Laypersons may be commissioned to procalim the readings from Sacred Scripture. They should be truly suited to carry out this function and should be carefully prepared so that the faithful hearing the readings from the sacred texts may conceieve in their hearts a sweet and living affection for Sacred Scripture. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal #101).
QUALIFICATIONS: -Fully initiated through the sacraments of Baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. -A faithful participant of the assembly to which he/she is called to serve. -Possessing of those "good qualities of Chrisitan life, faith, and morals that recomment them". -Possessing a deep love of God and Neighbor.
REQUIREMENTS: -Reader needs to possess a good, clear speaking voice and adequate technical formation. -Comfortable making eye contact with members of the Assembly. -Properly versedi n the structure of the Liturgy of the Word and its connection to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. -Dedicated to adequately preparing and willing to study and pray over the scriptures. -Aware of his/her role as a public minister of the pastoral work of the Church.
The primary responsibility of the Lector is to proclaim the 1st or 2nd Reading from the Ambo at Sunday Mass. In the absence of a deacon, it is a Lector’s job to proclaim the Prayers of the Faithful. Finally, a Reader acts as an “Assembly Leader” (also called “Commentator”), doing the Welcome and the Announcements from the lectern at the beginning and end of Mass respectively. Each Lector should expect to be scheduled to serve one to two times per month. There are one to two Lector training/renewing workshops per year.
For additional information or questions, please contact Jim Yinger.