In the Catholic Church, a lector is a layperson who is appointed to proclaim the Scriptures during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. The role of a Catholic lector is essential in helping the faithful to encounter God’s Word and understand its meaning. The duties of a Catholic lector include:

• Proclaiming the Scripture readings: The primary responsibility of a lector is to read aloud the designated passages from the Old Testament, New Testament (except for the Gospel, which is typically read by a deacon or priest), and the Responsorial Psalm during the Liturgy of the Word.
• Preparation: Lectors should thoroughly prepare before each liturgical celebration by practicing the readings, understanding the context and meaning of the texts, and praying for guidance to effectively communicate the message of God’s Word.
• Reverence and dignity: Lectors are called to approach their ministry with reverence and dignity. They should dress appropriately for their role and maintain a prayerful disposition while serving during the Mass.
• Clear and audible reading: Lectors should read the Scriptures clearly and audibly so that the assembly can hear and understand the Word of God. Proper pronunciation and emphasis on key passages help convey the message effectively.
• Understanding the liturgical season: Lectors should be aware of the liturgical season and the specific readings assigned for each celebration. This helps to connect the themes of the liturgical season with the chosen Scripture passages.
• Announcing the intentions: In some liturgical celebrations, lectors may also announce the intentions for the Universal Prayer (also known as the Prayer of the Faithful) after the readings.
• Faithful to the text: Lectors are to faithfully proclaim the Word of God as it appears in the approved liturgical texts, avoiding personal additions, omissions, or improvisations.
• Participation in the liturgical assembly: Lectors are not merely readers but also fully participating members of the liturgical assembly. They should be actively engaged in the prayers and responses during Mass.
• Humility and service: Like all liturgical ministers, lectors serve with humility, recognizing that they are instruments through which God’s Word is communicated to the people.

The ministry of a Catholic lector is an important way to foster the spiritual growth of the faith community and to aid in the understanding and application of Scripture in the lives of the faithful.

Meet twice a year – September and Mid-Spring.

Lector Training (Archdiocesan and Parish Level) and Fellowship.