In the Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy the Second Vatican Council declared that Christ “is present in his word since it is he himself who speaks when the Holy Scriptures are read in the Church”. This means that as a lector, when the word of God is proclaimed during the Liturgy of the Word, Christ speaks through you. As a lector, you become the means by which God’s word touches the hearts of those gathered precisely for this purpose. Men and women who practice a good Catholic manner of living are invited to provide this sacred ministry. Lectors are given a period of training prior to their ministry whereby parish practices are explained in detail.
The goals of a Lector are to:
- Be a worthy instrument for God’s Word…. ‘Thy word is a Lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Ps 119:105).
- Honour the Scriptures and proclaim them effectively… ‘The Word of God is near you, on your lips and in your heart’ (that is the word of faith that we proclaim)… (Rom 10:8).
- Enhance the ritual of the Mass.
- Promote meditation and recollection.
- Participate with confidence, dignity and restraint.
We, the Lector Ministry of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, committed to the teachings and truth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, do undertake with solemn devotion the call of this Ministry.
By the Grace of God, we commit our time, gifts and wills to serving as instruments, by which the Word of God may speak to His people.
We abandon ourselves in joy and in faith to the service of His Church through this Ministry.
Prayer to St. Bede, the Venerable - Patron Saint of Lectors
Careful historian and Doctor of the Church, lover of God and of truth, you are a natural model for all readers of God’s inspired Word. Move lectors to prepare for public reading by prayerfully pondering the sacred texts and invoking the Holy Spirit. Help them to read in such a way that those who hear may attain learning and edification. AMEN