St. Thomas à Becket Catholic Church
Proclaimers of the Word
(Instituted Readers)

ectors

Lector Schedule

Daily and Sunday Readings

     Proclaimers of the Word (Lectors) are volunteers from among our parish community. The primary duty of the lector is to proclaim the word of God. It requires a dedicated, responsible person to effectively proclaim the Word. Knowledge and understanding of Scripture is ESSENTIAL for the parish Lector.
     Lectors must also have good diction, articulation and reading skills. Being at ease while reading to a large group of people is also a plus. A brief orientation and training session is required prior to one being assigned to proclaim the word during Mass.
     Our newly trained Proclaimers of the Word are partnered with an experienced lector. We Schedule our Lectors to Proclaim the Word once every four weeks, so that they may be afforded ample time to prepare.

If you have any questions or if you want to volunteer to become an Instituted Reader, please contact the parish office

(703) 437-7113

Guidelines for Instituted Readers

The duties of the instituted reader are described as specific to him and "he alone ought to perform [them], even though ordained ministers may be present." (99) In the absence of an instituted reader, other truly qualified people may proclaim the scriptures, provided they have been carefully prepared. (101) The functions of the master of ceremonies (106), musicians, (103), sacristan (105) commentator (105), collectors and ushers/greeters (105) are likewise described.

An expansion of the roles relating to the Word of God recalls that because the office of reading
the Scriptures is a ministerial, not a presidential function, "the readings should be delivered by a reader, the Gospel being proclaimed by the deacon or by a priest other than the celebrant." (59)

In the absence of a deacon, the reader, "wearing the appropriate vesture, may carry the Book of the Gospels slightly elevated" in the entrance procession. (194) Upon entering the sactuary, he places the Book of the Gospels on the altar. Then, he takes up his position in the sactuary with the other ministers. (195) The Lectionary, however, is never carried in procession. (120)

Vesture for lay ministers (339)

In the dioceses of the United States of America, acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate and dignified clothing.