Lector Ministry

If you believe you may be called to serve the community in this ministry please contact the Parish Office

When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, the readings from the Word of God are to be listened to reverently by everyone, for they are an element of the greatest importance in the Liturgy.

• The primary role of the lector is to proclaim the readings from sacred scripture, except for the gospel, in the Mass and other sacred celebrations (MQ 5, GIRM 99). This is his proper function and should be exercised even when ministers of a higher rank are present (GIL 51).

• The lector also recites the psalm between the readings when there is no psalmist (MQ 5, GIRM 196).

• The lector presents the intentions for the general intercessions if there is no deacon and the intercessions are not being sung by a cantor (MQ 5, GIRM 197, GIL 53).

• The lector may also read the proper antiphons at the Entrance and Communion if these are not being sung (GIRM 198).

• The lector may also “direct the singing and the participation by the faithful” (MQ 5).

• The lector’s place during Mass is “in the sanctuary with the other ministers” (GIRM 195). The scripture readings, psalm, and intercessions are done from the ambo (GIRM 196, 197).

• The Ministry of the Lector
• Lector Guidelines
• Guidelines for Readers and Leaders