Holy Spirit Church

LITURGY > LECTORS

Ministry Description: Lectors proclaim the Holy Scriptures for Weekend Eucharist and special occasions.

Lector Chair: Cindy Shaw, Call the Parish office and leave a message 997-5101

Table of Contents

Lector Schedule
Ministry Description
Hand Book (Lector specifics are highlighted in bold in the text)

Preparation Before Mass
Introductory Rites
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Dismissal Rites
Duties after Mass

Frequently Asked Questions
Lector Preparation Web Site

Ministry Description

Objective:

To proclaim the Word of God to the Holy Spirit Parish community at every regularly scheduled weekend Mass, and other services as called upon.
To be an example to this community of being a Disciple of Christ through this ministry.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Recognize that appointment to this Ministry is for the purpose of meeting the needs of the Parish Community in the proclaiming of God’s word at scheduled Parish Masses.
Be familiar with the tasks and responsibilities for Lectors.
Read all emails and information sent pertaining to the mass, schedule for masses, anything to do with this ministry.
Advise the Lector Ministry scheduler of any dates you are not available to minister. (all effort will be made by the scheduler to honor these dates)
Obtain a schedule from the email attachment, website, or sacristy in a timely manner so that, if necessary, arrangements for a substitute can be made. (if a schedule conflict occurs it is your responsibility to secure a substitute)
Be prepared, having read the backup and informational supplements for your reading and having practiced the reading several times.
Practice both readings in case your partner cannot be at the mass for which you are scheduled. Read through the General Intercessions to become familiar with any names included in the prayers.
Report in at least 15 minutes prior to the start time of the mass for which you are scheduled to lector. Ask any questions about name pronunciation or activities that will occur during the mass for which you are scheduled.
Perform the tasks required by Lectors in preparation of the Mass. Be cognizant of the responsibilities of other ministers so you can step up to their pre-mass or post-mass tasks if necessary. (i.e. EMOES forgetting the Book of Gospels stand)
Work in collaboration with all the Liturgical Ministers at the mass for which you are scheduled, the Mass Coordinator, and particularly the Presider.
Engage in full participation in the Mass. In your ministry, proclaim loudly enough to be heard. Join in the singing, extending the Peace of Christ, etc.
Wear appropriate attire for one who is ministering at mass. It is helpful if you do this for every mass you attend, not just the ones you are scheduled for, in case you are called to step in for someone else.
Attend scheduled Ministry meetings.
Be available to mentor new lector ministers when you are called upon to do so.

Qualifications:

Is a fully practicing Catholic who is committed to growth in holiness.
Possesses a sense of Liturgical Prayer.
Is a fully initiated Catholic (Baptized, Confirmed, and receiving Eucharist).
Dependable, responsible, accountable

Relationships:

Responsible to the Parish Coordinator of EMOEs; works in collaboration with all Liturgical Ministers at scheduled Masses, with the Mass coordinator and in particular with the Presider of the Mass at which one is scheduled to serve.

Hours Needed:

4-6 hours per month in scheduled mass assignments and preparation for them.
2-3 hours per quarter for ministry meetings, training

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Handbook

Preparation before the Eucharist

Lector 1 and 2 prepare the readings the week before you are scheduled. All scheduled readers should review all the readings.
When there is an option between a long or short form of the reading, lectors should always prepare and read the long form.
When there is a choice between readings, check the ministry notes for which readings will be used.
Read the Lector notes included in the Ministry Notes sent each week on Friday by email prior to Saturday/Sunday liturgies.
Report in 15 minutes early; sign in at the EMOE binder on the stand outside the Sacristy against the windows.
Verbally check in with the Mass Coordinator.
If you are a lector and not scheduled, please check in with the Mass Coordinator if you are available to fill in.
Review the lector notes in the sacristy for any last minute special instructions.
Lector 1 should ensure that the ribbon in the Book of Gospels is set to the proper week and is pulled out to the side of the book. Take the Book of Gospels and prepare for the procession.
If you are Lector 3, locate the portfolio in the sacristy that contains the General Intercessions, review them and place on your seats.
Lector 1 should double check that the stand for the Book of Gospels is on the altar.
Lector 2 should check to make sure that the Lectionary is on the ambo, open to the correct readings and marked with a ribbon and check the microphone is on by lightly tapping on it.
If there is a visiting Presider, please introduce yourself. Check with the Mass Coordinator to see if the scriptural introductions will be used.
Gather in back of church for procession; greet people as they arrive for Mass.

