LECTORS HANDBOOK STO. NIÑO PARISH PANABO CITY
LECTORS OFFICERS 2023-2025 Coordinator: Dr. Elvie P. Jabines President: Jojeth Padillo Vice President: Niña Jane Famor Secretary: Jennelyn Basona Asst.Secretaries: Jobellyn A. Bontifola Ma. Teresa Q. Alvillar Treasurer : Annabella Madalo Asst. Treasurer: Ma. Cristina Pantastico Auditor: Alma L. Germo
Ginoong Hesus, daghan kaayong salamat sa Imong pagtawag kanako aron mahimong Lektor sa Eyukaristiyanong Kasaulogan. Itugot nga matinud-anon ko nga matuman ang akong pagpangandam pinaagi sa pagtoon sa Balaang mga Texto sa dili pa magsugod ang Santos nga Misa ug sa pagpaningkamot nga mahimong maayong Kristiano. Pinaagi sa akong pagbasa, ako nahimong instrument diin Ikaw anaa diha sa asembliya sa Imong pulong nga pinaagi niini, Imong napadayag ang Imong pagtulun-an. Ayaw itugot nga adunay mahimong kabilinggan kanako nga matak-op sa mga kasingkasing sa mga tawo sa lihok sa Imong Espiritu. Linisi ang akong kasingksing ug panumduman, ug ablihi ang akong ngabil aron mamahimo akong angay sa pagsangyaw sa imong pulong. Amen. PAG-AMPO SA LEKTOR 1
I. Kinaiyahan sa Pundok Ang Lectors’ Ministry, usa kini sa mga liturhikanhong ministriya nga nangalagad sa Simbahan pinaagi sa pagbasa o pagmantala sa Pulong sa Dios panahon sa Santos nga Misa o sa Kasaulogan sa Pulong. Kinaiya nga Angay Pagahuptan sa usa ka Lector Ang usa ka “Lector” maghupot sa usa ka kinaiya sa pagkamapaubsanon, masinabtanon ug makahibalo nga magpugong sa kaugalingon. Andam nga mogahin sa iyang panahon, abilidad, ug bahandi alang sa pagalagad ug kalambuan sa maong ministriya. Siya usab motahan sa iyang kaugalingon sa pagpangalagad sa kinasing-kasing gayud diha sa Parokya ug sa Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban o GKK diin siya nahisakop. MGA PALISIYA SA LECTORS’ MINISTRY 2
II. Membership (Pagpasakop) 1. Basic - Ang gustong magpasakop sa “Lectors Ministry” kinahanglan nga: a. Babae o lalaki nga binunyagan, kinasal sa simbahan kon minyo nagedad og 18 anyos pataas, nga maayo ang sumbanan sa moralidad. b. Adunay katakos ug kahanas sa pagbasa. 2. Requirements - Adunay rekomendasyon pirmado sa iyang GKK President. 3. Basic Orientation Seminar o BOS - Moapil ug mobayad sa membership registration fee ug registration fee nga gitakda sa maong seminar. 4. Screening- Ang mga nangapil ug nakahuman sa BOS para sa mga “potential” nga mga Lectors, kinahanglan makapasar sa “Screening Committee” una siya ma-install nga 3
Lector o magbabasa sa Bisaya, Tagalog ug sa English nga pagahimoon sa last day sa BOS. Ang listahan sa mga Lectors nga nakapasar sa Bisaya, Tagalog ug sa Englis i-submit ngadto sa Kura Paroko aron ma-schedule ang Installation/Commissioning. Ang mga Reader sa Bisaya dili mahimo nga mobasa sa Tagalog ug English kung wala siya makapasar sa screening. Apan mahimo siya magpa-screen ug usab para mahibaloan kung angayan na ba siya nga mobasa sa Tagalog ug sa English. 5. Installation/ Send off - Ang installation sa mga bag-ong Lectors pagahimoon sa usa ka “Rito sa Pagdawat” / “Order for the Blessing/Commisioning of Lectors” sulod sa Santos nga Misa. 4
III. Proper Attire o Uniform Lalake- White Plain Barong with long sleeves, black slacks/pants, black socks and black shoes. Babaye- White long sleeve, skirt without slit and below the knee, and black shoes (closed) during Sundays ug mga “Special Occassions”. Ang babaye nga mobasa, kinahanglan dili magpantalon, walay alahas ug walay make-up. 1. 2. IV. Meeting 1. Mini Vicariate (District) - iatol ang meeting sa mga Lectors sa districts sa ila mismomg District Meeting kada bulan. 2. Parish Wide -Kada ikaduhang Dominggo sa bulan ipahigayon ang meeting, gikan 9:30 sa buntag 5
hangtod sa alas 3:00 sa hapon. Mao kini ang han-ay sa pagpadagan sa meeting: Opening Prayer using the Standard Prayer for Lectors Bible Reading and Sharing: Sharing of thoughts and experiences are open to everyone in attendance Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting as reported by the Secretary and concurred/approved by the members Treasurer’s Report on Cash Collections, Expenses and Cash Balance. President’s Time: Issues discussed in the KPKA Meeting are announced for the benefit of the members Agenda: Activities planned for the succeeding months 6
