"The lector is the storyteller of the community. The story gives meaning to our lives. One who truly proclaims the scriptures in the midst of the assembly is at home in the scriptures, loves them, prays with them."

Liturgy with Style and Grace, Gabe Huck, LTP, Chicago, IL, 1984, p.54

To put it simply, lectors read the word of God at masses and other religious services. They share with bishops, priests and deacons the task of making the word of God come alive for the parishioners assembled at a mass or religious service.

At St. Valentine's, there are currently two groups of lectors. One group proclaim the word of God at daily masses. The second group lectors during Sunday and Holy Day masses as well as at special religious services such as Communion and Confirmation.

The qualities of a good lector include:

• Knowledge, appreciation and love for the scriptures
• The maturity and ability to proclaim the scriptures with poise and confidence
• An understanding of the role of scripture in daily life, the liturgy, the sacraments, and the liturgical seasons
• Good public speaking skills
• Ability to convey warmth, to gain and keep the assembly's attention, and to motivate others through speech
• A committment to live the message of the scriptures that is being proclaimed.

If you:

• love the scriptures
• are a good reader and speaker
• are available either for weekday, Saturday or Sunday masses
• are at least 16 years of age

New Lector Coordinator - Joe Skalniak

Lector Dress Code
Lector Format (procedures)

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Preparation      Before Mass      While Reading      After Mass

Preparation

• Always read all three scripture readings. The first and second readings have been chosen according to their relationship with the gospel.
• Identify the type of passage you are to read. Is it a story? Is it a dialogue between different characters or voices? Is it a prophecy, a letter, a series of laws, a parable, a witty saying, or a song?
• Use your imagination to visualize action passages and narratives. See in your mind's eye what is taking place. Imagine how those involved are feeling, why they act the way they do.
• Check the pronunciation of unfamiliar names in the scriptures or intentions in the workbook.
• Prepare well. Practice reading aloud in front of a mirror or for family or friends.
• Read intelligently, in a lively manner, and when indicated, conversationally. Read what you believe
• Consider yourself a "proclaimer of the word of God." It is the skills of a proclaimer that you will be developing and using, not those of an actor, radio announcer, or toastmaster.
• Consider nonverbal communication. Let your body language and facial expressions help you express the message of the reading. Posture, gesture, and facial expression should complement your words.
• Observe and learn from other lectors when you are not scheduled to lector.
• Audio- or video-tape yourself practicing your readings to critique your performance. Be honest.
• Ask several people to give you honest feedback on your lectoring skills. Use these constructive feedbacks to improve your skills.

Before Mass      While Reading      After Mass      Top of Tips

Before Mass

• Take a look at the Lectionary before mass, noting your readings and how they look different from the workbook. Make sure the ribbon marker is on the correct page for the first reading.
• Check any pronunciations of words and names in the scriptures and intentions that you are unsure of with the celebrating priest or John McDermott.
• Review the intentions making sure you can read any handwritten additions to them.
• If anxious, take a few deep, slow breathes to calm yourself.
• Check with the celebrating priest to be sure there are no changes to the standard procedure because of special liturgies (Communion, Anniversaries, special blessings, etc.) or additional participants (priests, servers, speakers, etc.).
• Take the Lectionary and Prayers of the Faithful out to the podium before processing with the Priest and altar servers.

Preparation      While Reading      After Mass      Top of Tips

While Reading

• While processing to the altar, take your cue on walking speed from the celebrating priest not the altar servers.
• Remember to project your voice so that the people in the last row of pews on the main floor or in the Balcony can clearly hear you. Microphones only amplify your voice. Use them effectively so that your voice is not inaudible or overwhelmingly loud.
• Remember to pause between the end of the reading or intention and the closing words ("The Word of the Lord", "We pray to the Lord")
• Speak slowly, clearly ennunciating each word. Good proclamation requires more precise enunciation that ordinary conversation. Pause in appropriate places (refer to your workbook).
• One rule of thumb: if you sound to yourself as if you are speaking too slowly, you are probably speaking at the right speed!
• Remember to make eye contact with parishioners in all areas of the Church. Eye contact should be made while speaking, not just during pauses. It will take practice to be comfortable with making eye contact while speaking. You may discretely use your finger to follow the reading if you are afraid of losing your place while making eye contact.
• Stand quietly and straight. Avoid shifting from one foot to the other or slouching.
• If you are unable to comfortably kneel on the carpeted steps for the length of time required during the the Consecration or Communion, stay seated at your lector's seat. Don't squirm or shift position frequently while kneeling.

Preparation      Before Mass      After Mass      Top of Tips

After Mass

• Return the Lectionary to where you found it, making sure the ribbon marker is placed on the first reading if there are masses after this one.
• Be sure to remove the red and blue liturgy books and the Intentions List from the lector's chair on the altar and return them to the sacristy.
• Remember to turn off the lecturn light if you didn't turn it off after the Intentions.

Some of the above tips and techniques were taken from:

• Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers 1999, Lawrence E. Mick, LTP, 1998
• Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers 1993, Aelred Rosser, LTP, 1992
• Proclaiming the Word Do's and Don'ts for Parish Lectors, Karen Sue Smith, National Pastoral Life Center, New York, 1992

Preparation      Before Mass      While Reading      Top of Tips      Top of Page

About Lectors
The Effective Lector by Edward Horodko
Article on the role of lay persons vs. priests in the Mass
Lector Reading tips
Links to Study Materials on Readings
Lector Preparation Materials - Readings & Tips
Links to Readings Online
Online Guide to Biblical Pronunciations (can hear the words pronounced)