The Lector Ministry: Proclaiming God’s Word with Great Care

In whatever ways we get involved at Immaculate Conception, it serves as a blessing to ourselves and all our fellow parishioners. It is even more of a blessing if we can serve alongside family members — and Lisa Johnson knows this well. She feels blessed to serve as a lector while two of her children, Trey and Kaitlynn, serve on the altar.

Lisa has been a lector for about five years. Since she has a love for public speaking, the Lector Ministry seemed like a natural fit. Getting involved was also a way for her to help others who are hearing impaired like she is.

“It’s important to me that everyone who attends Mass can hear and understand the words in the readings,” Lisa says. “I don’t want people to have to read along to know what’s being said. When we listen, we absorb more.”

In order to practice, Lisa makes sure to read the readings out loud, several times, before proclaiming them at Mass. This helps her in adding inflection and how to say larger words or names. It also gives her a chance to spend some time with the readings before Mass.

“It’s important to me that I don’t detract from the readings,” Lisa says. “I want everything said correctly and loud enough for everyone.”

Although speaking in front of the congregation may seem a bit intimidating, Lisa invites other parishioners to consider becoming a lector — it’s been such a joy for her to serve. However, if serving as a lector isn’t a good fit, Lisa asks all parishioners to consider other ways they may still use their gifts to glorify the Lord. Becoming involved in a liturgical ministry opens up a whole new world of the Mass.

“I have learned so much more about why we do what we do,” Lisa says. “Just that in itself has been great.”

Lisa also helps with the parish Flower Guild. She also reads announcements at Mass for fundraisers, when needed. Lisa has noticed many of the parish volunteers are at retirement age — she hopes more young adults and those in their 40s will step up to volunteer at Immaculate Conception. It takes everyone for the work to be done.

“We want there to be trained people ready when the current volunteers have to give up their work,” Lisa says. “It needs to be a smooth transition. There’s never a ‘perfect’ time to get involved. If we want our parish to continue to flourish, we all need to step up.”

Lisa asks us all to look inside to consider what we enjoy and how we can use it at Immaculate Conception, and then ask the Lord where He wants you to serve.

“When you are doing the things you are made to do and called to do, it gives you joy,” Lisa says. “It also gives the other parishioners joy.”

If you would like to serve as a lector, or if you would like more information about this ministry, please contact Lisa Johnson at 501-650-2864.

Lisa Johnson enjoys serving as a lector.