Lector Instructions

1. Please arrive 15-20 min. before Mass. This allows time to check in with the sacristans and be present for prayer with the ministers of the Eucharist.
2. The Lectionary will be available to peruse before Mass, then the Sacristan will place it on the ambo.
3. You may sit wherever you would like, but it is recommended lectors try to sit in the middle two seconds near the center aisle side of the pew.

First Lector's Responsibilities:

1. If there is not a deacon, process in carrying the Book of the Gospels. It is not necessary to bow at the Alter. Carry the book around the right side of the Alter, stand it up on the Alter by slightly opening it, then go around the opposite side of the Alter to your pew.
2. If there is a deacon, they will carry the book so you can take your place in the pew and wait your turn for the assigned reading.
3. Once the "Glory to God" is completed, the Celebrant recites the opening prayer. Remain standing until the congregation is seated, before walking up to the Sanctuary.
4. Come directly to the center aisle (even if you are sitting in the outer section of pews) and reverance the altar. A simple bow is appropriate; a deep bow is not necessary.
5. Pause a few seconds before beginning the reading. PLEASE, PLEASE, do not begin by saying, "The first reading is...." Begin with "A reading from …."
6. Pace yourself. This is the Sacred Word and it is important not to rush through....even if you have a brief reading.
7. When you've finished and the congregation has responded with "Thanks be to God," bow your head and pause for 30 seconds. This allows for all to meditate on what they have just heard. Then return to your seat.
8. There may be occasions when you are responsible for the responsorial psalm and the second reading.
   1. In this case, after your 30-second pause, begin by saying "Our responsorial psalm is…" then raise your arm repeating the response with the congregation. Pause briefly before beginning the second reading.
   2. PLEASE, PLEASE do not begin by saying "The second reading is…," simply begin by saying "A reading from…." After the reading pause 30 seconds before returning to your seat.
9. When a cantor is present and you are also doing the second reading, return to your seat. Cantors are instructed to allow time for the first reader to be seated before approaching the sanctuary. This makes for a nice flow and not having people passing one another like a tag-team.
10. If you are first lector and will be doing the second reading, allow the cantor time to return to their place. Then stand and return to the ambo. You do not need to reverance the altar since you have done so previously.
11. Instruction as before on the second reading, see 8.b. above. When finished, return to your place. Remain standing because of at this time the Celebrant/Deacon will stand to prepare for reading the Gospel. This avoids the bobbing up and down and helps the flow of the Mass.

Second Lector's Responsibilities:

1. Allow the cantor to return to their place when responsorial psalm is finished.
2. Approach the sanctuary and reverance the altar.
3. Pause briefly and begin the reading. PLEASE, PLEASE do not say "The second reading is..." Announce "A reading from...."
4. When you are finished, pause for 30 seconds and then return to your seat.
5. Remain standing in preparation for the Celebrant/Deacon to read the Gospel.
6. When a Deacon is present, the second reader's responsibilities are finished because the Deacon will be reading the General Intercessions.
7. If there is no Deacon, the second reader needs to pick up the notebook before Mass that has the General Intercessions printed out. Take a few minutes before Mass to read-through them, ask about name pronunciation if in doubt, etc.
8. Be alert as the Nicene Creed is recited. When the phrase "I believe in the Holy Spirit..." is reached, make your way to the ambo with the notebook, carefully open it and be ready to begin after the Priest gives his introduction.
9. Allow a brief pause after reading each intercession before you speak "We pray to the Lord."
10. Stay at the ambo but turn toward the Celebrant as he reads the conclusion to the General Intercessory Prayer. Once he is finished return to your seat.

NOTE: The Lectionary is not removed from the ambo. You have just proclaimed the Word and in doing so made "God's Word flesh" in our midst in order to achieve the purpose for which it was sent - To Redeem us in Love.

Suggestions and Helpful Hints for Lectors

1. Use the Lectionary workbook provided
2. Read through the passage silently and prayerfully, not like a novel.
3. Read the passage aloud three or four times asking yourself about voice inflections, punctuational pauses, appropriate pronunciation of words.
4. Read the passage to someone else if possible.
5. Be willing to accept constructive criticism. Hopefully we don't stop learning until we take our last breath.
6. You can't fool the congregation if you come unprepared. Study each week as if you were responsible for each week's readings. There may be occasions when you will be asked at the last minute to be a reader.
7. Remember we are all human and make mistakes. There is no perfect "Mass" only the Perfection of the recreation of the Last Supper and reminders in word and action how very much God Loves Each One of Us.
8. Finally, please be considerate and if you aren't available on your scheduled weekend, find a substitute. This eliminates the sacristan scrambling to find someone at the last minute. If you know in advance of the schedule being published, you will be unavailable on a weekend, call the office and let them know. They will be able to adjust the schedule.