When the proclaimer (or lector) at the pulpit finishes a reading, and he or she looks up at the assembly and says "The Word of the Lord", something wonderful happened. The mystery of God's interaction with us has been recalled, revived and renewed. That is, we have once again heard God reveal the divine intention to love, redeem and reclaim us. The promise that God has made with us has been written on our hearts again. The summons to return in obedience to the God from whom we have strayed through disobedience has been reissued. The unfathomable love God has for us, the love that God is for us, has been made flesh again.

The lector does what any good minister does: comforts us in our faith, encourages us in our discouragement. To proclaim the good news from the sacred text is ministry par excellence.

All Christians are, by definition, proclaimers of the good news. Because we were baptized into Christ's life, mission, death, resurrection and ascension, we announce to the world be our very existence that "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." Some among us are called to minister the Word directly, to ensure that the faithful, as well as those who are not yet faith-filled, will continue to hear God's love spoken anew each time the sacred book is opened. These special people are called lectors.

Qualities of a Lector

• Ability to stand in front of people and be comfortable
• Excellent reading and enunciation skills
• Strong love of our Lord and for the Scriptures
• Willingness to reflect upon and practice each reading
• Desire to share the Word of God with our Community

Age Restriction

All parishioners who have graduated Eighth Grade and have received the sacrament of Confirmation may become a lector.

Time Commitment

Each lector receives a copy of GUIDE FOR LECTORS by Aelred Rosser, OSB, to assist with pronunciation of the words of the reading and with reflections on each reading. Lectors are asked to practice readings, and to take the time to reflect upon the words you will proclaim. The current lector schedule (last updated May. 17, 2010) and past lector schedule are published every few months. It is expected that once scheduled, a lector will either serve or find a substitute.

Training

Those interested in lectoring at St. Andrew's will have an opportunity to meet with the lector team leader(s) to discuss procedure and receive tips. The team leader(s) will also be able to answer any questions you might have.

Resources

Our liturgy library has several publications that can assist you in honing your lector skills, and to help you better understand the role of lector in our community. In addition, the Archdiocese of Washington provides several lector workshops each year.

Parish Liturgy Day also provides an opportunity to discuss your ministry and to explore new resources.

Contact

Anyone interested in becoming a lector should contact Mrs. Barbara Girolami at 301 649-0700.