LECTOR PROCEDURES 

•  Familiarize yourself with readings during the week before you are to lector.

1. Use it as your prayer time.
2. Use the lector workbook and commentary for a deeper understanding of the Word.

•  Arrive in sacristy 15 minutes before scheduled liturgy.

 

•  Read over the announcements and prayers for the faithful. Look for any names, which are difficult to pronounce. Ask for the correct pronunciation. Check to see if there is anything “out of the ordinary” this weekend.

 

•  Familiarize yourself with the location of the readings in the Lectionary

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•  Immediately after the Minister’s Prayer in the sacristy, proceed to the ambo with the Lectionary and lector’s notebook. 

 

1. Open the Lectionary to the correct readings and open the lector’s notebook on top of the Lectionary. 
2. Begin the introduction and welcome to the Mass. 
3. When finished place the notebook on the shelf under the ambo. 
4. Return through the sacristy to the office side doors of the church for the opening procession.

 

• For the opening procession in the absence of the deacon, the lector carries the Book of Gospels at a comfortable, reverent height. The order of the procession is: the cross bearer, candle bearers, lector, Eucharistic Ministers, deacon and the presider

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•  On arrival at the foot of the sanctuary the lector should be positioned immediately on the Altar. All wait for the presider

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•  When the presider genuflects, all the other ministers genuflect at the same time and then proceed to their place in the assembly and the liturgy begins.

If the Deacon is not present and the lector is carrying the Book of Gospels:

 

1. The lector does not genuflect but should simply bow their head (not the Book) in respect for the Book of Gospels. 
2. Then as everyone moves to their positions, the lector walks up the step and places the Book of Gospels on the main altar.
3. The front of the book should be facing the assembly. 
4. The lector proceeds to their place in the assembly and the Mass begins. 

 

• After the completion of the opening prayer the lector comes forward to the foot of the sanctuary, bows to the altar, and proceeds to the ambo to proclaim the Word.

1. Pause… cite the reading…proclaim the reading
2. Pause after reading for three to five seconds before saying “The Word of the Lord”.

• When the Responsorial Psalm is sung remain standing quietly at the ambo.

1. If the lector is to read the Responsorial Psalm begin after a period of silence. (Use a silent Our Father then begin the psalm.) 
2. After the psalm there is another period of silence. 
3. Then begin the second reading. Use the same procedure as for the first reading.

• Following the second reading, quietly close and place the Lectionary on the bookshelf, under the lector’s notebook, and proceed to your place in the assembly.

 

•  In the absence of the deacon, during the Profession of Faith (Nicene Creed), after the words, “We believe in The Holy Spirit,” proceed to the ambo and prepare to begin the prayers of the faithful.

1. Quietly reach for the lector’s notebook, quietly place it on the ambo, and open to the page for the petitions.
2. After the presider finishes the closing prayer for the petitions return to your seat.

 

• At the time for the recessional come forward to your beginning position, immediately in front of the ambo. All genuflect together and begin the movement of the closing procession.

 

•  Return to the sacristy. After the congregation leaves the church, bring the lector notebook, the Lectionary and the Book of Gospels back to the sacristy. Please make sure the books are opened and ready for the next celebration.