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Liturgical Ministries:
Lector

The Sacred Scriptures, above all in their liturgical proclamation, are the source of life and strength ... Love of the Scriptures is therefore a force reinvigorating and renewing the entire people of God. (Introduction to the Lectionary #47).

When the Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to His people, and Christ, present in His own Word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, all must listen with reverence to the readings from God's word, for they make up an element of greatest importance in the Liturgy. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal #29).

The above paragraphs highlight the centrality of the Scriptures in both the liturgy and in the ongoing renewal of the Church. This renewal is especially important in the Eucharistic liturgy, the center of the Church's life.

What is the role of the Lector at Mass?

The Lector may carry in the Book of the Gospels in the entrance procession (in the absence of a deacon); a Lector proclaims the assigned readings(s) and, in the absence of a deacon, the General Intercessions. If the responsorial psalm is not sung, the reader may also be asked to lead it.

"[The Lector] exercise[s] 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 imbued with the spirit of the liturgy ... and must be trained to perform their function in a correct and orderly manner" (CSL, 29)."

The Lector combines faith with skill when reading the Scriptures. The Lector is a minister, rather than just a reader. The ministry of Lector, like that of the priest, is responsible for affecting the presence of God among the Christians gathered in worship. Just as the priest affects the special presence of God in the celebration of the Eucharist, the Lector affects the presence of God in the scriptural Word.

This concept of ministry is extremely important for Lectors. Without it, one may see oneself as a performer before a captive audience. In a way, the Lector plays a special role in the religious “drama” called Eucharist. Lectors have “scripts” and “cues,” and are called upon to employ public speaking skills. However, we as Lectors—as ministers of the Word—are servants to the people of God, not performers.

Does a person need to be confirmed to be a Lector?

None of the liturgical documents insist on Confirmation as a prerequisite, although it is desirable that a Lector have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. A Lector needs to be in good sacramental standing with the Church so he or she can fully participate in the celebration. At weddings and funerals, however, a non-Catholic Lector may proclaim one of the readings or offer the petitions, with the permission of the pastor.

Does one need to be a particular age to be a reader?

Again, the documents are not concerned with age. The foundational criterion is a clear understanding of the reading as well a its context. A reader needs to be able to read clearly and audibly; to interact with the Assembly through eye contact and to have a knowledge of the different types of texts and the liturgical seasons. A reader must be comfortable with silence and be able to focus the Assembly's attention on the Word of God rather than on the proclaimer.

How does one become a Lector?

If you would be interested in serving in the Liturgical ministry of Lector, contact Scott Eakins, Director of Liturgy at 414/276-9814, ext 3117 or by email.

Training Materials

Cathedral Lector Handbook

Minister's Census Form

Liturgical Ministers' Roster

ROSTER   Please note :: this document is password protected. You must have the password to open the document and the content is intended for private use only to secure a substitute.

Schedules

The current schedule: SCHEDULE

Lector Notes

Lector notes are found the SCHEDULE page.

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