Evaluation of Past Month’s Performance based on members’ observations and feedbacks or comments from the priests and parishioners Scheduling of Readers for the Succeeding Month for all Lectors present for Sundays and daily Masses Adjournment and Closing Prayer V. Duties and Responsibilities of Officers of the Ministry Ensures that qualification standards are met. Organizes or conducts training for new lectors according to the guidelines set forth by the Liturgical Commission Communicates new or changed procedures to all lectors 1. Parish Lector Coordinator 1. 2. 3. 7
4. Serves as the representative of Lectors in the Parish to the Diocesan level. 5. Attends and participates Parish Pastoral Council (PPC)/KPKA meetings and activities. Supervises the Ministry in the Parish. Presides over Regular Monthly Meetings, Meeting of Officers and/or Core Group with the Parish Lector Coordinator and Spiritual Director, and Emergency Meetings as the need arises. Attends KPKA Meetings. Attends Diocesan Lectors Meetings when called upon in behalf of the Parish Coordinator. Attends Meetings on Liturgy in preparation for Christmas, Lent 2. Officers a. Parish wide PRESIDENT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 8
Supervises and manages the preparation of all readings for all Sunday’s masses, Holy days and special occasions like Christmas and New Year, Lenten Season, Parochial Fiesta and others. Sees to it that all Readers are properly assigned in accordance with their respective schedule; and Parochial Fiesta together with the Parish Lector Coordinator. 6. Coordinates with the Parish Coordinator on matters relating to the activities of the Ministry together with the Parish Lector Coordinator. 7. Attends to problems that affect the Ministry and its members. VICE PRESIDENT 1. 2. 9
3. Attend Regular Monthly Meetings, Emergency Meetings and Meetings of the Officers and/or Core Group; 4. Performs other duties that may be assigned by the President and Parish Lector Coordinator. 5. In the absence of the President, to take over the duties and responsibilities as President. Records Minutes of All Regular Meetings, Emergency Meetings and Core Group Meetings. Presents the Minutes of the Previous Meetings on the month following for ratification and approval by the membership, where comments and objections are to be heard to approval. SECRETARY 1. 2. 10
3. Prepares and posts Schedule of Readers for the Month after the Monthly Meeting for the information of those concerned readers. 4. Prepares all materials needed for Readings in the Holy Masses during Sundays and special occasions to be used initially during Practicums. 5. Handles the registration of members in the coordination with the Treasurer during Seminar (BOS), Growth Seminar, Renewal and Recollection and others. 6. Makes an update on the list of active members on a semestral basis solely for the purpose of information. 7. Attends all meetings. 8. Maintains all records of the Ministry; and to turnover the same to the next elected Secretary. 9. Performs other duties that may be assigned by the president or Parish Lector Coordinator from time to time. 11
Performs all cash collections due to the Ministry, such as Monthly Dues and Registration Fees from BOS, seminars, renewal and recollections. Prepares a Monthly Report on Cash Receipts and Expenses and present the same during the monthly meeting. Coordinates with the Auditor on the propriety of the Monthly Report. Ensures the safekeep of all cash funds of the Ministry. Disburses expenses that are approved (The Officers of the Ministry when meeting as a core group can approve expenses for the Ministry and can be considered as a Board Meeting). Maintains all records of cash collections and expenses. TREASURER 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 12
