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 mailed to you. It should arrive about a week before the schedule takes effect. (Contact the Lector Coordinator if you have not received a new schedule before the start of the quarter.)
- 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.
- Nice dress, pants, skirt, etc. for ladies. No sleeveless shirts/dresses during the summer.
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 (a copy of the petitions will also be available in the book; Lector #2 can take this copy to the pew for additional review, if needed.). Confirm the pronunciation of any unusual names with the presider.
- Check in with the Presider and inform him which reading you will do.
- Secure a seat with your family close to the front on the ambo (choir) side of the church. Be sure to sit at the end of the pew. If you are alone, ask someone to save your seat or use one of the special "Reserved for Liturgical Minister" signs found on 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 than that of the workbook.
- Practice the reading silently to become as comfortable as possible with that reading in that environment at that time. Leave the lectionary open to the first reading when finished. Be off the altar before the prelude music begins.
- If you are Lector #1, adjust the microphone to your height.
- If you are Lector #2, ensure that the petitions for the correct day are in place at the ambo. Read through them several times to prevent surprises and to be sure of the pronunciation of unfamiliar words or proper names. Check with the Presider on pronunciation if necessary.
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 (left hand high on pages, right hand low on binding) behind the cross bearer and altar servers. If no altar servers 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, walk slowly to the ambo. Take a moment to focus your mind on the first reading, then look up and make eye contact with someone in the assembly before beginning with "A reading from…."
NOTE: At the 10 AM liturgy, be sure to wait until the announcement for the children's liturgy of the word has been made and all the children have left the body of the church before beginning the first reading. It may seem like an eternity, but there is no point in proclaiming the Word if you cannot be heard or if the assembly's attention is focused elsewhere.
- At the end of the 1st reading, pause to allow the congregation’s thoughts to settle 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 only one lector is present, remain in the sanctuary vice returning to your pew. Move back and stand in front of the chair behind the ambo. When the cantor has returned to the choir area after the psalm, move forward and do the second reading.
Lector # 2 During the Liturgy
- At the completion of the Responsorial Psalm by the cantor, walk slowly to the ambo, pause, make eye contact, and begin with "A reading from...."
- Proclaim the second reading, and be sure to pause and make eye contact at the end before saying "The Word of the Lord." Do not make this statement sound like part of the reading.
- 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.
- When the assembly stands after the homilv, usually at the beginning of the Creed, 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. You should stand facing the statue of the Virgin Mary. 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 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 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 in any way move away from the ambo. Return to your place in the assembly when the Presider's closing prayer is finished.
NOTE: Occasionally, 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 and before you leave the altar. Wait until everyone is seated, make the announcement and then return to your place in the assembly.
General notes:
- When introducing the reading, please pronounce the A in "A reading from ..." as a schwa (as in "uh") rather than a long vowel (as in "ay").
- Do not bow to Bishop Thompson, should he be presiding. This is appropriate only for a serving bishop.
