2 minute read
Lectors: Helping Us Understand and Embrace the Word of God
There is more to being a lector at Mass than stepping up to the ambo and reading. Serving as a lector means preparation and some study so the Word is not just read — it is reverently proclaimed.
Bill Anderson is the coordinator of St. Anthony’s Lector Ministry. He oversees the scheduling of the 28 lectors for the four weekend Masses, held at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday; 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Even with 28 lectors, there are times when that number is stretched, especially during Easter weekend, Christmas, or when there are extra Masses.
Advertisement
“What lectors do is proclaim the Word of God so all can hear from a person instead of just reading it,” Bill says. “Our job is to be reverent and proclaim the Word at Mass.”
If a lector is new to the ministry, Bill is able to meet with him or her to go over a written guide that Fr. Donovan has prepared to instruct how the readings should be done.
“Preparation is a lot in the ministry,” Bill says. “I try to impress that they should prepare at home prior to Mass and practice going through the material so they are not just reading. We want the people to get something out of the proclamation of the Word.”
As they proclaim the readings, the lectors find that the preparation they do before Mass and the readings themselves help them deepen their faith. They are able to have a better understanding of the readings because they have taken the time to delve into the meanings. This understanding then is passed on to the congregation. Bill has found that what matters the most to the congregation is that the lector gives the readings slowly so everyone has the opportunity to hear them.
“You are helping the parishioners actively listen,” he says. “Your job is to proclaim the Word so they actively listen and get what the meanings are. This is important, that you are not just reading it.”
New lectors sometimes come to the ministry through the Stewardship Renewal. Active lectors also will consider others in the congregation who they think would be good lectors and who can be asked to join the ministry.
“Some may be nervous, so we have to do the asking,” Bill says. “They think they can do it, but they need support and training so we help them. Most lectors understand it. Until they were asked to be one, they have listened to lectors who are very good or those who are reading through it first. They think they can be that person to bring understanding.”
Qualifications for lectors include completing the Protecting God’s Children program, dressing appropriately for Mass, and being physically able to step up to the ambo.