Ensures the propriety of all cash receipts and expenses thru audit and review of all records of the Treasurer. Endorses and signs the Financial Report prepared by the Treasurer to signify its correctness to be presented during the Monthly Meeting. Attends all meetings. AUDITOR 1. 2. 3. Committee on Spirituality Committee on Education Groupings 1-5 according to the length of Service Matag distrito adunay District Head; District 1-7 COMMITTEE HEADS 1. 2. 3. b. Mini Vicariate (Districts) DISTRICT HEADS 13
Ang Parish Lector Coordinator, appointed kin isa Kura Paroko, depende pod sa gasunod na Kura kung siya gihapon ang himoong Coordinator. Ang Parish officers, tag duha ka tuig ang isa ka term. Ipa-agi kini og election para sa new set of officers. Ang mga Committee Heads, magdepende sa decision sa New Set of Officers. Ang District Heads na election, mag depende sa district kung naay election o wala. 3. Terms of Office VI. Mga Kalihukan 1. Calendarization a. Updating – ginahimo sa dili pa magsugod ang monthly meeting b. Training and Worshop - para sa epektibo nga pagbasa sa Bisaya, Tagalog ug English 14
c. Recollection- kaduha sa isa ka tuig pagahimoon: Advent ug Lent d. Pilgrimage- pagahimoon bisan kausa sa isa ka tuig, itunong sa bakasyon (JUNE) e. Sporstfest- alang sa mga batan - on ug hamtong na mga lectors sa Parokya kada tuig (JULY) f. Christmas Party- matag Disyembre katapusang semana agig pasalamat sa mga grasya sa tibuok tuig. g. Recollection- kaduha sa isa ka tuig pagahimoon: Advent ug Lent h. Pilgrimage- pagahimoon bisan kausa sa isa ka tuig, itunong sa bakasyon (JUNE) i. Sporstfest- alang sa mga batan -on ug hamtong na mga lectors sa Parokya kada tuig (JULY) j. Christmas Party- matag Disyembre katapusang semana, 15
agig pasalamat sa mga grasya sa tibuok tuig. 2. Bible Seminar (On going Formation) Ang usa ka lector moseminar gayod mahitungod sa Bibliya aron molambo ang iyang ispirituhanong kinabuhi isip lector. 3. Uban pa a. Pagsuporta sa tanang kalihokan sa Parish Day matag Ikatulong Sabado sa Enero; b. Pagsuporta sa tanang kalihokan sa Semana Santa; c. Lenten Recollection ug confession panahon sa Semana Santa; d. Basic Orientation Seminar matag Hulyo sa tuig para sa bagong Lector, aron kini magmakusganon pinaagi sa dugang nga mga miembro; e. Growth Seminar matag Agosto sa tuig para sa kalambuan sa 16
espirituhanong aspeto sa mga lectors; f. Pagsuporta sa mga kalihokan sa Kapistahan ni Sto. Niño matag Ikatulong Domingo sa Seyyembre; g. Pagbag-o sa Panaad or Renewal of Commitment to Serve matag Octubre sa tuig; ug h. Lectors Ministry Evaluation human sa Renewal; i. Binulan nga meeting; j. Paghatag og panahon sa pagtimbaya sa mga kaparian sa ilang adlaw’ng natawhan ug annibersaryo sa pagkapari; k. Pagsuporta sa mga kalihukan sa ubang mga apostolado (COLLABORATION) sama sa Flores de Mayo, Santacruzan, Month of Rosary, kalihukan sa mga Apostoles ug uban pa; l. Pagsuporta sa tanang kalihokan sa Christmas Season/New Year; ug m. Christmas Party alang sa tanang Lectors. 17
VI. Mga Kaakuhan sa usa ka lector 1. Attendance Ang Lector kinahanglan nga motambong sa mga kalihukan ug pagtulun-an nga kabahin sa maong ministriya, sama sa: a. Binulan nga panagtigom o monthly meeting nga pagahimoon kada ikaduhang Domingo sa bulan; b. Seminars ug mga lectures nga kabahin sa pagpalambo sa espirituhanong aspeto sa tawo; c. Recollection ug Renewal of Commitment to Serve as Lectors; d. Mga emergency meetings o panagtigom nga ipatawag sa pangulo. e. Tanang kalihukan na nahisulat sa Section VI niining talamdanan 18
1. Mga Angay ’ng Buhaton Isip Bag-o ug Daang Miembro a. Punctuality- ang usa ka magbabasa moabot gayud sa hustong oras o trenta (30) minutos sa dili pa magsugod ang Santos nga Misa aron makapangandam. b. Ang Lector dili maghinambid sa paglingkod ug dili magtabi sa kauban, dili maggawas-gawas panahon sa Santos nga Misa. c. Ang ba-ong miembro, moobserba una kung unsay pagahimoon sa Santos nga Misa sulod sa (1) usa ka bulan una pa siya mahatagan ug assignment o schedule sa adlaw’ng Domingo. Apan mahimo siyang matagaan og schedule sa GKK ug sa daily mass d. Ang bag-ong miembro kinahanglan paresan ug daang miembro panahon sa Santos nga Misa aron may makatudlo/makaayuda o makatabang 19
