Guidelines for Lectors

Our Lady of Grace Parish

 

Revised December 10, 2008

  

Before the liturgy

 

1.     Lectors are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of liturgy.  Prepare both readings in case you will need to read both. Please check off your name on the list hanging in the sacristy so that the priest and the other lector know that you are present. If you are unable to be there for your assigned liturgy, it is your responsibility to find a replacement. 

 

2.     Make sure that the Lectionary is set to the proper readings and placed on the ambo.

 

3.     Read over the Prayers of the Faithful and make sure that they are also on the ambo.

 

4.     Read over the readings for the liturgy.

 

5.     Clarify any names and the words in the readings and announcements, which might be unclear to you.

 

6.     The priest will instruct you on any special needs of the liturgy, e.g., special readings, announcements, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, etc.

 

7.     Make sure that you have the Book of the Gospels to carry in procession.

 

8.     Line up for the entrance procession. The order of procession is:

 

Cross Bearer, Server(s), Lector 1, and Presider.

(Lector 2 will be seated and does not take part in the procession).

 

Note Well

 

The pulpit has a step up into it. Please be very careful stepping in and out of the pulpit.

 

Please note that the microphone has been placed for optimal sound performance.

 

Regardless of your height, please DO NOT MOVE IT.

 

The order of the Mass

 

·         The liturgy will begin as usual with the first lector carrying in the Book of the Gospels. As the lector reaches the sanctuary steps he or she is to proceed immediately into the sanctuary without bowing. The lector is to go around to the back side of the altar (e.g. on the carpet) and place the Book of the Gospels into the clear book stand. The lector is then to proceed to the reserved seats.

 

·         The first pew in front of the pulpit is reserved for you. 

 

·         At the time of the first reading all three ministers (the cantor and the two readers) will still come to the center and bow. The first reader will go to the pulpit and begin the reading as usual.  When the reading is complete return immediately to your seat.  The second reader and cantor will move to the newly reserved seats.

 

·         After the first reading the cantor will enter the pulpit and begin the Responsorial Psalm response. Following the singing of the Responsorial Psalm by the cantor he or she will return to the cantor’s position in the choir section.

 

·         Following the Responsorial Psalm the second reader will enter the pulpit and begin the second reading. 

 

·         When the second reader is done reading he or she should take the book of the Scriptures and place it on the first shelf below the book platform in the opened position. When the reading is complete and you have moved the book, return immediately to your seat.

 

·         After the Apostle’s Creed the second reader should enter the pulpit to read the Prayers of the Faithful. The Prayers of the Faithful are located on the second shelf of the pulpit. They should be returned there after they are used. (Each reader is always to make sure that both the Scriptures as well as the book with the Prayers of the Faithful are in their proper locations before the liturgy begins.)

 

·         Following your reading you may return to the first pew or go and sit with your family. 

 

Ø  If you have any questions please check with the presider for further clarification.