Proclaiming the Word During the Pandemic

The primary role of the lector is to proclaim the Word – clearly, slowly, prayerfully.

Preparation for proclaiming the Word

There are several ways a lector may prepare for proclaiming the Word.  For example:

• reading the Bible passages from which the readings are chosen
• reading one or more of the passages using the technique of Lectio Divina alone or with others
• exploring reflections on the Word, using online resources such as the Sunday Website at St. Louis University or Sacred Space
• reading out loud.

The Lector during Liturgy

During the pandemic, our liturgy is organized differently to support a healthy environment.

There is no Celebrant’s Assistant during mass. One lector reads the Introduction, the First and Second Readings, the Prayers of the Faithful, and the Announcements.  The lector should arrive 15 minutes prior to mass and signal his or her presence to the Director of Liturgy or the Celebrant.

The lector may read without a mask and should wear a mask when not reading.

There is a second ambo in front of the choir area that only the assigned lector uses. There is a chair for the lector in the choir area. The microphone and lectern area are sanitized between masses. The readings and related material are printed and placed in a binder with each sheet of paper in a plastic sleeve. The binder and pages are sanitized between masses.

***

Lectors

Lectors proclaim the Word at the Sunday Liturgies with the goal of making the Word of God alive and meaningful for the congregation, to better understand the Word of the Lord. Weekly practice/discussion sessions are offered if a minimum of three lectors are able to attend. The evening sessions are arranged by the Session Leader for that week

“I learn so much about the readings and grow in my faith through meeting with other Lectors at the Practice and Reflection sessions. It feels like an honour to proclaim the Word at Mass.”

 

Time commitment:

Lectors may be asked to proclaim and attend the preparatory meeting once a month (more often for the Saturday Mass, less often for the Sunday Masses). During the school year, they attend a practice session mid-week (Wednesday or Thursday evening, 7-8 pm) to prepare. During summer, we use a voluntary sign-up sheet at the back of the church, with no weekly Practice and Reflection.

It is recommended that Lectors arrive early before their scheduled Mass to advise the Celebrant’s Assistant that they are present and ready to proclaim.

 

Skills/Qualities:

• Comfort speaking in public and in front of a microphone
• Clear pronunciation in English
• Willingness to prepare individually and with other Lectors

Click here for the Guidelines for Lectors

Training:

Each Mass community has a “Lead Lector” who gives information and trains and plugs in new volunteer Lectors.

Contacts:

Lector Scheduler Dick Gunstone              613-262-2484            [email protected]

Lead Lector 5:00 Mass  Ann Kelly            613-749-8412            [email protected]

Lead Lector 9:30 Mass  Patricia O’Grady                                   [email protected]

Lead Lector 11:30 Mass  Mark Stolarik    613-825-6015            [email protected]

Lector Representative, Liturgical Committee Michèle Babin      [email protected]