The Lectors Ministry: Bringing Alive the Word and Treasures of the Bible

As Catholics, we know that we are called to attend Mass each Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligations. The Holy Mass has many important parts, and one of those is the readings — for as stated in the second chapter of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “In the readings, the table of God’s Word is spread before the faithful, and the treasures of the Bible are opened to them” (57).

Since the readings are so important, the person proclaiming them has an essential task. Cheryl O’Curran enjoys filling this key role at our parish. She has served as a lector for more than 30 years, from her start at St. Mary’s in Nenzel, Neb. to her service here at St. Leo’s.

“I enjoy making the words I am reading come alive in the minds of parishioners,” Cheryl says.

For Cheryl, speaking in front of people is very natural. She earned her master’s degree in Communications and was a speech team coach for many years. It’s important to her to use her speaking skills to serve the Lord.

“We are stewards and caretakers of the gifts that God has given us,” she says. “I do this in honor and in praise of God. What better way is there to give back to Him, the gift that He gave to me, than to actually use that gift in His house and in His name?”

Linka Hamik serves as a lector.

Cheryl invites those who have skills in public speaking to consider becoming a lector or a commentator. The Commentator Ministry members read the announcements and the Prayers of the Faithful.

Lectors receive a book to help them prepare for the readings. They sit with their family during Mass but process forward at the beginning of Mass.

Cheryl practices the readings many times before proclaiming the Scripture at Mass. She works to understand what she’s reading, as well.

“It’s much harder to make sense of the Second Reading than the First Reading,” Cheryl says. “I figure if I can help it make sense to myself, I can help it make sense to those who are listening.”

Overall, serving as a lector has truly helped Cheryl to grow in faith. She spends more time with the readings, especially the week she is a lector, and has a much better understanding of the Bible and the Mass.

Kathy Boroff serves as a commentator.

“There’s two halves to the Mass and I want to be sure they both have equal representation,” Cheryl says. The Eucharist is the Word — you can’t have the Eucharist without the Word, and you can’t have the Word without the Eucharist.”

If you would like to get involved as a lector or commentator, you must be confirmed. Those interested may contact Cheryl O’Curran at 402-460-8679 or cherylocurran@yahoo.com.