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Procedures for Lectors – Fall 2007
Processional
First Lector carries the Book of Gospels in the entrance procession. This book will be found on the window sill in the vestibule. In the procession, the lector walks behind the servers and before the presider.
Carry the book raised in a comfortable position. The book should be facing forward – the spine in your right hand.
When you reach the front of the church, continue into the sanctuary by way of St. Joseph’s side. Move to the central place behind the altar and set the book flat – face down -- at the center of the altar. When you place the book on the altar make sure it is far enough from the edge – allowing room for the celebrant(s) to kiss the altar without having to adjust the book.
After placing the book on the altar, make a profound bow and continue to move off the altar by way of the Blessed Mother side. Return to your place in the assembly.
Liturgy of the Word
Lector #1 After the Opening Prayer, all sit. The priest may, in very few words, introduce the faithful to the Liturgy of the Word. Lector #1 then approaches the ambo and proclaims the first reading from the Lectionary already placed there before Mass.
When finished, a good reader will pause before making the announcement “The word of the Lord.” to allow the text of the reading ample time to settle in the ears of the listeners. All respond “Thanks be to God.” Remain in the ambo while the assembly responds. Return to your place in the assembly following their response.
Lector #2 After the cantor has completed the psalm and returned to their seat, Lector #2 approaches the ambo for the Second Reading. Begin with “A reading from the Letter/Book …” Conclude with “The word of the Lord.” Remain in place while the church responds: “Thanks be to God.” After the ritual response, close the Lectionary and place it in the slot on the lower right of the ambo. Only the sheet with the Intercessions should remain on the reading desk.
When you finish the proclamation, pause, and then make the announcement “The word of the Lord.” All respond “Thanks be to God.”
Lector #2 Towards the end of the Creed, as we reach “I believe in the Holy Spirit, …”, Lector #2, should move into place in the ambo and stand, ready to start, while finishing the recitation of the creed. The priest begins the introduction to the General Intercessions with you already in place. A deep bow is made to the altar by all who enter the sanctuary, leave it, or pass before the altar.
After the priest finishes the introductory lines, the lector then reads each intercession pausing briefly before saying the words “We pray to the Lord.”
At the conclusion of the petitions, remain in the ambo and wait until the celebrant has ended the closing prayer (e.q., “We ask this through Christ our Lord”) – then return to your place in the assembly.
For our sisters and brothers who have died,
May they rest forever in the loving embrace of God. We pray to the Lord.
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