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Introductory Rites

Assembly of the procession

All procession participants should gather by the main doors of the church 5 minutes prior to the beginning of Mass. This includes the Presider.
Participants line up according to proper procession order. (Incense Bearer if appropriate, Cross Bearer, Candle Bearers, Lectors with Book of Gospels, EMOEs, other people if appropriate, and Presider.) Mass Coordinator can assist with this.
Mass Coordinator will light the candles right before the procession starts.
Presider proceeds to the altar for the Call to Worship.

Call to Worship by the Presider

Mass Coordinator should let the Presider know that mass is ready to begin before he proceeds for the Call to Worship
Presider greets the Community and asks visitors to be recognized.
If first Sunday of the Month, Presider will ask for birthdays and anniversaries within the month
Special recognition given to 25^th, 50^th and above anniversaries and special event birthdays.
Presider invites Community to greet each other by name and moves to the back of church.

Entrance Song/Procession

Cantor/Music Group will begin the processional song once the Presider has returned to the back of church and receives a signal from the Mass Coordinator.
If incense is used the Incense Bearer leads the procession, and stands at the foot of the altar until the Presider reaches the altar.
Cross Bearer leads the procession or follows the Incense Bearer if appropriate, pauses reverently at the foot of the altar and then places the cross in the holder behind the altar, and proceeds to his/her seat.
The Candle Bearers proceed to the ambo side of the altar and place the candles in the candle stands by the ambo. Proceed to the back of the altar to their seats.
Lectors follow the candles in procession; Lector 1 carries the Book of Gospels with book opening held to their left, proceeds to the foot of the altar. Lector 1 does not bow, but instead pauses reverently at the foot of the altar table, and then proceeds behind the altar and places the Book of Gospels in the stand on altar, with the opening to their left.
The other 2 Lectors follow behind the first Lector to the altar table; bow and then all Lectors proceed to seats. Each needs to leave enough space between them so they do not run into each other.
EMOEs follow the Lectors in procession; they bow to the altar table and proceed to their seats within the community. Please keep enough space between pairs of EMOEs so you don’t run into each other.
The Presider proceeds to the foot of the altar.
Presider kisses altar and proceeds to his seat.
After the Presider has arrived at his seat, Cantor/Music Group will finish current verse of song and do one more verse before concluding. Make sure that at least 2 full verses of the Processional Song are completed before ending.

Greeting by Presider

Penitential Rite or Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling Holy Water

Kyrie – typically used with Penitential Rite Form A (Confiteor).

Gloria – omitted during Advent and Lent, sometimes this may be sung

Opening Prayer

CLOW dismissal

Presider calls forward all children grades 1-6, if the Presider forgets to call the children forward the 1^st Lector may have to make this invitation.
Presents the CLOW book to one of them
Asks the Community to raise hands in blessing as the children proceed to the hall with a Catechist
Ushers walk the children over to the Parish Hall
Music is played or sung as they proceed out. Please use a song that is known to the Community such as “Christ be our Light”

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Liturgy of the Word

First Reading

First Lector proceeds to the ambo as the Presider returns to his seat. The lector should arrive at the ambo and wait for the Presider to begin the reading summary.
The Presider begins the summary of the reading as soon as all of the children have left the church building.
Cantor/Music Director should monitor the ambo sound system, if there is feedback the system should be adjusted to correct.
The lector reads the first reading. After they are finished, they should pause for 10 seconds, they should mark the lectionary with the ribbon, close it and place under the ambo.

Responsorial Psalm

Cantor/Music Director proceeds to the ambo to proclaim the Responsorial.
Music begins 15-20 seconds after Lector has finished. If the Lector is to proclaim the Responsorial Psalm they stay at the ambo, pause 10 seconds after first reading, and then proceed with the Responsorial. Raise your arm when it is time for the community to join in.

