Lectors

Lectors proclaim God's word to the assembly at Mass and other liturgical celebrations throughout the year. Lector training is offered annually to adults and high school youth. As an additional resource, you may download the Lector Guide (PDF - 94 KB). Please contact Deacon Byron Jacobson if you have any questions.

News

In the beginning was the Word,
And the Word was with God,
And the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

John1:1-5

The Liturgy of the Word within the Mass

The Mass takes place at two “tables” - the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist. But it is one table. The two parts of the Mass form one profound experience.

“In the Mass the table both of God’s Word and of Christ’s Body is prepared, from which the faithful may be instructed and refreshed.”

The furniture is different. The Liturgy of the Word focuses on the ambo. The Liturgy of the Eucharist centers at the altar. These two furnishings draw the attention of the faithful throughout each part of the Mass.

There is one moment at the beginning, however, when the two parts of the Mass are drawn together. In the entrance procession, the Deacon carries the Book of Gospels to the altar. Arriving there, the Deacon sets it on the altar, reverences the altar and the Book of the Gospels, and withdraws. This action does not take place with the Lectionary.

The Books of the Gospels, true to its name, is the collection of Gospel passages that may occur on Sundays or other major occasions throughout the year. It may be used for proclamation at any Mass. Having the gospels in a separate books sets them apart from the other scriptures.

The gospels are special to us. When it is time to proclaim one at the Eucharist, the liturgy explodes with a variety of symbols.

• The Priest and Deacon stand
• The people stand
• The cantor begins the Gospel acclamation
• The Deacon asks the Priest for a blessing
• A procession forms
• Candles, incense, and at times other signs of honor may be carried
• The Books of the Gospels is incensed
• The Deacon greets the people. They respond.
• All trace the sign of the cross on their forehead, lips and heart

And then after all of that, after doing everything we can to draw attention to this book, we hear the words of Jesus.

The Book of the Gospels represents Christ. The altar, where the Liturgy of the Eucharist will be celebrated, also represents Christ. So at the beginning of Mass, these two symbols of Christ are brought together in a simple, yet meaningful gesture.

The Book of the Gospels, carried up to the sanctuary in the entrance procession, is placed on the altar. The words of Jesus are set on the altar of Jesus. The Liturgy of Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist are joined as one.

The Liturgy of Word has been prepared by translators who worked hard over hundreds of years on rendering the original language in a way it can be grasped when read aloud today. The translation has been approved by our bishops and confirmed by the Vatican for proclamation at the liturgy.

The reading of sacred scripture has always been an important part of Christian worship. As we know from Jesus own behavior, it was customary for readings to be proclaimed at the Jewish synagogue. Those early Christians who came from Judaism logically based their worship on ceremonial forms with which they were familiar. That included a reading.

Saint Paul asked those who received his letters to read them to other believers. At the end of the first letter to the Thessalonians, he commands the recipients to read the letter to the entire community. The letter to the Colossians’ says, ”And when this letter is read before you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and you yourselves read the one from Laodicea.” To the Corinthians, he writes, ”For we write you nothing but what you can read and understand, and I hope that you will understand completely.”

How does a person become a lector?

Visit with the Pastor or Deacon about becoming a lector. Lectors are carefully chosen based on their skills in proclamation, their willingness to complete formation in this ministry, and their evidence of a deep spirituality.

Who can be a lector?

• Man, woman, or young person.
• A person in full communion with the Catholic Church
• A person serious about the practice of their faith.