Looking for help from experienced Lectors!

[Convert2013]

Hi Everyone! I have been praying for the Lord to show me where he wants me to go with him and to help me understand his plan. At one point during a discussion with our Deacon about tasks that need to be done around the church, I offered to help. This was in the context of our library and more/ less physical tasks. Well, after Mass a few weeks ago our Deacon mentioned to me that he signed me up to be a Lector as I had mentioned helping around the church. At first I was a bit shocked and sort of speechless. I smiled and said “ok!?” I later thought about it and I really have to wonder, when I asked the Lord to let me know what his plan is and where he wants me …is this it? If so, wow He speaks loud & clear and answers very quickly at times! I will gladly do whatever is needed and asked of me.

I am very nervous about this for a couple reasons. 1) I want to do a good job for the parish and most importantly for God. For some its the only time they hear the Word proclaimed and it needs to be done humbly and clearly. 2) It’s public speaking/ reading …no need to elaborate on that!

Would any Lectors out there share their stories of how they started? How to not be nervous? What should I expect? I will be taking a workshop in the fall to help prepare. Thanks for anything you feel like sharing!

 

[asia53]

My parish doesn’t call us Lectors—we are readers. I’ve been reading for 2 years.

Always prepare in advance. I read the readings through many times, mentally and vocally. I use a Lectionary aid: helps with pronunciation, gives advice on inflection, emphasis, forceful voice, soft voice, etc.

With time the major nervousness goes away, however, I’m always a little nervous. I think of the readings, as a story. I’m reading a story to my fellow Catholics. It helps with the nervousness. Avoid a monotone narrative—make the words sound alive.

Most of all, pray to Holy Spirit to touch people with the Word of God.

 

[powerofk]

I’ve been a lector for the better part of 20 years (since I was in 8th grade). I have a few suggestions.

Suggestion (1): Practice, practice, practice. Most churches have lectionary manuals that they allow lectors to use. In fact, many churches give each lector a personal copy of the lectionary manual every year. Practice both non-gospel readings, because, even though the GIRM asks for 2 lectors for Sunday masses, there is always a chance that you might end up being the only one due to the other lector being absent and not being able to secure a substitute. In addition, if you can find what the responsorial psalm is, practice that, too, because sometimes, the choir is absent, and they need the lector to proclaim the responsorial psalm.

Suggestion (2): Read the Bible frequently, if not daily. The Bible is the Word of God - and, to make it even better, all the readings in Mass come straight from the Bible. The more you are familiar with the Word of God, the more easily the readings will come to you. It will also help you to understand your reading in context with what comes before and after - and will help you to understand how the Old Testament is an image of the New Testament - and how the New Testament fulfills the Old Testament.

Suggestion (3): Pray before you lector. This helps calm the nerves, as you let the Holy Spirit speak through you. Personally, I have a speech impairment, but when I lector, it is the Holy Spirit that speaks through me, and so it makes lectoring much easier than simply public speaking.

Suggestion (4): Finally, make sure you are in a state of grace - if you have mortal sins on your soul, you can feel like you are not worthy of lectoring - and in addition, you could be committing sacrilege.

 

[McMcMe]

I found it helpful to listen/read to some commentary on the scripture in addition to that hin the guide while practicing at home. Personally, I love Sr. Anne Shields’ podcast of Food For the Journey and pray-as-you-go.org. They helped to inform me on different areas of emphasis in the readings as well as any historical context. They also help me hear someone ELSE do the reading to help with pronunciation.

From a technical standpoint, speak clearly, slowly and forcefully. You aren’t reading, you are proclaiming!

 

[R_C]

Reader, not lector. The reader is a lay minister in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The lector is a clerk having the second of the four minor orders in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

I will let others give good advice, and will simply mention that it is essential to read slowly and peacefully, remembering that the Holy Spirit is speaking through us, and thus it is essential to review the readings so as to be prepared, and to read not (as sadly we often see) as if we are reading a newspaper article, but as if proclaiming the word of the Lord, with emphasis on certain words, due pauses, etc. And do not be afraid, for the Lord will take charge when you are reading.

Proper clothing is essential (long-sleeved shirts, for the love of all that is good and holy!) and if the reader is a lady (something I and many others are not particularly fond of, since it breaks with twenty centuries of uninterrupted tradition) I would truly recommend wearing at least a small veil.

 

[Armor_of_Light]

A ‘Lector’ is an installed acolyte, as far as I know…we’re ‘readers’.

I’ve been doing it for a number of years, and there isn’t much too it, really! I don’t have a fear of public speaking, so I figure that is a gift I can use…

I practice the readings usually, but sometimes I wing it. I read like I’m reading to my kids.

Clearly, somewhat slower than normal speaking, Allow some emotion to show through.

Also, please make sure you are in a state of grace! Very important.

