THE LECTORS MINISTRY: H
Molly Chambers serves as a lector at Mass.
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ave you ever noticed how even the simplest of texts can be transformed when read aloud? We are all familiar with the stories in the Bible, but every Sunday we hear three different Scripture passages read aloud in the Liturgy of the Word. At Mass, lectors proclaim the Word of God to the rest of the congregation — and through their careful preparation, they can grow in their own prayer and faith lives as well. “It is a very special privilege,” says ministry coordinator Casey Oliver. “Both the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist make up the Holy Mass, and lectors have a very important part to play during the Liturgy of the Word. God speaks to us through His Word and proclaiming His Word as a lector is an important act of service for our parish community. It takes preparation, dedication, and courage to boldly proclaim the Word to the assembly of His people.” Men and women who have received all three sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation can serve as lectors. “We are especially encouraging our parish youth who are in high school, grades nine through 12, to consider serving in this ministry,” Casey says. “If you have received the required sacraments, and you are at least in ninth grade, you are eligible to serve.” The ministry is made up of about 60 registered lectors, but due to the pandemic, currently, only about 20 are able to serve. Although COVID-19 has changed the way the ministry operates, they have nonetheless adapted to continue to serve the faithful. Previously, two lectors were scheduled for each Mass — currently, only one is scheduled due to current diocesan guidelines. Training for lectors has also changed slightly — instead of formal group training, individual training sessions are scheduled on an as-needed basis and follow all diocesan and public health protocols. “Another big change is that at this time, all of our weekend Masses are livestreamed,” Casey says. “We hope to continue to livestream Masses even beyond the pandemic. The lectors are now on camera, and while that can be a little intimidating at first, it is a wonderful evangelical opportunity to bring the Word to those who need to be at home for
