Lector Guide

Instructions for
Lectors at Mass

To Become a Lector:

Talk to the Pastor. It requires a simple training, and then you can get on the schedule. We are always looking for more lectors.

Before Mass

• Dress appropriately in a way that doesn’t distract from the ministry.
  
• Arrive at church in enough time before Mass to review the readings. Ask the presider to assist you with the pronunciation of any unusual names of words.
  
• Note if there is a Deacon at the Mass, and whether the choir/cantor will sing the Psalm and Gospel acclamation. 
  
• Check with the presider if there are any changes or if you are to read the longer or shorter version of a given scripture.
  
• Place the lectionary on the ambo. Check that the sound system is turned on.
  
• SJ Lector sits in sanctuary at the start of Mass, at OLF the Lector sits in the congregation.
  
• After the Priest/deacon reads the announcements, the lector goes to the ambo to begin the vocation prayer.

*Note: After the second reading I would ask that the lector goes to sit in the pews with the congregation.

During Mass

• After the opening prayer go to the ambo. Introduce the readings by saying: “A reading from…” Read slowly, clearly and loud enough to be heard. Adjust microphone. (Note: we no longer say: “The first reading is a reading from…” Simply read what it says, without including chapter and verse.)
  
• Do not kiss or reverence the lectionary in any way these venerations are reserved for the book of the gospels. 
  
• Between the two readings, if the responsorial psalm is being sung by a cantor, step back from the microphone (OLF step to side, Crosby sit next to ambo).
  
• After the second reading remove the lectionary from the ambo and return to your seat in the congregation.
  
• If there is no deacon, the priest will read the Prayers of the Faithful (petitions). 

General Notes

• Please be sure to get a substitute if you are not able to be at the Mass when you are scheduled. 
  
• Please practice the readings before Mass. A copy of the readings can be found in the lector work books or on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website: http://www.usccb.org