Lectors (English Track)
Lectors (English Track)
In the Catholic Church, a lector (also referred to as a reader) is a lay minister appointed to proclaim the Word of God during the liturgy.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and official liturgical guidelines, the responsibilities of a lector include:
- Proclaiming the Scripture Readings: Lectors read the First and Second Readings from the Old and New Testaments during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass. (The Gospel reading is reserved exclusively for priests or deacons).
- Reading the Responsorial Psalm: In the absence of a cantor or psalmist, the lector may also read the Responsorial Psalm between the readings.
- Universal Prayer (Prayers of the Faithful): When a deacon is not present, the lector typically announces the intentions for the general intercessions.
Qualifications and Preparation
- Spiritual Readiness: Because the Church teaches that God Himself speaks to His people through the sacred readings, lectors are expected to be practicing Catholics in good standing who approach the ministry with prayer, reverence, and a deep respect for Scripture.
- Practical Training: Lectors are expected to prepare ahead of time by practicing the text, studying the pronunciation of difficult names or historical contexts, and reading aloud with clarity, conviction, and proper pacing so the congregation can easily understand the message.
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- Contact: Ranae and Greg Lupus
