A few questions for Lectors

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AntoniusVII

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Background: I reveived an email Friday morning asking me to switch Lector dates for the upcoming Sunday. I am scheduled for this Sunday (2 days from now), they are scheduled for next Sunday (9 days from now).

So I have a few questions for the Lectors:
  1. How many weeks out do you start preparing for a Sunday reading?
  2. How many times do you think you read through the entire passage?
  3. Do you have a policy about switching dates with other Lectors?
    Like a minimum of 2 weeks notice?
  4. Do you try to switch dates or just give your date to someone else?
    The thinking here is that they may have already invested a lot of time preparing for their reading.
  5. How much time do you spend preparing with the Other Lector’s reading for that same day (in case they can not make it to Mass)?
My answers:
  1. I like to start 4 weeks ahead. We may have 1200 people at 10:00 am Mass, I have to be thoroughly prepared so that I am not nervous. I was Lector Easter Sunday, we had about 2000 people.
  2. I may read the entire passage 40…
  3. I am thinking about a policy.
    My schedule is packed (a class at the Seminary with lots of homework, leading a Parish Bible study, Wife, children, job). I do not have time to prepare properly with a weeks notice.
  4. If I can not make a scheduled ministry, Lector or EMHC, I give the date to a friend.
  5. I may read the other reading 2 or 3 times. I need to spend more time on this.
 
Because my parish is an FSSP parish,I have not read regularly in many years, except for an occasional Mass at a nearby parish if I am asked to assist (sometimes without notice.) However, this is my set of replies.
  1. Several days before
  2. Once–twice if it is particularly challenging.
  3. No, I am OK with last-minute switches, if I am needed.
  4. Depends on circumstances and the individual involved.
  5. I normally reviewed both readings, not knowing until I arrived who would do which reading (and prayer of faithful).
 
I haven’t lectored in a long time, but I’ll say this . . . perhaps it’s overpreparation that is contributing to your nerves and hesitancy? It should not take a month of preparation to be able to read eight or so Bible verses off of a page. I’m quite sure I could read any passage out of the Bible perfectly fine on about five minutes’ notice, or a touch more if there are strange Old Testament names whose pronunciation I’d have to look up. (To make sure I wasn’t kidding myself, I just stood up and sight-read a random chapter of Chronicles, about specifications for the Temple, out loud, and quite acceptably if I do say so myself.)

Sometimes less is more. Perhaps your time in general might be more productively spent if instead of practicing one reading 40 times you practiced sight-reading 40 different passages.
 
I no longer “elector” but here are the responses that would equate from when I did.
  1. How many weeks out do you start preparing for a Sunday reading? (2 to 3 days)
  2. How many times do you think you read through the entire passage? (5 or 6)
  3. Do you have a policy about switching dates with other Lectors? (No very flexible with other people)
    Like a minimum of 2 weeks notice? (I have switched at hours notice when someone was sick)
  4. Do you try to switch dates or just give your date to someone else? (Whatever the other person wanted to do)
    The thinking here is that they may have already invested a lot of time preparing for their reading. (Good for them if they did they might have gotten something out of the reading)
  5. How much time do you spend preparing with the Other Lector’s reading for that same day (in case they can not make it to Mass)? (An equal amount as to my own in case of a no show)
Remember it is about The Word not ourselves.👍
 
In our parish a Lector is scheduled for every Sunday in a Month. The next month, he may or may not be scheduled.

The schedules are available the Sunday before the month begins (1 week notice).

I only Lector at retreats or at the university chapel. I usually have 2-5 minutes before mass to prepare. So I usually prepare by 1 or 2 readings from the Lectionary.

The size of the congregation is irrelevant to me but the number of Hebrew names and places are usually the stumbling blocks.
 