Good luck!

 

[Armor_of_Light]

Reader, not lector. The reader is a lay minister in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The lector is a clerk having the second of the four minor orders in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

I will let others give good advice, and will simply mention that it is essential to read slowly and peacefully, remembering that the Holy Spirit is speaking through us, and thus it is essential to review the readings so as to be prepared, and to read not (as sadly we often see) as if we are reading a newspaper article, but as if proclaiming the word of the Lord, with emphasis on certain words, due pauses, etc. And do not be afraid, for the Lord will take charge when you are reading.

Proper clothing is essential (long-sleeved shirts, for the love of all that is good and holy!) and if the reader is a lady (something I and many others are not particularly fond of, since it breaks with twenty centuries of uninterrupted tradition) I would truly recommend wearing at least a small veil.

R_C…

Somehow, you manage to say the important things without getting banned, and I salute you!!

 

[Catholic1954]

Hi Everyone! I have been praying for the Lord to show me where he wants me to go with him and to help me understand his plan. At one point during a discussion with our Deacon about tasks that need to be done around the church, I offered to help. This was in the context of our library and more/ less physical tasks. Well, after Mass a few weeks ago our Deacon mentioned to me that he signed me up to be a Lector as I had mentioned helping around the church. At first I was a bit shocked and sort of speechless. I smiled and said “ok!?” I later thought about it and I really have to wonder, when I asked the Lord to let me know what his plan is and where he wants me …is this it? If so, wow He speaks loud & clear and answers very quickly at times! I will gladly do whatever is needed and asked of me.

I am very nervous about this for a couple reasons. 1) I want to do a good job for the parish and most importantly for God. For some its the only time they hear the Word proclaimed and it needs to be done humbly and clearly. 2) It’s public speaking/ reading …no need to elaborate on that!

Would any Lectors out there share their stories of how they started? How to not be nervous? What should I expect? I will be taking a workshop in the fall to help prepare. Thanks for anything you feel like sharing!

You will find the workshop very helpful. I always like to read the entire chapter of my reading and look it up in a commentary, to get a good idea of what the author is trying to say. You should ALWAYS practice, at least a few times, reading out loud. No matter how brilliant you sound to yourself, in your head, it will not be the same when you speak. I would also invest or borrow a good pronunciation guide. Congratulations! You will be awesome.

 

[Convert2013]

Thanks for the responses so far and the advice! I do apologize for the improper use of the term “Lector” as opposed to reader. I only used that term as it seems to be used everywhere for reader. Very confusing! LOL

 

[Elizium23]

It is not improper to use the term “lector” instead of “reader”. They are essentially interchangable terms. There is no distinction between them in Latin. Either one can be applied to a lay reader or a commissioned liturgical minister. It is actually improper to try and make a distinction between these terms, because they only differ in English.

And lectors are not “instituted acolytes” this is a completely separate liturgical ministry from that of Acolyte, which is the equivalent of an altar server.

 

[Reborn2013]

The priests were foolish to abdicate this role.

And as far as females wearing a veil to read, that is bad advice. I have. Ever seen that once in my life. Def not necessary.

 

[Joan_M]

I was a reader for many years. I always practiced before - even when I was only rostered as a backup reader (to fill in if a rostered reader did not show up). It is essential. Most important is actually practicing reading aloud, just as you would in the church.

Over the years I have come to the conclusion that (at least where I live) no one is actually auditioned for reading before being selected as a reader! Not everyone is capable of being a good reader, some should not read at all.

I have suffered through one woman who should never have been asked to read, as she sounds like she is dead! Another seems to think that reading the Word of God is a theater performance. One or two read far too fast, and yet others read so slow you want to tell them to get on with it. Some have voices that are not at all attractive and are difficult to listen to. Really, everyone should have to audition to see if they are suitable.

I have a small booklet that gives very good suggestions for preparing for reading - can’t find it right now, but it was published by The Liturgical Press.

'By the way - just because the Deacon asked you to read doesn’t mean that that is God’s response to you. You need to see if it is something you can do, and do well. Do you have any experience of reading aloud - even just reading to children? Taking part in the workshop should help you to discern if this is for you.

 

[CB_Catholic]

Hi Everyone! I have been praying for the Lord to show me where he wants me to go with him and to help me understand his plan. At one point during a discussion with our Deacon about tasks that need to be done around the church, I offered to help. This was in the context of our library and more/ less physical tasks. Well, after Mass a few weeks ago our Deacon mentioned to me that he signed me up to be a Lector as I had mentioned helping around the church. At first I was a bit shocked and sort of speechless. I smiled and said “ok!?” I later thought about it and I really have to wonder, when I asked the Lord to let me know what his plan is and where he wants me …is this it? If so, wow He speaks loud & clear and answers very quickly at times! I will gladly do whatever is needed and asked of me.

