Legend: [C] Commentator; [L1] Lector 1; [L2] Lector 2; [A] All
1. [L1 & L2] Practice reading the passage silently and aloud before a mirror several times the week preceding your scheduled time. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your proclamation. (Ask your parish staff about workshops for lectors.)
2. [A] Do not draw attention to yourself either by your apparel, your posture, your gestures, or your speech. Let the message come through you.
3. [A] Arrive 15 minutes before the time of the scheduled celebration. Please contact a replacement if you cannot fulfill your responsibility on a given day. If you cannot find a replacement please inform another minister scheduled at that time. Replacements please identify yourselves to the other readers. This will avoid confusion. If there is no replacement for a missing Lector, the Commentator will read the second reading.
4. [C] When given the signal from the Presider, approach the lectern as reverently as you would approach the altar. Adjust the microphone, if necessary to your height. If it makes a noise when you touch it, ignore it. Begin with: (Good Morning and welcome to … Watch carefully for what Mass intentions are for which Mass.
5. [L1] Process in with the Lectionary after the candle bearers and before the Presider. Carry the Lectionary at a comfortable level for you with the design on the cover facing forward and the opening to your left. At the front of the altar, pause and wait for the Presider to come level with you. Bow head when he does and proceed to the lectern. Place the Lectionary on the lectern, open to the readings for the day and then be seated.
6. [L1] Move to the lectern and say: (A reading from( not (The first reading is(. Pause between the first reading and the psalm. When reading the psalm do not say: (The response to the psalm is( but rather read the response and the assembly will repeat it. Check with the choir prior to Mass to see if the psalm will be sung.
7. [L2] When lector 1 moves away from the lectern, proceed to the lectern. Do not say: (The second reading is( but rather: (A reading from(( Remain standing in place as the congregation responds in unison: (Thanks be to God.( Only now should you leave the lectern.
8. [L2] Before Mass check to see if the Presider will be using the Book of Gospel Readings. If so, place the lectionary on the shelf under the lectern, being mindful of Father(s papers.
9. [L2] Do not say: (please stand for the Gospel Acclamation(. If the choir does not sing the acclamation it is omitted and the Presider will proceed to the lectern.
10. [C] When the Presider starts the Prayers of the Faithful proceed promptly to the lectern. Read the intention and pause before you say: (we pray to the Lord(. The assembly will reply: (Lord hear our prayer(. Remain at the lectern until the Presider completes the Prayers of the Faithful.
11. [L2] Process out (with the Lectionary at a comfortable level) between the candle bearers and Presider.
Homilies