Chatter163 said:
Because my parish is an FSSP parish,I have not read regularly in many years, except for an occasional Mass at a nearby parish if I am asked to assist (sometimes without notice.) However, this is my set of replies.
  1. Several days before
  2. Once–twice if it is particularly challenging.
  3. No, I am OK with last-minute switches, if I am needed.
  4. Depends on circumstances and the individual involved.
  5. I normally reviewed both readings, not knowing until I arrived who would do which reading (and prayer of faithful).
Click to expand...
This pretty much echoes my answers. The OP apparently hasn’t been asked to be a lector at the last moment by the priest prior to Mass. Saying no would seem unreasonable. I’m also curious if the OP has any other callings in the church such as K of C, LoM or a CCD teacher and if they put much preparation time in those other callings. I have all of them and I can’t imagine putting that much prep time into any of them. Of course, I ALWAYS pray prior to doing a calling that the Holy Spirit will help. I find that it helps with any sudden stress. 😃
 
Our monthly bulletin comes out on the first Sunday of the month and includes the ministry schedule for the next 4 weeks. So, depending on when we’ll be reading we have anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks to prepare. I don’t know too many people who prepare for a month – in fact, I know none.

I usually read both readings a couple of times and a particularly difficult reading from Paul will have me tape myself and play it back to assess how I’m doing – is there anything worse than listening to yourself on tape??

I’m quite comfortable going in to Mass and finding out I have to do one or both readings due to no-shows. I’ll skim over the readings once in order to make sure I know how to pronounce all the words.

I’ll switch with anyone who needs to be away, if I’m available, but if someone wants me to read for them, I won’t insist that they pay me back by doing my reading at some point down the road.
 
AntoniusVII, it seems like you are spending more time preparing for a reading than most pastors spend preparing their homilies (even the relevant, insightful and deep ones).
  1. In the case of a last-minute substitution (due to dual no-shows), a single prereading is usually sufficient. Mostly, this is to be familiar with which passage I am reading and page formatting. If necessary, I will read it cold without much problem.
  2. Under normal circumstances, at least twice from the workbook and once from the lectionary.
  3. “Am I otherwise available.” Sadly, I have to give up being a lector for the time being due to time conflicts with teaching catechism (fortunately, there are plenty of other lectors on the roster).
  4. I switch dates if possible but the attitude in my current parish is that we just cover the ministry. No one ever seems put out for accepting an extra reading without giving one up.
  5. I always devote equal time to first and second readings and familiarize myself with the Gospel passage (though obviously I’m not reading it in Mass).
I understand if you remain nervous about reading in front of your large parish. Believe it or not, nobody’s going to scrutinize your style.

Also, I ask the Holy Spirit to speak through my reading. So if someone is impacted, it is due to Him. I just happened to provide an audible voice. 😉
 
AntoniusVII said:
Background: I reveived an email Friday morning asking me to switch Lector dates for the upcoming Sunday. I am scheduled for this Sunday (2 days from now), they are scheduled for next Sunday (9 days from now).

So I have a few questions for the Lectors:
  1. How many weeks out do you start preparing for a Sunday reading?
  2. How many times do you think you read through the entire passage?
  3. Do you have a policy about switching dates with other Lectors?
    Like a minimum of 2 weeks notice?
  4. Do you try to switch dates or just give your date to someone else?
    The thinking here is that they may have already invested a lot of time preparing for their reading.
  5. How much time do you spend preparing with the Other Lector’s reading for that same day (in case they can not make it to Mass)?
My answers:
  1. I like to start 4 weeks ahead. We may have 1200 people at 10:00 am Mass, I have to be thoroughly prepared so that I am not nervous. I was Lector Easter Sunday, we had about 2000 people.
  2. I may read the entire passage 40…
  3. I am thinking about a policy.
    My schedule is packed (a class at the Seminary with lots of homework, leading a Parish Bible study, Wife, children, job). I do not have time to prepare properly with a weeks notice.
  4. If I can not make a scheduled ministry, Lector or EMHC, I give the date to a friend.
  5. I may read the other reading 2 or 3 times. I need to spend more time on this.
Click to expand...
Greetings AntoniusVII,

1] I usually will prepare for the readings at least two weeks ahead of time. If I know it is going to be busy, then I shall prepare at least four weeks in advance.

