The Ministry of the Lector
The Minister is appointed by the Pastor
The Ministry of the Lector
St. Augustine Catholic Church in Thomasville, GA.
Revised September 2016
a). The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the Universal Prayer and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the Psalm between the readings.
b). In the celebration of the Eucharist, the lector has his own proper function (cf. nos. 194-198), which he himself must carry out. (GIRM, no. 99)
c). In the absence of an instituted lector, other lay people may be deputed to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, people who are truly suited to carrying out this function and carefully prepared, so that by their hearing the readings from the sacred texts the faithful may conceive in their hearts a sweet and living affection for Sacred Scripture. (GIRM, no. 101)
The Ministry of the Lector
St. Augustine Catholic Church in Thomasville, GA.
Revised September 2016
a). The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the Universal Prayer and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the Psalm between the readings.
b). In the celebration of the Eucharist, the lector has his own proper function (cf. nos. 194-198), which he himself must carry out. (GIRM, no. 99)
c). In the absence of an instituted lector, other lay people may be deputed to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, people who are truly suited to carrying out this function and carefully prepared, so that by their hearing the readings from the sacred texts the faithful may conceive in their hearts a sweet and living affection for Sacred Scripture. (GIRM, no. 101)
- The reader reads from the ambo the readings that precede the Gospel. In the absence of a psalmist, the reader may also proclaim the Responsorial Psalm after the First Reading.
- In the absence of a Deacon, the reader, after the introduction by the Priest, may announce the intentions of the Universal Prayer from the ambo.
- If there is no singing at the Entrance or at Communion and the antiphons given in the Missal are not recited by the faithful, the reader may read them at an appropriate time (cf. nos. 48, 87). (GIRM, nos. 196-198)
- At the proper time the Lector should approach the Ambo and bow to the Altar which, during the Celebration of Mass, represents Christ.
- All Lectors must be confirmed Catholics in good standing with the Church, attending Mass each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation and receiving the Sacrament of Penance regularly. If married, the marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church. If one’s status with the church changes, please contact your pastor for a meeting concerning this changed status.
- All Lectors must uphold the faith and morals of the Church in public and private arenas. As “extraordinary ministers” you are called to “witness” to the fullness of the Catholic Faith in word and deed.
- Dress for this ministry is “Sunday Best.” Sunday Best at St. Augustine’s for liturgical ministers is:
- Men: dress shirt, dress slacks and dress shoes with socks.
- Woman: Modest dress or pant suit, and dress shoes. Please, No plunging necklines, short dresses or sleeveless apparel.
- All liturgical ministers, especially the ministers of the Word, must be properly trained for their ministry. The ministry of the Word requires skill in public reading, knowledge of the principles of liturgy, and an understanding and love of the scriptures. Normally, only properly trained and commissioned lectors are scheduled for liturgy (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #55).
- During a celebration of the Eucharist only Catholics are allowed to proclaim the word of God. (Ecumenical Guidelines).