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Lectors

- LECTOR
  
  Quote
  The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. -Is 50:4
  
  Ministry Description
  This passage from the prophet Isaiah captures the essence of what it means to be a lector. Proclamation of the Mass’ Scripture readings as a Lector is more than simply reading. Effective proclamation is both a gift and a skill that must be developed before it can be used so that the faithful may develop a warm and lively love for Sacred Scripture from listening to the sacred texts. Preparation should be spiritual, scriptural, and practical. Spiritual preparation involves prayer over the text and reflection on its message. Scriptural preparation involves understanding the text. Practical preparation involves mastering difficult words, learning the right pronunciation and practicing the delivery of the text aloud. It is necessary that those who exercise the ministry of lector….be truly suited and carefully prepared. God speaks through you as you proclaim the readings.
  
  Requirements
  Lectors are required to be:
  
  Registered parishioners of St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Parish.
  
  Baptized, received First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the Catholic Church.
  
  Regularly attend weekend Mass
  
  Have current SAFE HAVEN training certification [See Attachment 1]
  
  If married, the ceremony was either performed in or has been validated by the Catholic Church.
  
  Exceptions to Requirements:
  
  For weddings and funerals – The priest or deacon will decide with the family.
  
  By special request a child may be permitted to proclaim the Word of God after demonstrating their ability to the priest or deacon. He/she must have received all of the sacraments available for his/her age.
  
  Please visit with a Deacon from the parish if you have any questions about these requirements.
  
  Contact: Deacon Steve Mistretta / Mark Civaglia
  Download the Full Document including Application
- Prayer for Lectors
  
  Prayer for Lectors
  
  V In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
  
  Father, as I share in the work of the Holy Spirit,
  Who opens our hearts to God’s holy Word,
  bless me in my task of telling the story of salvation.
  Give me grace to proclaim the true and saving word of God
  As a messenger of God’s love for us all.
  
  Oh Holy Spirit, open my heart to that which I proclaim.
  Be with me as I study the Scripture and prepare the Word which is yours to speak.
  Grant me your gift of understanding so that the passage may dwell deep within me.
  
  Let me approach the Ambo, the Table of the Lord’s Word, with reverence and awe.
  Let me handle the book of the Lord’s Word with great care
  knowing it is a Tabernacle of the Lord’s presence.
  Let my eyes fall often on the faces of the Assembly
  knowing they are the body of the Lord whose Word I proclaim.
  Let the Lord’s peace settle in my heart that my voice may be clear and steady.
  Let my voice echo the sound of the Word with conviction,
  gentleness, strength and wonder.
  
  As I proclaim the words of Holy Scripture
  which challenges, confronts, and captures our hearts;
  which heals, comforts and consoles;
  which feeds the hungers and the longing of our hearts for truth;
  let me offer the story of the great things the Lord has done for us
  that we might turn to the table of Holy Eucharist with good cause
  to give thanks and praise.
  
  In awesome reverence of the Word I proclaim,
  as one judged and saved by the Word,
  I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen
  (Adapted from the writings of Austin Fleming)
- Link to more information
  
  Lector Ministry Document
  
  Safe Haven [Att. 1]
  
  SCHEDULING [ATT 2]
  
  DRESS, DEMEANOR, DISCIPLINE [ATT 3]