Lectors proclaim the Word of God at liturgies. They may also be asked to lead the assembly in the Universal Prayer. Lectors normally participate in the entrance procession carrying the Evangeliary (Book of the Gospels) if a deacon is not present.
Lector candidates must be willing to enter initial and ongoing formation and be responsible for their scheduled duties. They may need to provide a substitute in their absence, but they may not ask someone who is already scheduled for another liturgical ministry the same day.
Lectors should be adequately prepared in the following topics:
1. Some biblical knowledge of the Sacred Scriptures is essential for the lector who is making a serious commitment to proclaim the Word in the assembly. The lector needs to be familiar with the format of both the Old and New Testaments and the various literary forms found therein; e.g., poetry, story and letter. An understanding of the liturgical year (the cycles, seasons and feasts) is basic and essential to this ministry.
2. A lector should have the oral and technical skills necessary to proclaim the Word. This competency extends far beyond the ability to read words correctly and includes posture, use of the microphone projection, tone, pitch, volume, accent, gesture, pace, eye contact, phrasing, pronunciation and articulation. This requires continual practice, review and critique.
Lector candidates must be willing to enter initial and ongoing formation and be responsible for their scheduled duties. They may need to provide a substitute in their absence, but they may not ask someone who is already scheduled for another liturgical ministry the same day.
Lectors should be adequately prepared in the following topics:
1. Some biblical knowledge of the Sacred Scriptures is essential for the lector who is making a serious commitment to proclaim the Word in the assembly. The lector needs to be familiar with the format of both the Old and New Testaments and the various literary forms found therein; e.g., poetry, story and letter. An understanding of the liturgical year (the cycles, seasons and feasts) is basic and essential to this ministry.
2. A lector should have the oral and technical skills necessary to proclaim the Word. This competency extends far beyond the ability to read words correctly and includes posture, use of the microphone projection, tone, pitch, volume, accent, gesture, pace, eye contact, phrasing, pronunciation and articulation. This requires continual practice, review and critique.
“Jesus became what we are that He might make us what He is.” ~St. Athanasius