Second Reading

2^nd Lector proceeds to ambo as soon as Responsorial Psalm is complete, removes the lectionary from under the ambo and waits for the presider to read the summary of the scripture.
Lector begins the second reading after the presider has concluded the summary of the reading.
Cantor/Music Director should monitor the ambo sound system, if there is feedback the system should be adjusted to correct.
10 seconds after completing the reading, the Lector closes the Lectionary and places it under the ambo and returns to their seat.

Gospel Acclamation

Community led by Cantor/Music Group begins the Gospel Acclamation after waiting 15-20 seconds.
Presider removes the Book of Gospels from holder on altar
Presider opens to Gospel and processes the Word around the front of the altar to ambo. Presider should process around the altar on the main floor rather than one of the intermediary steps.
As the Presider moves to the ambo to read the Gospel, all Altar Servers stand and remain standing for the Gospel reading.

Gospel Reading

Presider Proclaims the Gospel
10 seconds after the conclusion of the reading, the Community led by Cantor/Music Group repeats the Gospel acclamation.
The Presider lowers the lectern and then places the open Book of Gospel on the stand in front of the ambo.
When the Presider has finished reading the Gospel, all Altar Servers sit when the Presider has stopped at the front of the altar and listen attentively to the Homily.

Homily

Mass Coordinator should put out appropriate amount of wine and bread and place them on gift table. In general, start with 4 loaves of bread and 1 1/3 cups of wine. Remember that 1/3 measuring cup of wine and 1 loaf of bread will accommodate about 50 people. Also add about 20 hosts to the bread bowl as well.

Dismissal of Catechumens and Candidates – (5:00pm Mass only during RCIA season)

Immediately after the Homily Lector 1 and Lector 2 should approach the ambo as the Presider stands up.
Presider calls the RCIA candidates forward along with their Dismissal leader(s). If the Presider forgets, the lectors or Mass Coordinator should try to get his attention to remind him.
Lector 1- presents the Lectionary to the Dismissal Leader.
Lector 2- lights the acolyte candle located at the foot of the ambo from the ambo candles and presents to one of the Catechumens or Candidates
Presider asks the Community to raise hands in blessing, makes a blessing and dismisses them.
Music is played as they process out of church. Please use a song that is know to the Community such as “Christ be our Light”

Special Rites within the weekend liturgies

These should be highlighted in the Presider’s Notes as well as other ministers who need to know. If there is a special rite, the instructions should be included in the Presider’s binder.

Profession of Faith

The ushers proceed over to the hall to escort the LOW children back to the liturgy.

General Intercessions

Lector 3 approaches ambo with the portfolio containing the Prayers of the Faithful at the “We believe in the Holy Catholic Church…” The goal is to be in your place at the ambo at the end of the Profession of Faith. Begin the General Intercessions after a brief introductory prayer by Presider.
At the conclusion of the formal Intercessions, Presider will ask the Community to speak aloud any special intentions that they may have, starting with the Redmond side and moving around to the Creek side.
When all are finished, Presider prays a concluding prayer and invites the Community to be seated.
Lector 3 should remain at the ambo until the concluding prayer for the General Intercessions and then return to their seat.
Ushers will stay with the LOW Children as they wait outside until General Intercessions are complete.

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Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts

