Readers
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"The liturgical assembly truly requires readers, even those not instituted. Proper measures must, therefore, be taken to ensure that there are certain suitable laypeople who have been trained to carry out this ministry." (General Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass #52)
What is a Reader?A reader is the person who proclaims the first or second reading at Mass. This person also may lead the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass. A reader must have the qualifications listed below and have a desire to minister in this capacity at the Eucharistic liturgy. This ministry in the Church requires a person who is of excellent character and serious about the practice of their faith. The reader must have a deep respect for God's Word in Sacred Scripture .
How does a person become a Reader?
Parishioners may volunteer and make their desire known directly to the Pastor. However, readers will be selected after all other criteria have been established on the basis of objective pastoral need.
Readers should be carefully chosen based on their skills in proclamation, their willingness to complete formation in this ministry and their evidence of a deep spirituality.
Who can be a Reader?The two requirements for readers listed in the General Instruction are that they are to be truly suited to perform this function and that they should receive careful preparation. The General Introduction to the Lectionary provides a more detailed description of the qualifications for non-instituted lectors:
The Liturgical Assembly truly requires readers, even those who are not instituted. Proper measures must, therefore, be taken to ensure that there are qualified laypersons who have been trained to carry out this ministry. Whenever there is more than one reading, it is better to assign the readings to different readers, if available.
Regarding what is necessary for an individual to be truly suited, it would seem that this involves being a fully initiated Catholic living in communion with the Church. Thus, a reader should have preferably received both First Holy Communion and Confirmation and should not be living in an invalid marriage or in any other state of grave sin. A lector should be free of any canonical penalty and be living a life that befits the ministry to be undertaken. Being truly suited also implies the necessary talents to serve as a reader. Thus, individuals who are not able to proclaim the readings in a clear manner that expresses the dignity of scripture may not be suited for this service in church.
If you are an adult and would like to serve the parish as a reader, please contact the rectory office at (203) 323-4967