Sts. Peter and Paul Guidelines for Lectors
The lector proclaims the Old Testament, (the Responsorial Psalm when it is not sung), the New Testament reading, and leads the assembly in the petitions or prayers-of-the-faithful.
Lectors should show the greatest reverence for the sacred Word by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they proclaim the Word.
Ambo: The raised stand where the lectors read the scripture readings and prayers of the faithful
Book of the Gospel: Large red book placed on the altar at the start of Mass and from which the priest or deacon proclaims the gospel.
Lectionary: The official liturgical book from which the lector proclaims the Scripture readings
Roman Missal: The liturgical book used by the priest containing rites and prayers of the Mass.
The servers bring the Missal to the priest at the appropriate times.
Lectors should show the greatest reverence for the sacred Word by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they proclaim the Word.
- Come dressed appropriately – dress pants & shirt, modest dress or blouse and slacks.
- Lectors should pick up their own copy of the Workbook for Lectors from the north entry table or the parish office. This book will help you prepare to understand and proclaim the readings at Mass. Several days before the liturgy, go through the readings (reading aloud), trying out the language and getting a feel for how each passage should be read. It will also be helpful with words that may be difficult to pronounce. Check pronunciation for any names/words you may not know how to pronounce in the Workbook, or “Google” the word to listen to pronunciation.
- Lectors should arrive ten minutes before Mass is to begin so that the sacristan can see that you are present. The sacristan will set the lectionary open to the correct day – double check placement before Mass.
After the second reading, place the lectionary on the Ambo shelf to make room for the Book of Gospels. - When Father sits down in the presider’s chair the lector should proceed immediately to the ambo.
- The Liturgy of the Word must be celebrated in such a way as to promote reflection and meditation. For this reason, avoid any kind of haste which impedes understanding. (Think of it as telling a story and with some feeling, not just reading words, trying to get done as fast as you can.)
Brief moments of silence are appropriate during the reading of the liturgy. Such moments of silence are also opportunely observed after the first reading, and second reading. - Texts should be read in a loud and clear voice.
- While the responsorial Psalm is sung, the lector should step back by the servers (occasionally the responsorial will be read by the first lector if no one is available to sing). After the responsorial Psalm, step up to the ambo to proclaim the second scripture reading.
- Lectors present the petitions/prayers-of-the-faithful after the Creed. By the end of the Creed the lector should again be near the front of church, proceeding to the ambo. After the priest/celebrant introduces the petitions, the lector reads them. Each Sunday and Holyday the petitions will be available on a typed sheet on the ambo. Review these before Mass when you check the lectionary.
Before Mass begins, bring the ‘Parish Intentions’ book from the rear of the church. Read these following the petitions/prayers-of-the-faithful, right before the ‘moment of silence to add your own petitions’.
Remain at the ambo until Father has finished the prayer after the petitions. Return to your pew when he sits. - If a Deacon is present, he reads the petitions/prayers. Bring the parish intentions book forward for him.
- NOTE: The third Sunday of the month from September through April is the Children’s Mass. The schedule will indicate a children mass with no adult lector listed.
- Lectors are responsible for getting a current ministry schedule from the church entry. If you are unable to make your assigned time, it is your responsibility to get a substitute and notify the parish secretary of the change (so that the bulletin can be updated). Please do not ask the secretary to find a substitute.
Ambo: The raised stand where the lectors read the scripture readings and prayers of the faithful
Book of the Gospel: Large red book placed on the altar at the start of Mass and from which the priest or deacon proclaims the gospel.
Lectionary: The official liturgical book from which the lector proclaims the Scripture readings
Roman Missal: The liturgical book used by the priest containing rites and prayers of the Mass.
The servers bring the Missal to the priest at the appropriate times.