Christ Our King Lector Procedures

Preparation

• Always check the schedule and coordinate a replacement if you are unable to read when assigned. Please do not rely solely on the Weekly Bulletin; use the schedule emailed to you. It should arrive about a week before it takes effect. (Contact the Lector Coordinator if you have not received a new schedule before the start of the quarter.)
• The schedule is also posted on the parish web site.
• Prepare readings at home carefully and thoroughly. Read them aloud while practicing. Also, read the notes in the
  margin of your workbook to help you understand the texts.
• Each lector should prepare both readings in case of a no-show.
• Jacket and tie for men.
• Professional attire (nice dress, pants, skirt, etc.) for ladies. No sleeveless shirts or dresses.
  

Before the Liturgy

• Arrive at church at least 20-25 minutes before Mass begins.
• Sign your name in the Sign-In Book, located on the table across from the Sacristy. If you are a sub, replace the scheduled lector’s name with yours.
• A copy of the petitions will also be available in the notebook; Lector #2 can take this copy to the pew for additional review, if needed; be sure to return it after mass.
• Check in with the Presider and inform him which reading you will do.
• Secure a seat with your family close to the front (preferably one of the first two pews) in the section next to the choir. Be sure to sit at the end of the pew. If you are Lector #1, ask someone to save your seat or use one of the special “Reserved for Liturgical Minister” signs found under the sign-in table to reserve it.
• Be sure that the lectionary is in place at the ambo and open to the correct page. Become familiar with the page layout and arrangement of the reading, which may be different from that of the workbook.
• If you are Lector #1, adjust the microphone to your desired position.
• Practice the reading silently to become as comfortable as possible with the layout and environment. Leave the lectionary open to the first reading when finished, but with the ribbon marking the second reading.
• Be off the altar before the prelude music begins, approximately 10 minutes before the liturgy starts.
• If you are Lector #2, ensure that the petitions are in place at the ambo. Read through them several times and be sure of the pronunciation of unfamiliar words or proper names. Check with the Presider on pronunciation of any names you are unfamiliar with.
  

Lector # 1 During the Entrance Procession

NOTE: If there is a Deacon present, Lector #1 will not take part in the procession. Simply take your seat for the beginning of the liturgy.

• Five minutes before the Liturgy begins, get the Book of the Gospels from counter in the Sacristy.
• As the procession forms, take your place with the Book of the Gospels held high and vertical; place your left hand high on pages, your right hand low on binding and be sure the cross is facing forward. You will follow behind the cross bearer and altar servers. If no servers or cross bearer are present, you will lead the procession.
• On the Presider’s signal, the procession will begin. Be sure to walk slowly and with dignity, even if the altar servers do not. Do not try to keep up with them if they hurry down the aisle.
• Stop at the foot of the first step and bow your head before ascending. Do not bow from the waist, as the Book should not bow.
• Walk to the angled area behind the altar on the choir (left) side and stand facing the altar with the Book held high until the Presider has kissed the altar and moved clear toward his chair.
• Place the Book on the altar (gently...there is a microphone in the altar) and open it a few inches to allow it to stand without support. The open pages should face the RCIA section. Step back and bow to the Book with folded hands, then walk slowly to your place in the assembly. Be sure to join in the gathering song and other prayers.
• Remember, the lector is a representative of the assembly and should participate actively in the Liturgy.

Lector # 1 During the Liturgy

• After the opening prayer and when the Presider sits, walk slowly to the ambo. Briefly check the page correct, then look at the assembly and begin “A reading from....”. Memorize this line so you can look up continually while proclaiming it.
• At the end of the 1st reading, pause briefly before saying “The Word of the Lord.” Do not make this statement sound like part of the reading.
• Step back slowly, bow your head slightly to the lectionary, and return to your seat

NOTE: If there is only 1 lector, do not return to your seat. Remain on the altar by turning towards the altar and standing back behind the ambo, leaving plenty of room for the cantor. Once the cantor is finished and off the altar, step back into the ambo for the second reading.

Lector # 2 During the Liturgy

• At the completion of the Responsorial Psalm and when the cantor starts moving, walk slowly to the ambo, pause and check the page, then look at the assembly and begin “A reading from....” Memorize this line so you can look up continually while proclaiming it.
• Pause briefly at the end before saying “The Word of the Lord.”
• Close the lectionary and place it on the left side of the shelf under the ambo (do not cover the Presider’s homily notes).
• Step back slowly, bow your head slightly to the lectionary, and return to your seat. Remain standing as the gospel will begin shortly.
• When the assembly stands after the homily walk immediately to the top step next to the ambo. Do not wait for the prayer to begin or stop at the bottom of the steps. Stand facing the statue of the Virgin Mary and recite the Creed. At the end of the Creed, move into place at the microphone and be ready to begin the petitions as soon as the Presider completes the introductory prayer.
• NOTE: If there is no Creed, go immediately to the ambo after the homily and start the intercessions as soon as the introductory prayer ends.
• Proclaim the intercessory prayers as thoughtfully and carefully as you do the readings. Pause very slightly after each petition before saying "We pray to the Lord." Pause again after the people’s response before beginning the next petition.
• Remain in place at the ambo with your head bowed during the Presider’s closing prayer. Do not back up or move  away from the ambo. Return to your place in the assembly when the Presider's closing prayer is finished.
  

NOTE: Periodically there will be an announcement for the St. Vincent de Paul Society collection. If so, it will be noted at the bottom of the petitions sheet. This announcement should be made after the Presider's closing prayer. Wait until everyone is seated, make the announcement and then return to your place in the assembly.

General notes:

• When introducing the reading, pronounce the “A” in “A reading from...” as a schwa (...as in “uh”) rather than a long vowel (...as in “hay”)
• Do not bow to Bishop Thompson, should he be presiding. This is appropriate only for a serving bishop.

Thank you for the tremendous service that you are providing God and this parish community!