclaiming the Word, reader may hold the Lectionary in his/her hands, or place in on the ambo and rest his/her hand on it. Anything that might distract from the proclaimed Word, such as leaning on the ambo, hands in pockets, or shuffling from one foot to the other should be avoided.

ü The reader should never do anything to draw attention to her/himself at anytime.

ü Clothing should be appropriate for the occasion, modest and in keeping with the dignity of the ministry.

ü The Lectionary or the Book of Gospels should not be lifted off the ambo while saying: 'The Word of the Lord".