2] Once a day and then the day beforehand, I do not look at the readings

3] I like to notified at least two weeks beforehand, however if they notify me in a week’s time, I will usually change with them.

4] I usually call upon a few lectors that I know prepare the readings. We have a system with a few of them worked out that we will prepare of the readings ahead of time regardless of if we are scheduled or not. That way it does not take us by surprise if we should change dates. I am sure the parish benefits by this practice.

5] Answered by no. 4

If I may offer some suggestions. Understand what the reading is saying. See what it means to you. Ask God grace to read it as Jesus would read it to His Church. This makes a huge difference.

God Bless.
Anathama Sit
 
AntoniusVII said:
  1. How many times do you think you read through the entire passage?
Click to expand...
I make it a habit to read through all of the Sunday Mass readings out loud at least seven times, to get the “flow” of the words, so that when I’m reading, it sounds natural - like speaking, rather than like reading. By doing it every week, I’m prepared even if I get called up to read on a Sunday when it isn’t my turn.

I do this as close as possible to Sunday so that it is fresh in my mind.
  1. Do you have a policy about switching dates with other Lectors?
    Like a minimum of 2 weeks notice?
Click to expand...
No.
 
Chatter163 said:
  1. Several days before
  2. Once–twice if it is particularly challenging.
  3. No, I am OK with last-minute switches, if I am needed.
  4. Depends on circumstances and the individual involved.
  5. I normally reviewed both readings, not knowing until I arrived who would do which reading (and prayer of faithful).
Click to expand...
This sounds about right.
  1. How many weeks out do you start preparing for a Sunday reading?
I prepare about a week out, sometimes four days. I practice saying it in an overly dramatic way and then the nervousness of being in front of the crowd tones it down when I actually read. I try not to beat myself up too much - one can go over it a million times, but at a certain point the Holy Spirit has to be given room to work.

You guys really do it four weeks in advance? I usually do the 1:30 PM Mass and so I read every other week so four week prep seems like a bit much.

I sometimes get asked for Saturday or weeknight Mass, right before Mass starts, then I get about five minutes prep, if that. :eek:
  1. How many times do you think you read through the entire passage?
Minimum 3x/day, more if possible, usually morning during breadfast and then again in the evening. If I am able to memorize parts or all of it, I’ll say it in the car or in the shower. I usualy have my windows open and my neighbors think that Moses lives with me. 😃
  1. Do you have a policy about switching dates with other Lectors?
  2. Do you try to switch dates or just give your date to someone else?
  3. How much time do you spend preparing with the Other Lector’s reading for that same day (in case they can not make it to Mass)?
Charity and fraternity are key here.

We have a schedule prepared in advance, three months out, and are encouraged to contact each other via email, CC’ing the ministry leaders, if we desire to switch. The schedule specifies 1st and 2nd readers but we have a sign-in sheet in the narthex prior to each Mass and can switch prior to Mass if the two readers agree. Sometimes a reader will also usher and so he may want to do 1st instead of 2nd. We all tend to rehearse both readings anyway, in case the other reader is a no-show. The key is to prepare for the worst, and always be charitable.

What kill me are the prayers of the faithful. They throw in words like “catechumenate” and “confirmands” and such. Do you guys also read the prayers of the faithful?

I also get asked sometimes to say he epliclisis and words of institution. Do you guys do that? Just kidding. Checking to see if yall have read this far.

-Tim-
 
when I started lectoring I started a week in advance, read outloud to my wife 10 times. Now six years later, I’ll look up the reading 2-3 days before. Read to see if I have read it before (that does happen), check pronunciations. If it is St John or St Paul some times I will reread it multiple times as the wording can be tricky.

Lectors need to fill in their own slots if they will not be there. Subsistutes are very easy to find. Switches are okay, but most of the time somebody will just take your slot. I always read the other lecotrs reading two or three times - unless I will be reading with an historically unreliable person. A Wise lector told when nervous pray “Holy spirit you got me into this now help me out”.
 
