Help! I was asked to become a reader at mass and I'm a new convert!

[StrawberryJam]

At Mass the week before last a woman sat in front of me turned to talk to me at the end, as everyone was getting up to leave. She was one of the readers during Mass that day, and explained that her and her husband used to do it together, but he was now in a care home with dementia, so she was looking for a “reading partner” to replace him and asked if I would be interested, after asking my name, introducing herself, and confirming that I was one of the new converts who joined at Easter.

Not sure how I feel about this! I’m dyslexic so my reading isn’t very good. I’m not at all experienced with Scripture. It’s a struggle to read most fiction books, I read slower than average sometimes, and I can only be patient with my reading if the book is really good, as because of my reading difficulty, I find it hard to “get into” what I’m reading. Practice helps, but it’s slow progress. When it comes to reading the Bible on my own I have to admit, I do avoid it but occasionally persuade myself to try. I have to read each passage several times to get the meaning and I struggle. When reading aloud, my voice isn’t clear and flowing.

I would find it a great honour to be able to read the Bible aloud at Mass, but I don’t feel like I’m ready to or deserve to. But at the same time - a woman who I’ve never spoken to properly before suddenly turning around and asking me to be her husband’s replacement? Not sure it’s a coincidence. I’m meant to be giving her an answer tomorrow during Mass and I forgot all about it - now I’m nervous and not sure what to do. Would appreciate some advice!

Note - The woman said that she’ll be going away during the summer and needs someone to take her turn then, so if I did decide to take her husband’s place it wouldn’t be necessary for me to start straight away.

You can do this.

 

[thebobkatie]

I would just like to caution you about being pressured into doing things you’re not comfortable with. I feel like some parishes declare open season on new converts and expect them to suddenly start participating to an extreme degree. I think it’s easy for lifelong Catholics to forget that new Catholics are still feeling their way through things, and it can be overwhelming to add public speaking into the mix. I speak from personal experience.

Obviously, if you feel called, you should respond, but remember that you aren’t required to do more than any other parishioner, and if it affects your concentration at Mass, it might be a good idea to decline.

It may sound like I’m dissing lectoring, but I was somewhat pressured into doing so, and for the first time since becoming a Catholic, I began to dread Mass. This struck me as ridiculous, and I quietly asked someone else to take over my month. I subsequently signed up to clean the church a few months out of the year, a method of service much more in keeping with my nature.

 

[LemonAndLime]

I haven’t seen her now since she asked me a few weeks ago. I keep sitting in the same place I was I sat back then (and which also used to be near her usual place) but she hasn’t been there.

Not sure I’m reading to read at Mass however, I think it would just be too much stress.

 

[foundmyfaith]

Welcome Home!

I suggest the previous poster’s idea about listening to the Scripture on tape if you decide to do it. My late son had terrible dyslexia. He understood things much better if he heard them. It is not impossible for you if you have the time to prepare.

Having said that, if you do not feel ready to do it…DON’T. You can become involved in something else. I am sure your Parish has plenty to do!