stained glass windows

Lectors

 

MISSION STATEMENT

To proclaim the Word effectively to nourish and transform the listeners as well as the proclaimer.  

 

ABOUT THE LECTOR MINISTRY

Lectors lend their voices to convey faithfully God’s personal communication with his people: “When the Sacred Scriptures are read in Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel” [General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 29].

St. Anselm's Parish lectors proclaim the Word in the first two scripture readings during the mass as well as the Prayers of the Faithful if the Deacon is unable to attend the mass.  They sit in the general assembly (first 3-4 rows) and proceed to the ambo (pulpit) during their time to read, returning to their pew upon completion of their reading(s).

 

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A LECTOR

A lector must be comfortable reading in front of large audiences.  The lector must also be able to articulate and speak clearly so that the readings can be understood and proclaim in a manner to bring out the meaning of the texts and encourage thoughtful reflection.

In order to be a lector at St. Anselm's Parish, you are expected to commit to

  • prereading and prayerfully preparing the readings by reading them aloud at home from the Workbook for Lectors, Gospel Readers, and Proclaimers of the Word (provided for all lectors) to ensure
  • having an understanding of the meaning of the texts in order to help the assembly understand them
  • learning the correct pronunciation of unfamiliar words
  • appropriately using tone/inflection, emphasis, pace, volume, expression, eye contact, facial expressions, and posture to communicate the Word of God
  • replying to a "request for availability" email 4 times a year regarding which dates you can attend Mass to read
  • arriving at Mass 10-15 minutes beforehand on your scheduled lector date(s) to check the ambo for the liturgical readings
  • making arrangements with other lectors to switch dates if you are unable to read on a scheduled date
  • attending any meetings or coaching/training sessions, as required

 

CONTACT

If you feel called to proclaim the Word, please contact either

  • Barrig Hayward, St. Anselm Administrative Assistant (stanselmsto@archtoronto.org)
  • Joanne Pais, Lector Scheduler (joanne.pais@gmail.com)