Lectors

1. The Office for Divine Worship has prepared the following guidelines for Lectors. These guidelines apply to those ministering during Sunday Mass, as well as other liturgical celebrations. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide observations and principles on this important liturgical ministry of the Church. These guidelines define the intention of liturgical law relative to the proclamation of the Word, the demands of proper liturgical practice, and the expectations of the universal and local Church.
2. It is highly recommended that lectors in each community meet together regularly to discuss the theological as well as the practical and spiritual aspects of their ministry. These guidelines could serve as suitable material for study at such gatherings.
3. When Sacred Scripture is proclaimed in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, the readings from the Word of God are an element of high importance in the Liturgy (GIRM 29, 55).
4. “A profound bond links sacred Scripture and the faith of believers. Since faith comes from hearing, and what is heard is based on the word of Christ (cf. Rom 10:17), believers are bound to listen attentively to the word of the Lord, both in the celebration of the liturgy and in their personal prayer and reflection” (Aperuit Illis, 7).

Resources for Lectors:

• Scripture & Liturgy – USCCB
• Understanding the Bible
• Hearing the word of God

Pope Francis and the Word of God:

• General Audience of 31 January 2018 | Francis (vatican.va)
• General Audience of 7 February 2018 | Francis (vatican.va)
• General Audience of 14 February 2018 | Francis (vatican.va)

For further information on this program, please contact the Office for Worship at 213-637-7262.