Community led by Cantor/Music Group begins the offertory procession song.
Presider is seated.
Presider asks ushers to place collection baskets on the main floor level of the altar area (not on the raised steps of the altar) for the offertory procession. Presider invites the Community forward to present themselves and their gifts. Ushers invite them to come forward as well.
During the collection, Lector 2 and 3 take the candles from the ambo holders and move them to the Altar holders.
When the procession collection is complete, 2 side aisle ushers collect the baskets and stack them on the step in front of the altar.
The ushers call the people taking the gifts forward to the gift table.
Altar Servers go to the credence table to get things to set the Altar.
The Chalice Bearer sets the table
The Book Bearer places the Sacramentary in the center of the corporal, near the bottom edge of the corporal.
Altar Servers then go back to their seats until the Presider goes forward to receive the gifts.
As soon as the Presider gets up to receive the gifts, the Chalice Bearer and Book Bearer follow the Presider to the foot of the altar to receive the gifts from the people.
The Cross Bearer proceeds to the back of the altar to the credence table for the cruet. Immediately proceeds with the cruet to the altar and wait for the Presider to return to the altar.
The Usher Captain then begins the procession of the gifts. The ushers send the people taking the gifts forward to the altar.
Presider accepts gifts, hands them to the Altar Servers who take them to the table. See Figure 3 for placement of gifts on the altar.

Prayer over the Gifts

Preface

Holy, Holy, Holy

Eucharistic Prayer

Memorial Acclamation

Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Sign of Peace

Breaking of the Bread

Communion

Prayer After Communion

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Dismissal Rites

Announcements

Ushers may take up a second collection during this time.

4 Minute Catechesis - Presider

Greeting- Presider

Blessing – Presider

Other special blessings may be appropriate depending on the occasion for a particular Sunday such as Special blessing on 25^th, 50^th or above anniversaries, special birthdays or special events.

Dismissal- Presider

Recessional

Community led by Cantor/Music Group begins recessional hymn
When the Presider goes up to the altar, the Cross Bearer proceeds to the back of the altar, removes the Cross from the stand and proceeds to the foot of the altar to stand directly behind the Presider.
Book Bearer and Chalice Bearer follow the Presider to the foot of the altar. Stand on both sides of the Presider.
Lectors proceed to the foot of the altar and stand on either side of the altar servers. Lector 1 should be on the right (when facing the altar) of the altar servers and Lectors 2 and 3 should be on the left of the altar servers. Do not process out with the Book of Gospels.
EMOES go to the altar and stand on either side of the Lectors on the side that they served Communion on.
There should be an equal number of ministers on both sides of the Presider.
Recessional begins at the second verse of the hymn. When the Presider bows, all bow and turn to process out. Cross Bearer first, then the 3^rd Lector, then the outermost EMOEs, followed by the next EMOEs and so on, then Lectors 1 & 2, any additional people (Baptisms, new parishioners, etc.) and then the Book Bearer, Chalice Bearer and Presider.
Mass Coordinator takes the missal from the Presider as he exits the church.
Ushers select children to stand by the doors and hand out bulletins or hand out themselves.

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Duties After Mass

Lector 1 extinguishes altar candles with the snuffer found in the sacristy.
Lector 1 extinguish Paschal candle (if lit)
Lector 1 replace the stand for the Book of Gospels to the Altar
Lector 3 replaces the folder with the General Intercessions in the sacristy. Replace Book of Gospels in the Sacristy
Lector 2 replaces Lectionary to proper position on ambo for the next Mass and return to the appropriate page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What if I am unable to read on a weekend when I am scheduled?

A. It is a good practice to let the Lector Chair know when you will not be able to lector on any given weekend prior to the schedule being published. This will ensure that you are not scheduled when you will be unavailable. However, we do understand that things do arise unexpectedly or you just forget to let the chair know. In that case, you will need to find a substitute for your scheduled assignment. The best place to look is from the lector roster provided by the chair and either email, call or talk to another lector in person to get a replacement.

Q. I have found another lector to substitute for me at a scheduled mass, what do I do now?

A. After arranging for a sub, please contact the Liturgy Director with the substitutes name, your name and the mass they will be replacing you. The liturgy Director can be reached at 997-5121. You can leave a message if no one answers. Additionally, it is a courtesy to also call the other reader scheduled for this mass and inform them of the substitution.

Q. What do I do if I cannot get anyone to substitute for me?

A. First contact your co-reader and ask if they will be comfortable reading alone for that weekend. Most of our lectors are comfortable reading alone but if they are not, then contact the Lector Chairperson or the Liturgy Director to get help.

