Prayer Of A Minister Of The Word

Lord, invest me with your power as I prepare to proclaim the marvel of your message.

I have prepared my reading, I have tried to take within me the meaning of what I am about to proclaim. Help me to proclaim, not just with my lips, but with my whole heart and soul.  Lord, make me a hollow reed so that your voice will be heard by all who hear me.

Free me of excessive concern over my performance. Convert my feeling of nervousness and turn all my apprehension into an energy for proclaiming your word with power and authority.

May your Spirit live in me and

fill the holy word that I proclaim.

From the lectors of Our Lady, Star of the Sea Parish, Singapore

Lectors

Lectors proclaim the scriptures in a way that reminds us that God's word is alive here and now. In leading the general intercessions, lectors remind us of our connections to local and global communities and help us pray for those in need.

The preparation material that is provided helps lectors gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of scripture. Lectors help to feed the assembly from the table of the word, just as Eucharistic ministers help to feed the assembly from the table of the Eucharist.

Skills Needed

Those in this ministry should possess good public reading skills (articulation and pacing) and a manner of speaking that draws attention not to the speaker, but to the word of God.

Time Commitment

Lectors are rotated, serving at Mass about once every four weeks. Two lectors are assigned to each Mass and share the duties of proclaiming the word, leading general intercessions, and reading church announcements.

Discernment

Prospective lectors meet with the lector coordinator to discuss what is required in the ministry.

Every new lector has an opportunity to practice proclaiming some readings in the church in order to become accustomed to the sound system and our reverberant space. We will provide feedback and help new lectors become comfortable with the mechanics of this essential ministry.