Introduction
The proclamation of the sacred scriptures is an essential part of each Sunday’s worship. The Second Vatican Council documents clearly speak of the ways in which Christ is present in each liturgical celebration. “He (Christ) is present in His word since it is He Himself who speaks when the scriptures are read in the Church.” (Article 7, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy). The men and women who are entrusted with the awesome and challenging responsibility of proclaiming the scriptures to the Christian assembly assume a necessary and vital role with the Church.
Lectors
Lectors exercise a genuine liturgical function. They ought, therefore, to discharge their office with the sincere piety and decorum demanded by so exalted a ministry and rightly expected of them by God’s people. Consequently they must all be deeply imbued with the spirit of the liturgy, each in his own measure, and they must be trained to perform their functions in a correct and orderly manner (From Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium #29)
When the Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself is speaking to his people, and Christ, present in his own word, is proclaiming the gospel. The readings of God’s word must therefore be listened to by all with reverence; they make up a principal element of the liturgy. In the biblical readings, God’s word addresses all people of every era and is understandable to them, and a fuller understanding and efficacy are fostered by a living commentary on it, that is to say, by the homily, understood as an integral part of the liturgical action (GIRM 29).
Becoming a Lector
The lectors’ main function is that of proclaiming the word of God from Sacred Scripture in the liturgical assembly (a very visible role of service). Lectors also recite the prayers of the faithful. The announcements (about coming events) at the end of Mass are normally read by the presider unless otherwise instructed.
QUALIFICATIONS
*Desire to serve the Lord
*A practicing member of SS. Peter and Paul Parish
*High school age and confirmed
*Able to speak in a clear voice before the assembly
*Understand the role of the lector, so that the Scripture reading becomes the living Word of God.
RESPONSIBILITIES
*Attend a Lector training session
*Fulfill your commitment to your assigned day
*Be punctual
*Prepare and practice the reading(s) ahead of time
*Do all with reverence
*Dress appropriately
ASSIGNMENTS
*Lectors can chose either the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday or 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Polish), or 12:00 p.m. Mass on Sunday.
*Lectors may serve as often as the schedule allows. When unable to serve as scheduled, a substitute should be found.
*Assignments are posted in the parish bulletin and in the Sacristy.
*Two Lectors are needed for Saturday/Sunday Masses.
*Training is provided by the parish priest(s), as often as needed.
ATTIRE
*Appropriate attire is expected when performing your ministry. Women: skirts and blouses, dresses, pant-suits. Men: slacks, and sport shirts, tie.
*Jeans, shorts, Tee-shirts, short skirts, sleeveless dresses and shirts, halter tops, sports uniforms, tennis shoes and sneakers are not appropriate dress for men and women serving as Ministers in the Liturgy.
Please call the Worship Office at 313-846-2222 ext. 119 for more information.