Lectors Help Provide Parishioners with a Deeper Understanding of Scripture

The lectors who serve St. Michael Parish have answered a call to stewardship by offering their time and talents to help us better understand the messages in Scripture.

Under the COVID-19 restrictions, there currently are 20 active lectors. Under normal circumstances, there are 65 serving our parish on a quarterly schedule. At this time, the schedule is drawn up from month to month.

Joanne Werner, Director of Music, coordinates the Lectors Ministry as she helps the members prepare mentally and spiritually. When Joanne receives signups for the ministry, she contacts these parishioners for training that typically is held during three to four two-hour meetings in May.

During the first meeting, there is a time of discernment when Joanne asks the new members to share why they have answered the call to the ministry.

“They give all sorts of reasons,” she says. “These usually are that their children are grown and can sit by themselves during the readings, or they now have time to do it. Others feel they should be doing something for the parish, and others believe they have a gift for speaking.”

Joanne then gives the trainees Scripture readings to practice in front of each other during the meetings. Sometimes, however, when new lectors begin reading from the ambo during Mass, they realize this ministry is not for them. Joanne then counsels them to consider joining another ministry to serve the parish.

St. Michael parishioners are welcomed by one of our lectors.

For those who become lectors, any fear about speaking is quelled by their understanding of the impact they will have on others’ faith, as well as on their own.

Detta Owens, whose father was instrumental in organizing the ministry, offers her thoughts on what serving in the ministry means to her.

“By studying the commentary that accompanies each reading and learning the context and history of the time in which it was written, as well as understanding what the scholars believe the intent was, I’ve come to a better understanding of the Word,” Detta says. “It has impacted my prayer life in that I look forward to studying each week’s readings even when I am not scheduled to proclaim that weekend. I believe I help facilitate active listening by practicing the reading and proclaiming it in such a way that the congregation enjoys listening and is engaged.

“If they enjoy listening to the Word, they hear and absorb the message,” she adds. “Besides living a life where I hope the Word is communicated by my actions, I use the weekly readings in another unique way. As an independent business owner [direct sales], I maintain a couple of social media accounts. On Sunday mornings, I always post a Scripture verse. I choose those posts based on that Sunday’s readings or psalm, depending on what speaks to me for that day.”

Joanne has also witnessed the deepening of faith among the other lectors as they perform their readings. She cites their careful preparations of their assigned readings and their working to understand the messages in the Scriptures.

“Scripture has such a power in our spirituality, and most are very, very good about preparing,” she says. “I encourage them to prepare each Sunday as if they are to be called upon. The tangible connection to Scripture is very, very important and it shows in that it deepens their faith. They fall in love with the Scriptures.”

Lectors are generally adults, and it is preferred that they have been confirmed. Consideration will be given to those interested who have not been confirmed, however. If you would like more information about our Lectors Ministry, please call Joanne Werner at the parish office, 817.283.8746.