Lectors are members of the parish who participate in liturgical celebrations by proclaiming the Word of God and reading the Prayers of the Faithful during Sunday and weekday Mass. To be eligible to be a lector, you must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic. Training sessions are provided to help lectors increase their knowledge of the scriptures, build their confidence about speaking at Mass, and strive to proclaim the Good News with a spirit of enthusiasm and celebration.
REMINDER - Thoughts for your soul -- Blessed John Paul - CLICK HERE
Our Lectors Schedule:
- click here: 5:30 PM, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM , Youth Mass
IMPORTANT LINKS:
A Prayer for Lectors
Everlasting Father,
in the beginning your Word brought forth life
and called us into being.
In the fullness of time,
Jesus, your Son, the Word, became flesh.
In the synagogue of Nazareth
and on the hills of Galilee,
He taught the good news of salvation,
the Gospel of life and of truth.
In an act of everlasting love
He opened His arms on the cross
and by His death, destroyed all death,
leading us to everlasting life.
Lord, open my lips,
that my mouth may declare your praise;
Open my heart,
that I may proclaim the Word made flesh.
Strengthen my mind,
that I may live the holy words I speak.
For your Word is holy and true
and lives in glory with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Reminders for Lectors:
1. Pause
After the Opening Prayer, and as people are sitting, the lector approaches, bows reverently to the altar and goes to the pulpit.
The presider will read a short introduction to both the first and second readings WHILE the lector is approaching the pulpit.
At the end of the reading, look at the congregation, pause before saying, “The Word of the Lord.” In order to enable the assembly to ponder and reflect on the Word proclaimed, at the end of the first and second readings, the lector should bow his/her head and stand in prayerful silence for about a 20 second pause (about the time it takes to say a “Hail Mary”) before leaving the pulpit.
Lector and Cantor meet in front of altar, bow, and go to respective places.
After the second reading, prayerfully pause for 20 seconds, THEN place the lectionary on the shelf in the pulpit, in preparation for the presider or deacon who will bring the Book of Gospels to the pulpit.
2. Take your time reading - Read loudly and slowly
3. Please arrange for a substitute if you are not able to read on your assigned date.
Reflection Questions:
What do you find most rewarding about your ministry?
What do you find most challenging about your ministry?
What concerns would you like to see addressed?
Share your heart!
Ministry Contact: Father Marek - frmarek@lfbhnj.org
