Ministers of the Word

1. According to the ancient tradition and the teaching of the Church, the readings other than the Gospel are proclaimed by lectors or lay ministers called readers.

• Use of the term “lector” is reserved for those individuals officially installed as such by the bishop and who are preparing for ordination to the diaconate and/or priesthood.
• “Readers” are those members of the laity who proclaim the scriptures in the liturgy.

The practice of ordained ministers (bishops, priests or deacons) proclaiming those Scriptural readings other than the gospel, is improper (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #51).

The use of two readers –– one for each reading–– is encouraged. The parish community should strive for enough trained readers to fulfill this goal (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #52).

2. The Gospel is ordinarily proclaimed by the deacon. In the absence of a deacon, the priest proclaims the Gospel. In concelebrations, one other than the presiding celebrant proclaims the Gospel (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #49, 50; General Instruction of the Roman Missal #59).

3. Announcements and/or any commentary during the celebration should be read by someone other than the readers. General Intercessions may be read by the deacon (preferably), the cantor, the reader or someone else (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #53).

Proclamation of the Word

4. The proclamation of the Word of God is truly a ministry in the Church. Priests, deacons and readers bring the living Word of God to the liturgical assembly. In and through them God speaks to the gathered faithful. The ministry of the Word, therefore, is treated seriously and with great dignity.

5. The Word of God is not merely read during the liturgy. It is proclaimed. Effective proclamation involves the delivery of the message with clarity, conviction and appropriate pace. Proclamation is a special ministry which presupposes faith and also rouses faith in those who hear the Word proclaimed.

6. Ideally, members of the assembly should listen to the proclamation of the Scriptures and refrain from reading along in missalettes. In the act of communal listening, the worshipers should experience not only unity among themselves but also the presence of Christ speaking to them through the Word (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #45).

Listening is not an isolated moment. It is a way of life. It means openness to the Lord's voice not only in the Scriptures but in the events of our daily lives and in the experience of our brothers and sisters. It is not just my listening but our listening together for the Lord's word to the community (Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly #20 National Conference of Catholic Bishops).

Requirements

7. All liturgical ministers, especially the ministers of the Word, must be properly trained for their ministry. The ministry of the Word requires skill in

• public reading,
• knowledge of the principles of liturgy, and
• an understanding and love of the scriptures.

It is highly encouraged to have only properly trained and commissioned readers scheduled for liturgy (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #55).

Ideally, the readings at weddings and funerals are proclaimed by readers of the parish who have been properly trained. However, for pastoral reasons, family members or friends may carry out this ministry. The parish should provide assistance and guidance so that God's Word is proclaimed with clarity and dignity.

8. Readers must be baptized, practicing Catholics whose lives witness to the Word which they proclaim. If married, their marriages must be recognized by the church.

9. Normally, readers are commissioned for their ministry during a Sunday Mass. The rite of commissioning is found in the Book of Blessings [Chapter 61, p. 775].

10. Those who are presently readers should periodically participate in enrichment programs such as Bible study or other workshops on Scripture and/or proclamation techniques.