READER GUIDELINES:
GENERAL:
· Borrow a copy of the current “Breaking Bread Missal” from church
· Practice your assigned reading at home
· Some of the sentence structure and proper names can be unusual
· Review the Reading in the “Workbook for Lectors” if you have one
· Practice both the first and second readings (just in case the second reader is absent)
· Arrive at church approximately 20 minutes before Mass and let the Sacristan know you are there.
· Review the readings of the day from the full size Lectionary in the reader room. The Readings are identical to the “Breaking Bread Missal”, however the layout is different.
· You will also find a copy of the Announcements and General Intercessions (ask the Sacristan if you don’t see them)
· Review the announcements and intercessions - emphasize correct name pronunciations.
· When both you and the second reader have reviewed the readings of the day, place the Lectionary on the table by the main doors for the entrance procession.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
· About 3 minutes before the start of Mass, walk up the left aisle and go around behind the choir. Be sure the organist sees you so he can stop playing for the announcements. Genuflect or bow at the altar and approach the lectern. If the deacon is assisting at Mass, you will also need to take the Lectionary with you and place it on the lectern open to today’s readings, do not disturb Father’s Gospel Book. Adjust the microphone for your height, turn on the light and read the announcements clearly.
· When finished, quickly, return to the back of the church to join the entrance procession.
· Retrieve the Lectionary from the table
· The altar servers lead the procession, the second reader is in front of you and your position is located immediately in front of the deacon or priest.
ENTRANCE PROCESSION:
· If the deacon is present, he will carry the Book of the Gospels down the aisle. If the deacon is not present, the reader will carry the Lectionary (or on some occasions, the Book of Gospels) with arms outstretched and the decorative cover facing the altar. (The Sacristan will let you know if the Book of Gospels is to be carried).
· At the altar, stand immediately to the left of the deacon or priest
· When carrying the Lectionary or the Book of the Gospels, don’t genuflect with the priest – just bow your head and place the Book of the Gospels on the left side of the altar (closest to the lectern). If carrying the Lectionary, place it on the lectern, (again do not disturb the binder with Father’s Gospel Reading). Open to the first reading and go to the front pew by the lectern which is reserved for the readers and their families.
READINGS:
· Be ready for the first reading immediately after the Opening Prayer (which follows the Gloria). As Father sits down, leave the pew, bow at the foot of the steps and approach the lectern. Everything (Lectionary, microphone and light) should already be set to start reading.
· Announce the reading as “A Reading from …..”, then start reading
· Read slowly and articulate all words clearly – for many people this may be the only scripture reading they hear all week. If you feel you are reading too slowly – then it’s probably just about right!
· When you finish the first reading, turn the page and ribbon to the second reading
· If you are doing both first and second readings, return to your pew after the first reading for the Responsorial Psalm, then return to the lectern for the second reading at the conclusion of the final Responsorial Psalm.
· Announce the reading as “A Reading from …..”, then start reading
· At the conclusion of the second reading, close the Lectionary and place it on the Lectern shelf. Be sure that Father’s Gospel Reading (Binder with Large Print is open and ready on the top of the lectern).
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL:
· Approach the lectern near the end of the Profession of Faith and before Father begins the Prayer of the Faithful for the General Intercessions.
· After the opening Intercession prayer by the priest, read the General Intercessions.
· After finishing the intercessions, Step back slightly and Wait at the lectern, until Father concludes the final Intercession prayer, then turn off the light and return to your pew.
END OF MASS:
· At the end of Mass, when the priest begins to leave the altar, retrieve the Lectionary from the Lectern and stand immediately to the left of the priest at the foot of the altar.
· Bow when the priest genuflects, then turn around for the exit procession.
· Altar servers first, the second reader is next then your position is again directly ahead of the priest. Carry the Lectionary outstretched with the cover facing the people.
· Note: When the Deacon is assisting with Mass, the Reader does not carry either the Lectionary or the Book of Gospels back down the aisle.
· Dress code: Women Sunday best; Men should wear tie and jacket.
NB: Use the following website for help in pronouncing words or names found in the readings,
http://netministries.org/bbasics/bbasics.html
Look on the left side of the page for the Pronunciation Guide