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PROCEDURES FOR LECTORS AT WEEKEND MASSES

 

Before Mass:

    1. Please arrive in the sacristy at least 15 minutes prior to Mass.
    2. Reader 1 places the Lectionary on the Ambo and opens it to the proper reading. Check to make sure the microphone is on.
    3. Check with the choir to make sure the Responsorial Psalm will be sung. If not, practice reading the psalm.
    4. Reader 2 should practice reading the General Intercessions.
    5. Both lectors should join in the Ministers’ prayer in the atrium.

 

 

Procession into Church:

Both Lectors process. If there is a Deacon, Lector 1 carries nothing. If there is no Deacon, Lector 1 carries the Book of the Gospels. Lector 2 carries the folder with General Intercessions (but not raised). If there is only one Lector and no Deacon, place the folder of Intercessions on the Ambo ahead of time and carry the Book of the Gospels. When the procession arrives at the altar, all ministers bow with the Presider and then return to your places in the congregation.

 

 

After Opening Prayer:

    1. After the conclusion of the Opening Prayer, remain in your place for 5 – 10 seconds before coming forward to read. When you arrive at the sanctuary, bow to the altar and then step up to the Ambo.
    2. Have your opening line (A reading from….) memorized so you can look directly at the congregation.
    3. Proclaim the Word using proper inflection and eye contact. It is God Himself who is speaking through your voice.
    4. Pause briefly after the reading before you say, "The Word of the Lord."
    5. Unless you are reading the Responsorial Psalm, leave the Ambo, step down, then turn and bow towards the altar. Then return to your place.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm:

Unless there is a grave reason, the psalm should always be sung. If it is necessary to read it, Lector 1 does so. Pause for at least 15 seconds before beginning the psalm. Do not say "the responsorial psalm is….", just say it. Raise your right hand to let the congregation know when to respond. After you are finished, leave the Ambo, turn and bow toward the altar and return to you place.

 

 

Second Reading:

    1. After the Responsorial Psalm is completed (sung or said), wait at least 10 seconds before rising from you place and proceeding to the sanctuary. Bow to the altar and step up to the Ambo. (Refer to the first reading above).
    2. After the reading is complete, close the Lectionary and remove it from the Ambo by placing it on the small stand next to the Ambo. Once again bow to the altar and return to you place.

 

 

General Intercessions:

    1. Remain in your place during the entire Profession of Faith. As the Presider introduces the general intercessions, make your way to the Ambo, pausing to bow to the altar first.
    2. Read each Intercession slowly and with meaning so the people know what they are being asked to pray for.
    3. After the final Intercession, remain standing by the Ambo while the Presider says the concluding prayer. After bowing to the altar, return to your place with the folder of Intercessions.