I am very nervous about this for a couple reasons. 1) I want to do a good job for the parish and most importantly for God. For some its the only time they hear the Word proclaimed and it needs to be done humbly and clearly. 2) It’s public speaking/ reading …no need to elaborate on that!

Would any Lectors out there share their stories of how they started? How to not be nervous? What should I expect? I will be taking a workshop in the fall to help prepare. Thanks for anything you feel like sharing!

I am not a lector/reader, but let me give you some hints from the pew (which you probably already know). 1-Practice pronouncing Biblical names and places until they come easily. A reader stumbling over these is very distracting, plus many people are confused as to how to pronounce and this is a good time to clear up the confusion.

2-Do not be overly dramatic-read with meaning, but don’t embellish. On the other hand, avoid monotone reading.

3-Read slowly. Most people read out loud too fast and are unaware of the speed. Listening to yourself on tape can help you pace yourself.

4- Be sure your microphone is at the correct height for you. Too often a tall person will follow a short person and not adjust the microphone or vice-versa and they can’t be heard.

5- Relax. People notice a nervous reader. They aren’t out to rate you or hang you. They just want to hear and understand the readings.

Thank you for your very important service.

 

[Catholic_Wife]

Proper clothing is essential (long-sleeved shirts, for the love of all that is good and holy!) and if the reader is a lady (something I and many others are not particularly fond of, since it breaks with twenty centuries of uninterrupted tradition) I would truly recommend wearing at least a small veil.

Long-sleeved, as to the wrist? If so, why?

and

Why? (other than your own preference)

 

[Catholic_Wife]

I am very nervous about this for a couple reasons. 1) I want to do a good job for the parish and most importantly for God. For some its the only time they hear the Word proclaimed and it needs to be done humbly and clearly. 2) It’s public speaking/ reading …no need to elaborate on that!

Would any Lectors out there share their stories of how they started? How to not be nervous? What should I expect? I will be taking a workshop in the fall to help prepare. Thanks for anything you feel like sharing!

I think it’s great that you are considering serving you parish in this role (no matter what your parish chooses to call it). Keep praying whether this is truly how you are called to serve. If it is, pray for the ability to proclaim the Word of God clearly (with the attitude you seem to have).

Second, reading isn’t as bad as it seems. Most people in the pews are just glad it’s not them up there reading and will admire you for having the courage to do it (not that you should do it for accolades or personal recognition). The best advice I can offer is to read the readings aloud several times during the week to get familiar and comfortable with them (prepare for both, just in case), and read them in front of someone you trust to give you honest feedback and your delivery. The second best advice I can offer is to take several slow, deep breaths while walking up to the ambo, at least one more once you are in place before you start, and one more after you finish reading before you say, “The Word of the Lord.” Breathing will help calm you and help you to read more slowly (new readers sometimes read too fast). Also, ask for feedback (from the priest, deacon, friend, family member) afterwards so you can improve the next time.

 

[CatholicZ09]

Would any Lectors out there share their stories of how they started? How to not be nervous? What should I expect? I will be taking a workshop in the fall to help prepare. Thanks for anything you feel like sharing!

I have been a reader for three years. At first, you will be very, very, nervous because you do not want to mess anything up, and you’re worried about anyone catching a mess up. My heart was racing my first few times, and it is sometimes intimidating.

What you want to do is always prepare for your reading ahead of time. If there are two of you reading (a first and second reader), then prepare for the other’s reading as well in case he or she doesn’t show up, and you have to read both. I learned that lesson the hard way. I ended up having to read the first reading in addition to the second, and unfortunately that weekend was the weekend when the Old Testament reading had hard words. I try not to think about it.

Remember to talk loudly. Sometimes you think you are talking loudly, but you’re not, so you must always be conscious of that. Remember to make eye contact. This is the second most important. It engages your audience. The Word of God is engaging the people of today as much as it engaged the people when it was written. Look at your audience! Be enthusiastic!

You’ll expect people to give you constructive criticism at first, but usually it goes away within a few months. Once you learn the ropes and techniques, people just find someone else to criticize.

In all honesty, it’s really not that bad. You will be nervous, and that’s natural. I love reading, and I always make sure I am prepared so that I can proclaim the reading how it is mean to be proclaimed.

Remember - you are not putting on a performance or there to shine above everyone else. You are proclaiming the Word of God, and remember that that is the true reason you are doing this. Not for anyone else but God.

Good luck!

 

[RJB]

Here in Topeka, we receive a guidebook that sets out the Sunday readings. It provides hints on pronunciation, emphasis of certain passages, and background of the readings. I was a little bit nervous (normal reaction) when I first began. Solid preparation is your best bet.

