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St. Andrew Lectors: Sharing the Good News at Mass
We all enjoy being the bearers of good news. When the message we have for loved ones is joyful and full of hope, everyone welcomes the feelings the message brings — whether we are hearing that message or giving it. The same can be said for the lectors who serve in the St. Andrew Lectors Ministry. They give us messages of good news each week during Mass, telling us of God’s unfailing love for us.
Jose Pullan is one of the members of St. Andrew’s Lectors Ministry. He has served for about three years, besides also serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion who takes the Blessed Sacrament to the sick. Jose has plenty of experience serving as lector for it was a practice for him before emigrating to the United States. When he and his family began attending Mass at St. Andrew, he was asked to continue his service as a lector.
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He also had been a college professor, teaching philosophy, so speaking before others comes easily to him. The key to doing so is preparation.
“I’m at home reading from the pulpit,” Jose says. “Having taught philosophy gives me insight. I know when I read the Bible, I know what I’m reading and I’m able to get what the meaning is and know who is speaking, like St. Paul. He is talking to followers.”
As he prepares for Mass, Jose first reads over the selections so he is not giving a “cold” reading. He suggests that lectors should read over the material several times and to read slowly.
“When you are on the pulpit, you should relax and go slowly and read like you are talking to the congregation,” he says. “Read with understanding about what you are reading. Preparation means you have to know what you are reading and get to know the mind of the writer. When you read, you are the writer who is telling the story. And, you need to practice. You can’t just go up and read. Maybe read several times or read to someone else.”
Serving as a lector has enabled not only Jose to strengthen his own faith, but also that of his family. His wife sings as a cantor and his children are altar servers. As an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Jose is able to reach out to others who may not be able to otherwise receive the Blessed Sacrament. The family’s service allows them to live in stewardship for the Church.
“I spend a lot of time in prayer — when I go for a walk, I reflect on God and reflect on my weakness,” Jose says. “I am nothing, but knowing that what I have is due to God, I take everything in gratitude. Every day I live in gratitude. Everything is given to me. I’m nothing on my own. It’s a privilege for me to read and do what I’m doing.”
