GUIDANCE NOTES FOR READERS

1. Through the readings at Mass and the other liturgies of the Church, God is speaking to his people. Through the ministry of the word, Christ is present among us. The people share in the word by listening, responding and by professing their faith in the words of the Nicene Creed. The proclamation of the word leads naturally to the intercessions or bidding prayers, which are offered for the needs of the Church and the salvation of the world.

2. The reader (lector) approaches the sanctuary, bows to the altar, comes up the steps, bows to the celebrant and proceeds to the ambo (lectern). On Sundays and the major Holy Days there are two readers, in which case they bow together. The second reader stands to one side for the first reading and responsorial psalm. He or she also bows to the celebrant before proceeding to the ambo. During the reading, it is preferable for the reader to rest both hands on the book. At the end of the reading there should be a short pause before he or she says: The word of the Lord. On leaving the ambo, the readers bow to the celebrant and, at the foot of the steps, to the altar before returning to their seats.

3. If the responsorial psalm is not sung by a cantor, it is led by the reader. There is no need to say: The response to the psalm is... It is enough to say the words of the response alone (and clearly) so that the people can repeat it. The reader should never say response after each verse of the psalm. The rhythm of the verse or emphasising the last word should be sufficient. Raising the head at the end of each verse can also help, unless there is the risk of losing one’s place.

4. The Alleluia (or its equivalent during Lent) is always sung. On weekdays, the verse in between is recited by the reader. Be especially careful during Lent because it all too easy to read the entire acclamation. Only the verse in between is necessary. Do not leave the ambo until the acclamation is finished. It is vitally important that all readers make time to look at the readings and bidding prayers before Mass begins. This means arriving in plenty of time.

5. The bidding prayers are lead by the reader unless a Deacon is present. The celebrant introduces and concludes them. After inviting the people to say together the Hail Mary the reader invites them to pray silently for their own intentions.

6. The reader moves towards the sanctuary steps for the first reading as the priest says the doxology of the Opening Prayer of the Mass, ie. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son... In the absence of Deacon Michael, the reader returns to the ambo for the bidding prayers towards the end of the Profession of Faith, at the words We believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church...

7. The clear and reverent proclamation of the Word of God is of vital importance, as is the dignified way in which readers conduct themselves during the celebration of the liturgy. It should reflect the honoured place given to the reading of the Scriptures during the celebration of Mass.

8. Never be afraid to ask for help with pronunciation. On Sundays, the first reader is also responsible for giving out the notices which means being at Mass at least 10 minutes before it begins. If you are unable to fulfil your duty slot on the rota, please find someone to stand in for you and inform Lucia (Tel. 253277) who that person is. There are enough things to do immediately before Mass, without worrying about whether the readers have turned up or looking for last-minute replacements.

9. The coordinators of the readers rota are Paul and Kathryn Kallay