Incidentally, I received a great blessing one time. I was scheduled to read on an important Sunday (well, they all are!) and got so nervous that I cut out the guidebook’s reading and inserted it into the Lectionary prior to Mass. When I got up to read, I opened the book and the guidebook’s reading was not there! I recall thinking, “OK, God, I have to trust in You.” After Mass, two people came up to me and congratulated me on my reading…the only time that’s ever happened.

It’s a rewarding task. Good luck!

 

[mymamamary]

Hi Everyone! I have been praying for the Lord to show me where he wants me to go with him and to help me understand his plan. At one point during a discussion with our Deacon about tasks that need to be done around the church, I offered to help. This was in the context of our library and more/ less physical tasks. Well, after Mass a few weeks ago our Deacon mentioned to me that he signed me up to be a Lector as I had mentioned helping around the church. At first I was a bit shocked and sort of speechless. I smiled and said “ok!?” I later thought about it and I really have to wonder, when I asked the Lord to let me know what his plan is and where he wants me …is this it? If so, wow He speaks loud & clear and answers very quickly at times! I will gladly do whatever is needed and asked of me.

I am very nervous about this for a couple reasons. 1) I want to do a good job for the parish and most importantly for God. For some its the only time they hear the Word proclaimed and it needs to be done humbly and clearly. 2) It’s public speaking/ reading …no need to elaborate on that!

Would any Lectors out there share their stories of how they started? How to not be nervous? What should I expect? I will be taking a workshop in the fall to help prepare. Thanks for anything you feel like sharing!

**It is nothing nerve wracking. I am, by nature a talkative person. I can converse with others naturally and easily. When I started lectoring back in Grade 8 or 9 (I am unsure) I felt nervous my first few times, however that nervousness faded later on. I lector at my parish (in fact I do so in two weeks!) and it is nothing hard. I feel called to the Priesthood, so I decided to “get my feet wet” by involving myself in Parish ministries. Lectoring was one of them. I can get a feel for what the Priest feels when He is speaking from the pulpit. I have a clear voice (from what I am told) and I try my best to read the Word of GOD as reverently as possible (hands clasped in a prayerful position over my heart). It is quite enjoyable (except when you catch a cold and you have a nasal sound )

I still enjoy Altar Serving the best. **

 

[R_C]

Long-sleeved, as to the wrist? If so, why?

and

Why? (other than your own preference)

For centuries, the Church has had either priests, deacons, or ordained lectors read the Epistle, in a standard attire that was consistent in simplicity, modesty, and dignity - regardless of the ever-changing fashion of the places and times.

In the vast majority of our rites (including the other form of our Roman rite) this is, of course, not an issue at all…but, since in the ordinary form we have given the task of reading the epistle to lay ministers 90% of the time (I am one every so often, so I am not complaining ) we won’t expect them to wear a cassock and a surplice (as it has been done in saecula saeculorum) especially if they are ladies, but at least long sleeves (and, for ladies, in my dreams of a 100% reverent liturgy, a headcover).

Mind you, if I notice that the lady reading the Epistle has short sleeves or no sleeves, I won’t rend my garments I will assume she is doing the best she can. But I am not into relativism, so I will still consider that more reverence could have been offered to the Lord for the edification of souls.

My own preference stays outside of the door when it comes to the sacred liturgy, but of course that does not mean I am not supporting the restoration or promotion of certain elements of reverence which, having been marked as “optional”, have instead almost entirely disappeared. In doing this, I try not to be offensive to anyone, seeing it as an apostleship of love and spiritual edification, not one of pride and division. Sorry if anything I said gave a wrong impression.

 

[jmcrae]

Would any Lectors out there share their stories of how they started? How to not be nervous? What should I expect? I will be taking a workshop in the fall to help prepare. Thanks for anything you feel like sharing!

I got started by being asked to read for special events - I am a strong reader, and I think it’s fun to read out loud.

As time went on, people assumed I was on the list for the readers, and I ended up on the schedule.

As others have pointed out, the key is to practice out loud, to the point where you are speaking the text in a natural way; not merely reading it.

The high point of my career as a reader has to be the time i was proclaiming a reading of St. Paul from his letter to the Galatians, and there was a guy at the back of the church who got up, stomped his feet, and walked out - he thought I was delivering the homily!!

That’s how natural you want to sound, when reading.

How to know if you’re mispronouncing something:

1: It’s not a word you’ve ever heard anyone else say out loud before. (This can never happen - if it feels like it’s happening, then you are mispronouncing it.)

2: The phrase makes no sense - you can’t put together a picture in your mind of what’s going on. (This means that the word you’re using isn’t actually part of the phrase, and again, you are mispronouncing something, using a homonym, or “seeing” a word that isn’t really there.)

For place names and people’s names that you don’t know how to pronounce, use a “self-pronouncing Bible” that has pronunciation keys to tell you what the sounds are, or go on-line and find a recorded version of the text being read out loud by a professional reader.