Lector Ministry

At Mass, the power of the Word comes alive through the voices that proclaim it. The readings—excluding the Gospel—are an essential part of the liturgy.

God uses the voice of the lector to communicate His Word to the congregation at all liturgies and church services. Lectors strive to engage the assembly in the living Word of God. This ministry keeps alive the memory of how God has acted in nature and history from age to age, especially in the story of the Jewish people and above all in the gift of Jesus Christ and His Church. A lector’s modest and informal attire, preparation and reverence shown toward the sanctuary, where the Word is proclaimed, maintains the dignity of this ministry.

Fully initiated, practicing Catholics are welcome to join this ministry. To serve as a lector:

• You must be baptized, have received your first Communion, and be confirmed.
• Your life should bear witness to the Word you will be proclaiming.
• You should be comfortable with public speaking and reading aloud in front of a congregation.

Responsibilities and Schedule

As a lector, you are crucial in setting the tone for the Mass:

• Serving at St. Francis: 7:00 am or 10:00 am Mass
• Serving at St. Peter: 8:30 am, 10:00 am or 11:30 am (Spanish) Mass
• Reading the announcements before the Mass begins
• Proclaiming the first and second readings

Training

Don't worry if you've never done this before. Training is provided to all new candidates. Upon the completion of your training, you will receive a lector schedule detailing the dates and times you will serve.

Are You Called to Serve?

Proclamation of the Mass Scripture readings is more than simply reading. The proper exercise of this important ministry requires prayer, preparation and presentation. The lector’s proclamation engages the community of faith and prompts their response to God’s Word. At Mass, the power of the Word comes alive through the voices that proclaim it. We're in search of committed individuals to serve as lectors. Could that be you?

How to Get Involved

If the Spirit is calling you to this fulfilling role, we want to hear from you. For more information, please reach out to our office at 860-482-4433.

We invite you to be a part of this spiritual journey, enriching your faith while serving your community. Together, let's amplify the Word of God.