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.

• Always bow toward the altar before stepping up to enter the sanctuary

• Adjust the microphone if necessary. 

• Allow the room to settle before beginning. 

• Breathe.  Begin with “A reading from the Book of …” This should be very familiar so that you can look up and make a connection with the assembly.  Proceed with the proclamation.

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.

• Deliver the announcement “The word of the Lord” with strength and conviction.

• Please wait for the people of God to respond before returning to your seat.

• Bow as you leave the sanctuary.

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.

• Always bow toward the altar when entering or leaving the sanctuary or passing before the altar.

• Adjust the microphone if necessary. 

• Breathe.  Begin with “A reading from the Letter of …” This should be memorized so that you can establish eye contact with the assembly.  Proceed with the proclamation.

When you finish the proclamation, pause, and then make the announcement “The word of the Lord.”  All respond “Thanks be to God.”

• Deliver the announcement “The word of the Lord” with strength and conviction.

• After the response “Thanks be to God”, close the Lectionary and place it in the slot on the lower right of the ambo before returning to your place in the assembly.

• Bow as you leave the sanctuary.

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.”

• The role of the lector is to announce the intention of the prayer – the assembly’s response is the prayer.  A pause allows the assembly to be mentally aware of the intention for which they are praying.

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.

• We always pray for the dead – even if there is no one named at your Mass time.  Read above the table and below.

For our sisters and brothers who have died,

May they rest forever in the loving embrace of God.  We pray to the Lord.

• Your last petition does not conclude the general intercessions; therefore, remain still.  After the celebrant finishes, you may return to your place in the assembly.

• It would be proper to make a profound bow to the altar as you leave the sanctuary.

• In summary – the priest introduces the intentions addressing the people; the petitioner announces the intentions addressing the people; the people respond addressing God; and the priest concludes addressing God.