kaniya sa angay niyang buhaton. e. Mo-apil sa binulang panagtigum nga pagahimoon matag ikaduhang Domingo sa bulan ug mobayad sa monthly dues nga biente pesos. f. Ang usa ka lector dili magpili sa iyang basahon, Bisaya, Tagalog man o English. 1st Reading o 2nd Reading o Commentator man. Kinahanglan nga maagian niya kining tanan aron mahanas siya isip usa ka Lector. Apan kon kulang ang iyang pagsalig sa pagbasa labi na sa Tagalog o sa English dili una siya magpaschedule. g. Ang Lector nga dili makasunod o makabasa sa iyang schedule, kinahanglan mangita og laing Lector nga makapuli kaniya ug kini magpahibalo sa bisepresident/pangulo. Ang mopuli kinahanglan nga tagaan og igong panahon aron makapangandam. 20
h. Sa adlaw’ng Domingo, kon aduna pay misa nga mosunod, ang Lector human sa iyang schedule dili mobiya dayon sa simbahan samtang wala pa moabot ang mga magbabasa sa sunod nga misa. Mao kini ang buhaton aron malikayan ang sitwasyon nga kulang o walay readers ang sunod nga misa. i. Ang mga Lectors, kinahanglan moapil sa mga kalihokan ug patulun-an nga kabahin ug ipahigayon sa maong Apostolado alang sa paglambo sa espirituhanong aspeto sa tawo. j. Kon adunay wala ma-uyonan o adunay gikasaway sa mga pamaagi o wala magustuhan, kinahanglan nga ipadayag kini nga ana-a lang gihapon ang pagtahud ug pag-respeto aron malikayan ang pagbingkil-bingkil o panaglalis nga moresulta sa dili pagsinabtanay sa grupo. 21
k. Ang Lector nga naulahi pag-abot sa Santos nga Misa, dili na mopuli sa Lector nga nakasugod na bisan pa ug siya ang nakaschedule. 3. Mga Importanteng Pahinumdom a. Magti-ayon, anak o igsoon nga parehong miembro sa Lectors Ministry kinahanglan usag-usa magbayad sa monthly dues nga 20 pesos present o absent man sa meeting. b. Kon mag-ama, mag-ina, magasawa o mag-igsoon, mahimo nga isa lang ang moapil/motambong sa meeting ug mahimo mahatagan og schedule. c. Ang schedule sa usa ka Lector dili mahimong itugon ug dili ipaagi sa “text message” gawas kung aduna syay balido na rason nganong wala sya makatambaong sa meeting. d. Ang mga Pahibalo nga basahon sa panahon sa Misa, kinahanglan 22
aprubado sa Kura Paroko. Walay Lector/Commentator mga modawat og pahibalo nga itunol panahon sa misa gawas kon kini importante gyud kayo ug naay pirma/aprubado sa kura paroko. e. Ang dili motambong sa binulan nga meeting sulod sa tulo (3) ka bulan dili pagahatagan og Sunday assignment sa iyang pagbalik. Mahimo siyang hatagan og assignment sa daily mass. Mahatagan siya og Sunday assignment sa sunod nga bulan kon magpakita na siya og interest sa pagbalik o pagsilbi isip usa ka lector. 4. Pagbag-o sa Panaad Isip usa ka Lector, ang tinuig nga pagbag-o sa panaad o “Renewal of Commitment to Serve” kinahanglan nga pagatumanon ug kini pagahimoon matag bulan sa Hulyo. Ang Lector magdala og rekomendasyon nga aprubado sa Pangulo sa GKK aron makaapil sa maong renewal. Ang usa ka 23
Lector nga dili maka-apil o dili makarenew o makabag-o sa iyang panaad, dili una makabasa sulod sa panahon nga ang Lector wala pa makatuman niini. Ang mga miembro sa Lectors Ministry, ginahatagan og higayon sa pagbag-o sa ilang panaad sa laing Parokya sakop sa Sto. Niño Vicariate. Sama sa San Agustin Parish, Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, San Pedro Parish ug Mary Mediatrix of All Graces Parish. Sila magdala sa GKK rekomendasyon nga gi-endorsed sa Lectors Coordinator ug aprobado sa Kura Paroko sa Sto. Niño Parish. Human sa renewal, sila magdala og certificate nga sila nakatambong ug nakahuman sa pagbag-o sa ilang panaad,pirmado sa Lectors Coordinator ug Kura Paroko sa nahisgutan nga Parokya. Ang Sto. Niño Parish sa samang paagi modawat usab sa mga Lectors gikan sa ubang Parokya nga magpa-renew sa ilang panada isip Lectors. 24
