The Lector Ministry
Magnify the Lord with me; Let us exalt his name together.
General InformationLectors are members of our Assembly who proclaim the Word in the first two scripture readings. They also assist in creating a hospitable and prayerful environment by praying the Prayers of the Faithful.Training and preparation are necessary for those persons wishing to be Lectors. Proclaiming the Sacred Scripture is different from other kinds of public speaking. Not only do Lectors need to be effective communicators, but they need to absorb and express the spirit of the Liturgy as well. Training for this ministry is an ongoing process, and all lectors are expected to constantly strive for improvement.
A Spiritual MinistryIf Lector reading is to be a Ministry, a "witness to faith" for a person, then the reading has to be much more than just a good sight reading and articulation of words. As a Ministry and Lector, our reading is to be a true proclamation.The Bible is God's Word, and Jesus is the Word made Flesh. Just as Mary gave flesh to the Infant Christ, so too do Lectors give flesh to the Word Who is Christ. We are His mouthpieces. Christ is present, of course, regardless of our style as Lector, but the reality of His presence is strengthened and increased when His Lector proclaims with faith, skill and compassion. Lectoring then, in this way, is not just helping out at church on Sunday. Lectoring is to be truly proclaiming the Word, effecting the presence of Christ within the worshipping assembly, and finally, enabling a consciousness of how God's Word is calling each of us to His service and to serving God's people. (Paraphrased from "Readers at Liturgy", NOVALIS, ISBN: 2-89088-082-6.) Jesus: Our Model of True HumilityAll lectors need a model of true humility as they work toward excellence in their proclamation. We look to Christ who "emptied himself, taking the form of a slave...[and] humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross" (Phillippians 2:7-8). Jesus, the Word, humbles himself every Sunday by making himself dependent on us to communicate him as a living and vital word. Jesus, alive in every line of scripture, is indeed, obedient "unto death."
Lector ResourcesLiturgical Ministry Schedule 2012Lectors Proclaim Webpage: Annotated Versions of Sunday Readings US Conference of Catholic Bishops - Lectionary Readings Proclaiming Tips Daily Readings and Meditations Pronunciation Guide Upcoming EventsLector Study GroupNew Morning SessionOur Lector Study Group now has a morning session! We will meet the FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (unless specified) from 10am - 11:30am in the Church Commons. Coffee and breakfast pastries will be provided. Come join us in faith and fellowship. Upcoming meetings for the MORNING session are:May 1, 2012 June 5, 2012 July 10, 2012 August 7, 2012 Our on-going EVENING Lector Study Group will meet from 7:00 - 8:30pm in the Church Commons on the SECOND THURSDAY EVENING of the month. Our schedule is as follows: May 10, 2012 June 14, 2012 July 12, 2012 August 9, 2012 Please join us for these evenings of fellowship and faith sharing as we review the coming month's readings and discuss effective proclamation techniques. Coffee and desserts are provided.
What Motivation is Needed to be an Effective Lector** A desire to witness to the Christian faith**An interest that the Word of God be proclaimed well and reach the hearts and minds of Church members **A dedication to being a true instrument of God's Word and eliminating personal concerns from interrupting the message **A devotion to manifesting the Spirit of God's Word during Liturgy for the good of the whole Church community A Lector's PrayerJesus, my friend, my brother, my Lord and my God! Help me to proclaim your living word. Let me remember always that you have called me to be your instrument;a hollow reed through which the meaning of your word comes to my fellow disciples. Give me the strength and courage to proclaim your word in such a way that everyone trying to understand you, everyone striving to be faithful to you, and everyone seeking your forgiveness will gain from my efforts. Remind me that it is Your will I must do, and not my own.
Amen
Contact InformationIf you would like more information about the Lector Ministry or are interested in finding out how you may serve, please contact Debra Schmitz at sjblectors@gmail.com.For those Lectors currently serving in this ministry, if you are not already on our email list, please contact Debra Schmitz at sjblectors@gmail.com to get on that list. Thank you for all you do to serve our parish!
God calls us by name to go forth and bear fruit that lasts. |
