Lectors

What is a Lector?
A Lector proclaims the Word of God and is an intrinsic part of the celebration of Mass.

What do Lectors do?
During Mass, Lectors engage the assembly in a living experience of the Word of God. The proclamation of Scripture is a powerful and galvanizing force for the Christian presence and action in the world. Lectors have the challenge to bring the reading and telling of the Scriptures to life. There are two tables at Mass, the table of the word and the table of the Lord’s body and blood. Together they constitute a single place of worship before God; it is from each of these tables that we are fed, that we receive the bread of life. In this light, it becomes apparent that the ministry of the Lector is pivotal to the whole liturgical celebration. At stake is the experience of the sacramental presence of the Lord both in the word and Communion and with one another. Therefore, Lectors must understand and believe that they are performing a real ministry of presence and communion. They must accept that the Lord is active and present to the assembly through their proclamation and that the Lord longs to speak and be heard in the biblical word they enunciate. To each and all, the Lord speaks a unique word, and the Lector is God’s chosen instrument in that very moment of its communication through “The word of the Lord!”

Excerpts taken from: “The Ministry of the Lector” by James M. Schellman, America Magazine, March 29, 2004