The call of the Church as “the people of God” to
whom God communicates Himself in love emerged strongly from Vatican
II. The Council viewed liturgy as the “out-standing means by
which the faithful can express in their life and manifest to others
the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the Church.”
Liturgy is the “summit toward which the activity of the
Church is directed; at the same time, it is the fountain from which
all her power flows.” - (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)
The call to us from Vatican II is to a full, active participation
in the sacred liturgy. Those called to the ministry of lectoring have
the awe-some privilege of sharing God’s Word both by proclaiming
scripture and by the way they live the Word in their lives.
What Gifts Do I Bring?
- A deep faith and a willingness to share my faith journey with
others.
- Highly developed communication skills.
- Ability to use my voice to convey the whole range of human emotions.
- Willingness and ability to sit in silence with the scriptures,
to pray with the scriptures, and to reflect on their meaning in my
life and the lives of others.
- Ability to express variations in pitch, volume, and rate of speed
so as to convey meaning.
- Ability to articulate clearly.
- Skill in using silence and pauses effectively.
- Ability to project my voice.
- Facility in communicating meaning by emphasizing key words and
ideas.
- Sensitivity to the liturgical setting.
- Ability to identify and feel the emotions expressed in the scriptures.
- Ability to make eye contact and connect with members of the assembly.
How I Become a Lector?
- Reflect on your gifts/qualifications for this ministry.
- Make an appointment with the Pastoral Care Director to discuss
your qualifications and reasons for desiring to become involved in
this ministry.
- Make an appointment with one of the lector trainers.
- Make arrangements to be commissioned as a Lector.
- Make an agreement to participate in periodic workshops.
- Set aside time each week to reflect on and prepare yourself to
proclaim the scripture readings.
- Make yourself available to serve during a Sunday liturgy or a
weekday liturgy on a regular basis.
- Proclaim the Word so as to touch the hearts and minds of those
present for the celebration of the liturgy.