Lectors

“The liturgical assembly truly requires readers, even those not instituted. Proper measures must therefore be taken to ensure that there are certain suitable laypeople who have been trained to carry out this ministry.”

(Introduction to the Lectionary #52)

Of all our ministries, that of lector is the one that carries the most awesome responsibility, for it is nothing less than the Lord’s voice calling out in the midst of God’s people.

When the community gathers for worship, it is called to listen to God speak through the Scriptures. When the Word of God is proclaimed in the assembly, it challenges and comforts, encourages and admonishes. The lector's ministry is to proclaim a living Word, not simply words on a page. When the assembly hears the scriptures, it becomes part of the story that is told. The gathered community becomes part of the chosen people of God, struggling to understand God and ourselves, striving to be faithful, repenting when failings happen. The assembly members are disciples of Jesus, following him and learning from his teachings. The Word teaches, changes peoples' lives, and brings the assembled Church into an encounter with God.

This ministry requires a person who is of excellent character, and serious about the practice of his/her faith. The lector must believe that Sacred Scripture is the Word of God and have deep respect for God’s presence in that Word. Intense study is needed, not only of the passage to be proclaimed, but of the surrounding chapters, the entire Book or Letter, its place in the Bible.

Fr Austin Fleming, from the Archdiocese of Boston, once wrote:

“Anyone can read the scriptures in public; only the believer can proclaim them.”

Questions? Email Greg Kopra: gkopra@dlsi.org.