THE LECTORS’ MINISTRY BASIC ORIENTATION SEMINAR The BOS is usually conducted in April or May to enable the students to participate and join the seminar during the summer vacation. A recommendation to conduct the BOS for new lectors is submitted to the Parish Priest for approval. It includes tentative dates and registration fees for participants coming from the GKKs. GKKs to prequalify the participants and provide them with GKK recommendations going to the seminar. This is a two-day seminar, Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 5pm with lectures on the following subjects: Basis Bible Study The Ministry in General and Lectors in particulars 1. 2. 25
3. The Conduct of Discipline of a Lector in the Holy Mass and Outside of the Church 4. Spirituality 5. Personal Commitment to serve as Lectors 6. Discussion on the Policies formulated by the Ministry which cover: 6.1 Qualification of Membership 6.2 Proper Decorum to include Decent Attire or Uniform 6.3 Discipline, Duties, and Responsibilities to follow and observe as Lectors 6.4 Monthly dues 7. Commissioning of Lectors as scheduled by the Parish Priest GROWTH SEMINAR The Seminar is conducted after the 26
Life and Dignity of the Human Person Call to Family, Community and Participation Rights and Responsibilities commissioning of new lectors to give importance to our Catholic Faith with emphasis on the Church's key teachings on: 1. 2. 3. The speaker must delve into one or all subjects for a one-day seminar good for eight (8) hours. RENEWAL OF COMMITMENT TO SERVE AS LECTORS This is a one-day lecture/seminar on the importance of the Lectors. The Duties and Moral Obligations the Lector has to undertake in his/her personal capacity and in the Celebration of the Liturgy of the Mass. This is usually 27
conducted during the month of October and commissioning is done on the last Sunday of the Year: the Feast of Christ the King. RECOLLECTION Lectors to participate in the Parishwide Lenten Recollection conducted by the Parish or a separate recollection schedule approved by the Parish Priest. PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR LECTORS FOR THE STO. NIÑO PARISH Thank you for being a liturgical minister at Sto. Niño Parish! The ministry of lector is one of the most visible roles of service in the sacred liturgy. The Parish leadership is grateful for your faithful service, careful preparation and loving commitment to proclaiming the Good News in word and deed. 28
ROLE OF THE LECTOR “When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel.” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no.29). What then must we do to properly receive the Word of God proclaimed at Mass? General Instruction tells us that “the readings from the Word of God are to be listened to reverently by everyone” and that those who read the Scriptures at Mass must be “truly suited to carrying out this function and carefully prepared so that by their hearings and readings from the sacred texts the faithful may conceive in their hearts a sweet and living affection for Sacred Scripture”. SPIRITUALITY Lectors should strive to live the Catholic Faith in spirit and in truth. 29
Regular Mass attendance, daily prayer (especially meditation on the Scripture and Eucharistic Adoration), regular confession, and participation in faith formation and the life of the parish are key. To proclaim the Word of God in a compelling and powerful manner, lectors should heed the Lord’s invitation to ongoing conversion and friendship with Him. We cannot give what we do not have, so we rely on the Lord to fill us with His strength. Consider this prayer as the basis for your spirituality as a lector: The Lord be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart that I may worthily proclaim the words of salvation. PROCEDURES Preparation Practice readings several days in advance of your assigned Mass. 30
