As a result of the Second Vatican Council, the laity were empowered to proclaim the Word of God by reading the Scripture selections at Mass. Even when ministers of a higher rank are present (e.g. priests and deacons), the laity are still charged with proclamation of the Word. St. Luke’s Lector Ministry is a response to this mandate.

Lectors are expected to read the Scripture passages reverently and “transparently,” meaning the Word itself (not the proclaimer) takes center stage. Our voices are a vessel through which God speaks to his people of his love and tenderness. Everything from our prayerful preparation, to our body language and our voice stylistics, should communicate God’s love for his people.

Requirements

From the days of the early Church, there were three requirements for a person to serve as a Lector:

Exemplary Christian conduct
Knowledge of the Scriptures
Skill in speech and elocution.

These three requirements still apply today. Neither vocal skills alone nor simply an interest in proclaiming God’s word is enough to equip one to be a Lector. Lectors are expected to be active members of St. Luke’s in good standing in the Parish community.

Lector Training

For parishioners new to St. Luke who have experience as a lector in other parishes, training consists of learning local Parish procedure and gaining familiarity with the technical aspects of our amplification system. For parishioners who discern a calling to the Lector ministry but have never been a Lector before, training consists of individual instruction and coaching arranged by appointment with the coordinator. Typically, a new Lector will be scheduled initially with an experienced Lector to provide additional “mentoring.” All Lectors are expected to attend periodic group training meetings both as a “refresher” and to receive updates on procedures and policies.

Lector Responsibilities

St. Luke’s Lectors proclaim the reading from the Old Testament and the New Testament at all Sunday Liturgies and on Holy Days of Obligation (the Gospel is read by the priest or deacon). Lectors are expected to have engaged in prayerful preparation and practice prior to Mass. Our Pastor considers preparation so important that the Parish provides each Lector (free of charge) a copy of Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers for the liturgical year. Please arrive 15 minutes early to confirm with the presider, and your fellow Lector, that you are present before taking your seat in the congregation. Generally, Lectors are scheduled to read at the Mass time they customarily attend. Lector schedules are mailed five times a year (January, March, May August, October and also available in the Church narthex. Please contact the Lector Coordinator in advance if you are aware of anticipated absences. Other schedules have been mailed, it is each Lector’s responsibility to arrange for a substitute if he/she is unable to serve.