I read through the readings 2-3 times only. I don’t like to be “over prepared.” I caught myself once a long time ago, feeling so confident that I got ahead of myself and made a mistake. So now, i want to be familiar, but just unfamiliar enough that I have to concentrate when it’s time.

As for switching, I have no problem. I’d read every Sunday if they’d let me. So last minute calls don’t bother me a bit.

Once last thing - I used to be convinced that I didn’t do a good job if a hesitated, or misspoke. Here’s my attitude: If I make a mistake, or stumble over a word, that may be the one thing that jolts someone into paying attention. My mistake may bring a day dreamer back to the reading. As I’m waiting to read I now pray “Lord please allow me to read as you would have me read.” I don’t pray to not make mistakes.
 
AntoniusVII said:
Background: I reveived an email Friday morning asking me to switch Lector dates for the upcoming Sunday. I am scheduled for this Sunday (2 days from now), they are scheduled for next Sunday (9 days from now).

So I have a few questions for the Lectors:
  1. How many weeks out do you start preparing for a Sunday reading?
  2. How many times do you think you read through the entire passage?
  3. Do you have a policy about switching dates with other Lectors?
    Like a minimum of 2 weeks notice?
  4. Do you try to switch dates or just give your date to someone else?
    The thinking here is that they may have already invested a lot of time preparing for their reading.
  5. How much time do you spend preparing with the Other Lector’s reading for that same day (in case they can not make it to Mass)?
Click to expand...
  1. I chant the reading and it takes me some time to become smooth so I appreciate at least 3 days. If I read it, 24 hours would be more than sufficient. Even the same morning in a pinch.
  2. Probably 5-6 times if I am chanting it. 2-3 if I am reading it.
  3. No.
  4. Whichever my replacement prefers.
  5. I read them twice. Once the night before and once just before the Mass.
A few Sundays ago I read the epistle at the cathedral of my ecclesiastical province with a 10 minute heads-up. No problems. The only time I felt the least bit ill at ease is when I was walking back to me seat and I got a hint of how many people were there (2,000 or more.)
 
jmcrae said:
I make it a habit to read through all of the Sunday Mass readings out loud at least seven times, to get the “flow” of the words, so that when I’m reading, it sounds natural - like speaking, rather than like reading.
Click to expand...
That is what I want to be able to do, “speak” to the people and not “read” to them.
There is a woman at a parish near where I work who has this quality to her lectoring, I hear her every First Friday, her delivery is just wonderful. I have only been a Lector for 7 months, (6 or 7 times maybe). So I am still learning.

There is no way I am spending more time preparing for a reading than my pastor prepares for a Homily. I have completed reading the entire Bible, I like to read it.

Thank you everyone for your experienced insights…
 
AntoniusVII said:
That is what I want to be able to do, “speak” to the people and not “read” to them.
There is a woman at a parish near where I work who has this quality to her lectoring, I hear her every First Friday, her delivery is just wonderful. I have only been a Lector for 7 months, (6 or 7 times maybe). So I am still learning.

There is no way I am spending more time preparing for a reading than my pastor prepares for a Homily. I have completed reading the entire Bible, I like to read it.

Thank you everyone for your experienced insights…
Click to expand...
Actually you should be reading to them . “A reading from the First Letter of St. Paul…” The epistles were letters that were read to the assembly. I do training of lectors for our diocese and often lectors want to try to proclaim the reading as if they were St. Paul standing in front of the assembly. But that is not what happened, they were letters that were received and read and passed from church to church to be read.

I tell lectors to begin preparing the Monday before. In fact even if they are not scheduled I tell them to read the upcoming Sunday’s readings as if they might be called upon to read. I also tell them to do some Lectio Divina so that they fully understand what they are reading. In Lectio, it is ideal to read the passage out loud. I also tell them to make sure they know how to pronounce difficult words or sentences (Paul is known for lengthly sentences). They are not to be overly dramatic but it is important to emphasize the important things. This is where the Lector Workbook comes in very handy. I also tell them not to over practice, because, as someone else mentioned, they may become over confident and then mess up.