Q. Where can I find specific information about the Liturgies for a given weekend?

A. An order of Worship document is sent to all ministers every Thursday that outlines specifics for the upcoming weekend liturgies. This includes the Presiders for the liturgies, any special instructions for the readings and special events that will be happening during the masses. We are anticipating that this document will be available on the Liturgy website each week and it is always available in the ministries binder outside the sacristy during the weekends.

Q. I don’t have access to email or to the World Wide Web, how do I insure that I receive the latest material for lectors?

A. The Lector chairperson will make every effort to provide printed materials for any lector who does not have email or web access. Please make sure the chair is aware that you need the material in a printed form.

Q. I am proclaiming at a First Eucharist Mass or a Baptism Mass, how will I know what special things I am supposed to do as a Lector?

A. Congratulations - it is a privilege to be a part of one of these wonderful celebrations of initiation into our faith! When you arrive at church for this liturgy, please check in with the Mass Coordinator to receive your Lector binder that will provide a complete script and instructions for your part in this special liturgy. It is important that you share this binder with your co-reader and make sure that both of you are comfortable with the special things you will need to do and be aware of anything additional that might need to be done that is not captured in the script.

When the mass is over, please return the binder to the Sacristy for future use.

Q. What if I am just too uncomfortable to be a part of a special liturgy?

A. Again, it is a privilege and honor to be considered for these liturgies and the lector chair is confident that you can do this job or they would not have scheduled you, but if you are just too uncomfortable, please arrange for a substitute as is you were unable to complete your weekend assignment. Since these are such special liturgies, please do not leave your co-reader alone if you cannot find a sub. Give it a try, you might find that you enjoy it!

Q. Why do we have 2 lectors when most of us are capable of doing the proclamation alone?

A. Liturgies are celebrations that take place in the Community of our parish and in fellowship with the Diocese as well as the entire Catholic Church. As a sign of this communal celebration, we want to have as many ministers as possible involved in the liturgy without making a performance of it. Having 2 lectors provides a variety of voice and proclamation and keeps the community more engaged in the celebration. That is the pastoral side, on the practical side, scheduling 2 lectors provides more flexibility for the lectors themselves in the case of a last minute issue that could prevent one from being there. With 2 scheduled, we are still reasonably assured that the other lector will be there and can proclaim by themselves. Having said all of that, there may still be a time when personal schedules cause the lector chair to have to schedule only one lector. We hope to keep that to a minimum and you can help by actively recruiting parishioners into this wonderful ministry.

Q. What do you mean by full participation at Liturgy?

A. As a lector or “Proclaimer of the Word”, you are highly visible to the community during the liturgy almost as visible as the Presider and every bit as important to the quality of the liturgy. As a result, the community looks to you as a model for how they engage in liturgy. When you sing, the community sees you singing, when you respond to the prayers, the community sees you responding, etc. So, full participation is just that, singing, praying, responding and celebrating the great gift that is given to us each week in the Eucharist. Be mindful of this responsibility and be a “great” role model to the community.

Q. What if as I begin to process into Mass, I notice that the stand for the Book of the Gospels is not on the altar?

A. Mistakes are bound to happen – we are human after all! So don’t panic, quietly say to your co-reader “ the stand is not on the altar, when we reach the altar as I ascend the steps, would you please go to the credence table and bring the stand up and place it on the altar for the Book of Gospels”. Do this action with purpose and most of the community will not even know that a mistake has occurred.

Q. What if I begin to process into Mass and I notice that the ambo candles are not lit?

A. Again, don’t panic. And don’t immediately go to light them, simply wait until either you or your co-reader goes to the ambo for the first reading and light the candles before you begin the reading. You should also go back and re-read the Lector procedures as lighting the ambo candles in the responsibility of the lectors in the pre-Mass work.

Q. Is there anything I should do while I am waiting for Mass to begin if all of my pre-mass work is done?

A. Yes, while you are assembling at the doors of the church for the procession please greet people coming into church – make this a welcoming experience for them and meet new parishioners at the same time.

Q. Is there anything I should do if I am attending mass but not scheduled as a Lector?

A Yes, please sign your name in the ministries binder as a potential substitute if needed. This would be a great help to the Mass Coordinator.

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