Lectors
- Lectors should be adult (18) Catholics in good standing with the Church, members of St. Martin Parish and living a good Christian life.
- Always read over the Mass readings (including the Gospel) before you get to church. Several readings are better so that you can pick up any subtle phrasing in the passage.
- Always remember, you are a dynamic PROCLAIMER, not a word-by-word reader. You should proclaim your particular reading as if you were reading an interesting letter out loud (SLOWLY) to your family from a relative who lives far away, who wrote to give all of you some good words to remember.
- Dress appropriately – do not wear shorts, t-shirts – tank tops, flip-flops, tight fitting or low-cut clothes, or work pants. Be professional, but comfortable. Please arrive at church at least 15 minutes before Mass begins.
- Refer to your 2011 Workbook for Lectors as to pronunciation of strange words, commentary on the readings and phrasing. It really helps to have a working knowledge of what the scripture passage means.
- Before Mass: (1) If there are two forms of the reading (long or short), check with the priest as to which version to proclaim; (2) Be sure to check the ambo to see that the Lectionary is open to the correct page; (3) Read over the Mass Intentions and check any unfamiliar names; (4) Get the Opening Song Number.
- Once the priest and deacon are ready in the back of church, step up to the microphone at the ambo, pause, and then begin the opening commentary. Speak in a conversational voice, but make sure your mouth is near the tip of the mike.
- After the Opening prayer and the seating of the priest and deacon, go to the ambo. Wait until most rustling in the pews has stopped. Look at the people, then look down and begin proclaiming. Speak in a steady, not rushed manner. There is no need to race through to the end. Remember, you are reading aloud to your family a letter from a beloved family member.
- At the end of the reading, wait for a 10 second pause, then, while looking at the assembly, say “The Word of the Lord.” At the end of the Second Reading, place the closed Lectionary on a lower shelf of the ambo.
- After the recitation of the Creed by all, approach the ambo as the priest is saying an introduction to the General Intercessions, so that you are there when he finishes. Do not announce the response unless it is different from “Lord, hear our prayer.”
