Lectors

The following guidelines have been prepared for parish laypersons who publicly read scripture, referred to as Lectors. These are to apply to those ministers during Sunday Mass, as well as other liturgical celebrations.

The purpose of these norms is to provide some general observations and principles on this important liturgical ministry of the Church. They define the intention of liturgical law relative to the proclamation of the Word, the demands of proper liturgical practice and the expectations of the universal and local Church.

Ritual practices may differ from parish to parish, reflecting the variations allowed by law. Determination in this regard comes under the Pastor’s authority. These guidelines, therefore, are not intended to impose absolute uniformity in liturgical customs. Instead, they are produced in a spirit of helping our parishes experience the proclaimed Word of God as a powerful celebration by offering some basic, essential principles required by the very nature of the liturgy.

It is hoped that lectors and the pastoral leadership in each community meet together regularly to discuss the theological as well as the practical and spiritual aspects of their ministry. These directives could serve as suitable material for study at such gatherings.

1. The proclamation of the Word of God is truly a service to the Church. Lectors bring the living Word of God to the liturgical assembly. The ministry of the Word should, therefore, be treated seriously and with great dignity. (GIRM 55) 
2. The Word of God is not merely read during the liturgy. It is proclaimed, yet not with theatrical show. Effective proclamation involves the delivery of the message with clarity, conviction and appropriate pace. It demands the ability to evoke faith in others by demonstrating one’s own faith. Proclamation is a special ministry which presupposes faith. It also rouses faith in those who hear the Word proclaimed. (LM 55)
3. Ideally, the assembly should listen to the proclamation of the Scriptures and not read along in a missalette. In the act of communal listening, the worshippers experience not only unity among themselves but also the presence of Christ speaking to them through the Word. Pastors and lectors need, however, to be attentive to special needs of the hearing impaired. (LM 7, 37).