Remember, the focus is on the Word. I have seen lectors who appear as if they are going for the Academy Award. I know lectors whose whole voice changes when they read. Be natural and pray the readings.

There is a story of a great actor who was reading Shakespeare passages to an audience. After he finished he asked if there were any requests. After a few requests, an elderly priest raised his hand and asked the actor to proclaim Psalm 23, the Lord is My Shepherd. The actor was taken a bit back by the request but agreed only if after he was finished the priest would also read the Psalm. The actor was brilliant and the audience was thrilled and applauded wildly. Then the priest got up to read the same Psalm. After he was finished there was not a sound in the audience. The people were stunned and some had tears in their eyes. When the actor asked one of the stage hands what had just happened, he replied, “You knew the text…he knew the Shepherd.” That is the goal when we are reading. Not to make it the “best rendition” ever of a reading, but to share the Word of God with the assembly. For that, no amount of preparation is going to do any good. What is needed for that is a relationship with God, a good prayer life focused on the Scriptures, a dedication to the Eucharist, and genuine humility.
 
Joannm said:
Actually you should be reading to them . “A reading from the First Letter of St. Paul…” The epistles were letters that were read to the assembly.
Click to expand...
What I mean is, to avoid the stuttering and stumbling and the awkward emphasis that detracts from the meaning of the words when one is just pronouncing the letters in order, without meaning.
There is a story of a great actor who was reading Shakespeare passages to an audience. After he finished he asked if there were any requests. After a few requests, an elderly priest raised his hand and asked the actor to proclaim Psalm 23, the Lord is My Shepherd. The actor was taken a bit back by the request but agreed only if after he was finished the priest would also read the Psalm. The actor was brilliant and the audience was thrilled and applauded wildly. Then the priest got up to read the same Psalm. After he was finished there was not a sound in the audience. The people were stunned and some had tears in their eyes. When the actor asked one of the stage hands what had just happened, he replied, “You knew the text…he knew the Shepherd.” That is the goal when we are reading. Not to make it the “best rendition” ever of a reading, but to share the Word of God with the assembly. For that, no amount of preparation is going to do any good. What is needed for that is a relationship with God, a good prayer life focused on the Scriptures, a dedication to the Eucharist, and genuine humility.
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I mean by “speaking the text” in a natural way, so that it flows in the way that it was originally intended - in order to convey the meaning. Rather than sounding like a first-grade teacher reading “the cat sat on the mat.”
 
I’m always puzzled by questions like this .

It really does depend on many things - can you really read properly in Church ?

By this I don’t mean do you stand there looking at the Book and just reading the way you would read to a child ?

To read as a Reader / Lector you need to know how to use your voice , how to project it so that the person at the furthest away corner of the Church can hear you clearly. If you can do this it should not take longer than about an hour to properly prepare the Readings - yes you should prepare in advance BUT hiccoughs can happen .

I have acted as a Reader for many years possibly as many as 20 ] . I’ve taught many people to Read in Church. Now because I know what I’m doing I can just go up to the desk and just Read. You should not attempt to make a dramatic production out of it . You are there to Read the Word of God so people will listen and allow it to sink in . You should read a little slower than normal - not dragging it out , but a little more slowly than you would normally do - this allows you to say each word clearly and distinctly .

You need to learn how to project your voice - a microphone is intended to help you - but what happens if it fails as it can ] ? YOU have to get on and use your voice properly - not shout . OH - and you should not be looking down at the Book - you need to make eye contact with people so they know you are reading to them.

At Easter this year I was helping in an Eastern Parish and found on Great and Holy Saturday evening, we had to read the Acts of the Apostles as people were arriving in Church - never done anything like that before and I just had to get on and do it - at the beginning with no microphone and I was heard at the doors of the Church . As more and more folk arrived we ended up with over 1000 ] we had to switch on the Mics because of background noise/movement etc etc. I’ve never ever read a complete Chapter in that way - we each read a chapter at a time and there were 3 of us Reading . Now to me that was the test of a Reader’s capability - and all should be able to do it.
 
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