These guidelines are being implemented to assist you in your ministry, as we all work together to make our Sunday celebrations true expressions of all we believe.

We encourage you to study and read all the readings prior to coming to Mass on any Saturday or Sunday. This will help you to put in context the readings you proclaim on the days you are scheduled. When you are scheduled to lector, please prepare both readings; you may be required to proclaim both. When you are scheduled to read, please arrive in the sacristy 15 minutes prior to Mass. Don't forget to check with the Presider for any last minute instructions. Pre-read the Announcements to become familiar with any unusual pronunciations.

When you receive your schedule, please note whether you are the first or second person listed. If you cannot serve a particular liturgy, please call a substitute as soon as possible. Following are each Lector’s responsibilities:

1st Lector listed:

Reads the First Reading,

Reads the Prayers of the Faithful after the Creed,

2nd Lector listed:

Carries IN the book of Gospels in the opening procession,

Reads the Second Reading,

Reads the announcements after Communion.

Only the book of Gospels is brought in procession; the lectionary remains on the ambo. When you arrive before Mass, please check that the lectionary is on the ambo, marked to the correct page. (It helps to memorize the page number in case the ribbon is moved.) Reminder: the book of Gospels is the Word of God and God's presence is contained therein. You do not bow at the altar if you are carrying the book.

At the start of Mass, the 2nd Lector carries the Gospel book in the procession, proceeds directly to the altar and enthrones the book, then rejoins the group. All bow together, and take their respective seats.

After the introductory prayers, the 1st Lector steps to the ambo as the assembly is seated, introduces the reading by saying: “A reading from the Book of…”, pauses after the reading, and then says: “The word of the Lord.” Return to your seat.

The cantor proclaims the psalm. After an appropriate pause following the psalm, the 2nd Lector introduces the second reading by saying: “A reading from the letter of…”, pauses after the reading, and then says: “The word of the Lord.” When finished, please place the lectionary on the lower shelf of the ambo. Return to your seat.

Toward the end of the Creed, the 1st Lector moves to stand at the foot of the ambo and steps into the ambo as the Presider introduces the Prayers of the Faithful. When you have finished, turn towards the Presider for the concluding prayer. Be seated as the assembly is being seated.

After the Presider reads the post-Communion prayer, the 2nd Lector mounts the ambo, reads the announcements, and then steps down for the dismissal Blessing.

Your workbooks contain the readings for all Sundays for the year. We encourage you to pray over the readings and take the time to read in the Bible what comes before and after your particular text. We would also encourage participation in the scripture series offered here at Corpus Christi. Please check the bulletin, or call Raph for the series schedule.

Remember to make eye contact with the community during your reading. Sound tends to echo in our church and these reverberations garble words that are read too fast. Please take momentary rests during your readings to let the echoes subside. Remember, too, that you are not reenacting Biblical events, but merely repeating them. Our responsibility to the gathered church is to make God’s word live. Your careful prayer and preparation will make that happen. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask one of the staff, we are here for you. We thank you again for your participation in this very important ministry.

May the God revealed in the Word you proclaim continue to initiate all we do.