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Lectors
The ministry of reader calls us to be servants of the Living Word of God. In proclaiming the readings at liturgy, the reader does more than simply read. A reader's spirituality must include an understanding of Holy Scripture as God's Living Word made present to mankind throughout history, but most fully present in the person of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
 
Questions and Answers for Readers
Who may proclaim scripture duing Mass?

Laypersons (readers) may be commissioned to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture. The duty of the reader is to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, withe the exception of the Gospel. A reader may also announce the intentions for the Prayer of the Faithful and, in the absence of a psalmist, proclaim the Psalm between the readings.

The readings should be proclaimed by a lector or reader, and the Gospel by a deacon or, in his absence, a priest ofther than the celebrant. If a deacon or another priest is not present, the priest celebrant himself should read the Gospel. Further, if another suitable lector is also not present, then the priest celebrant should also proclaim the other readings.

After each reading, whoever reads gives the acclamation, to which the gathered people reply, honoring the word of God that hey have received in faith and iwth grateful hearts.

What are the requirements for a reader of the Word at liturgy?
For all parish liturgies, Readers should be formed and fully initiated Catholics. In the ministry of lector/reader, the reader is ministering to th ecommunity. This is most appropriately done when the individual is able to proclaim the Scripture from the depths of their lived faith.
What kind of training is helpful for readers?
Those who exercise the ministry of reader must be truly suited and carefully prepared, so that the faithful may develop a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture from listening to the sacred readings. Trining should include both spiritual and technical preparation. Biblical formation of the reader should enable the reader to understnad the readings in context and to perceive by the light of faith th ecentral point of the revfealed message. The liturgical formation should equip the reader with some grasp of the meaning and structure of the Liturgy of the Word and of the significance of its connection with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The technical preparation should make the reader more skilled in the art of reading publicly, and include their own voice along with proper use of sound equipment.
How should a reader prepare for his/her part in the Liturgy?

The reader should prayerfully prepare before arriving for th ecelebration of Mass by reading the assigned scripture, taking care to discern the meaning and importance of the text. THe reader should also practice the readings aloud, making sure to pronounce words distinctly, and to understand their meaning. The ministry of reader is one of evangelization, inviting the assembly into a deeper and richer relationship with God, and as such the reader should come prepared to proclaim the Word with conviction and passion. The reader should also arrive at Church early enough to attend to any practical details, such as placement of the microphone, reading over the announcements and/or petitions, and to communicate with the priest about any necessary details.

Parishes give their readers aids that assist in their preparation to proclaime the readings. THese "workbooks" give the reader the insights and pronunciations needed to clearly proclaim the Word of God. The Lector Workbook or the missalette may never be used during the celebration of Mass to proclaim the Word. The Lectionary and the Book of Gospels are to be the only books used in the proclamation of the Word.

What is the importance of periods of silence?
The Liturgy of the Word is to be celebrated in such a way as to promote meditation. During the Liturgy of the Word, it is appropriate to include brief periods of silence, in which the Word of God may be grasped by the heart, and a response through prayer may be prepared. It is appropriate to observe such periods of silence, for example, before the Liturgy of the Word itself begins, after the first and second readings, and lastly at the conclusion of the homily.
How should scripture be proclaimed?

In the faithful proclamation of Scripture the reader has the privilege of sharing the Word of God with the assembly. When Scripture is truly proclaimed with conviction, the readings can stir souls to gratitude, call sinners to conversion, console the despairing and exhort those who have become lax.

Scriptural texts are to be spoken in an audible, clear voice. The tone of voice should correspond to the genre of the text itsef, that is, the tone should be suited to the form of celebration and to the solemnity of the gathering. Care should be given to correct and careful pronunciation of words. Readers should speak at a moderate pace, so that the Word will be easily understood. Occasional eye contact with the assembly is appropriate. At the conclusion of the reading, the reader should pause, look out at the assembly and proclaim "The Word of the Lord."