Lectors

“The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue that I may speak to the weary a word that will rouse them” (Is. 50:4). 

Proclaiming the Word of God has always been a fundamental part of Christian liturgy. The earliest Christians, firmly rooted in the traditions of the Jewish temple, incorporated the stories of God’s mighty and saving deeds into their own worship rituals. They knew, as we do today, that God’s word is powerful and active, “achieving the end for which (God) sent it” (Is. 55:11). God’s word continues to reach the ears of the weary through the voice of the lector for “when the Scriptures are read in Church, God himself is speaking to his people” (GIRM #9). 

Since “by tradition the reading of Scripture is a ministerial, not a presidential function” (GIRM #34), it properly belongs to ministers other than the presiding priest. This includes deacons and lay people who “are truly qualified and carefully prepared” (GIRM #101). Effective lectors require a degree of competence in public speaking, as well as training, practice and on-going formation. Above all, they must be “doers of the word, not hearers only” (Jas. 1:22), with a mature and lively faith that is evident from the way they live. 

The ministry is not for everyone and determining who would make an effective lector calls for careful discernment. But blessed are they who accept the challenges of this ministry, whose well trained tongues still speak to the weary on God’s behalf.

"Lord God, be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart as I humbly proclaim your Word."

If you feel called to this Ministry we would be happy to speak to you and arrange a time for one-on-one training session(s).