Procedures for Lectors                                                       July 2009

Before Mass –

• Familiarize yourself with your readings during the week prior to your scheduled appointment, reading several times out loud.  This helps with the proper use of inflection and looking up at the congregation.
• Arrive at church 20-30 minutes before Mass starts.
• Once again, look over the first and second readings.  Double check the pronunciation of any words.
• Read over the petitions and final announcements several times, paying special attention to the names of individuals being prayed for.
• Put the Lectionary opened on the Ambo and also place the petitions paper and the announcements paper on the Ambo where they will be easy to find.
• If no lector is present 5-10 minutes prior to Mass, someone in the sacristy will hold up the “L” to indicate a lector is still needed.  Please respond to this, if you are present.
• When all Eucharistic Ministers, servers and priest are ready, lead this group in a brief prayer.  You may say an extemporaneous prayer of your own or say an Our Father or some other prayer.

Mass –

• When it is time for Mass to start, walk to the back of church with the priest and servers.
• Follow the cross bearer/servers in the entrance procession, carrying the Book of Gospels lifted high.  If the Deacon is present, he carries the Book of Gospels.  The lector still walks in the procession.
• When you reach the altar, go directly to the bookstand (attached to the front of the Ambo) and place the Book of Gospels there.  Return to the center, bow with the priest and servers and take your seat in the congregation.
• After the opening prayer, remain standing momentarily for the congregation to be seated. Walk to the altar, reverence the altar by bowing and step up to the Ambo.
• Read the first reading slowly, clearly and projecting your voice loudly.  After you finish the first reading, pause about 5 seconds before going to a seat in the sanctuary behind the Ambo.
• After the responsorial psalm, walk back to the lectern for the second reading.  Read the second reading slowly, clearly and projecting your voice loudly.  Pause about 5 seconds when finished.
• Close the lectionary and place on the shelf in the Ambo.  DO NOT move the Book of Gospels – that is the Priest or Deacon’s job.
• If a Deacon IS NOT assisting Mass –

o   Go to a seat in the sanctuary.

o   Remain standing for the Alleluia and Gospel.  Be seated in the sanctuary for the homily.

o   Near the end of the Creed, approach the Ambo and be ready for the petitions.

o   The priest will introduce the petitions and then the lector reads each petition slowly and clearly.

o   After the priest concludes the petitions, return to your seat in the congregation.

·         If the Deacon IS assisting at Mass – return to your seat in the congregation after the second reading.

·         After ALL Eucharistic Ministers are finished distributing Communion and return to the sanctuary, you will come up to the sanctuary and be seated.

·         When Father says "Let us pray," approach the Ambo and be ready for the announcements.  Read the announcements loud and clear.

·         As the priest and servers walk towards the front of the altar during the final hymn, walk over to them and bow with them.  DO NOT pick up the lectionary or Book of Gospels!   Follow the cross bearer/servers in the procession out of church.

After Mass –

·            After you process out, go back into church and return the lectionary, the Book of Gospels, petitions and announcements back to the counter in the sacristy so they are ready for the next Mass.