Read the texts aloud, pray about them, and consult Bible commentaries and pronunciation guides as needed. Arrival at Mass Lectors should arrive 30 minutes before mass to sign in. please show up if you have been scheduled, it is your responsibility to find a substitute. Please be respectful of the Eucharist and the ministry, do not wait until the day that you have been schedule to find a substitute. All liturgical ministers need ample time to prepare to serve in the Eucharistic celebration. Before Mass After signing in, proceed to the ambo and check that the lectionary is turned to the correct readings for the day. Go over the readings again to ensure that you are comfortable with the text and pronunciations. 31
The readers should sit in the reserved seats at the left side of the altar (when you are facing the altar). Once the celebrant (priest) has concluded the Opening Prayer (Mag-ampo kita), approach the sanctuary and bow deeply toward the altar before taking your place at the ambo. If a Commentator is present, wait for the Commentator to make the introduction to the readings before you start reading. Begin the First Reading: A reading from the book of…. Pause for 2 to 3 seconds, then continue with the text. Read slowly, loudly, clearly, and with dignity. Make eye contact with the assembly. After the last line of the reading, look up, pause for 2 to 3 seconds, and say: “The Word of the Lord.” The Readings 32
Responsorial Psalm: If the Psalm is to be sung (typically on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, (after the First Reading): Do not introduce the Psalm by saying: “The Responsorial Psalm is”… or similar words. Do not repeat the response with the congregation. - Meet the Cantor at the side of the ambo and stand next to each other facing the altar. Together make a profound bow. - The Cantor takes the place at the ambo. Meanwhile, take your seat in the reserved seat. If the Psalm is not sung: Remain at the ambo. Pause in silence. Then proceed to read the Psalm. When the Responsorial Psalm is completed, the Second Reader 33
After the Second Reading: When you have completed the reading, close the lectionary and bring it to your seat so that the priests or deacon has room for the Book of the Gospels. Bow toward the altar and return to your seat. Prayers of the Faithful When the priest read the introduction to the prayers and says, let your response be… the second reader to approach the ambo and take his/her place to read the Prayers of the faithful. Read each petition clearly, slowly and with dignity. should approach the ambo and stand next to the Cantor (or the First Reader). Together make a profound bow. The Second Reader takes his/her place at the ambo, waits for the Commentator if present for the introduction and you proclaim the Second Reading. 34
·Wait until the celebrant has finished the closing prayer at the end of the Prayers of the Faithful before returning to your seat. GUIDELINES AND TIPS Dress Code Lectors should dress neatly, in a way consonant with the dignity of their role. Good taste and common sense are the best guides in this area. What you wear sends signals to the assembly about how seriously you take your ministry. Dress how you proclaim- with dignity and respect. The focus must always be on the reading, not the reader. Men and women are encouraged to wear the prescribed uniform. White long sleeve barong, black pants, black socks and black shoes for men. 35
Body Language The moment you step forward you are sending signals to your listeners. Are you reverent, dignified, and sincere or hurried and anxious, or cavalier? These signals come from how you carry yourself and what you wear. If physically able to do so, you should adopt a good posture and walk with hands folded or kept naturally at your side. Walk at a reverent pace, slower than usual. Do not bounce, swagger or sashay and above all, do not run or appear hurried. 36
Posture Upon reaching the ambo stand squarely behind it. Stand on two feet, not one. Do not lean. Place your hands lightly on the ambo. Always strive to appear dignified, not nervous or casual. Do not put your hands anywhere other than on the lectionary or ambo or comfortably at your sides. Do not put your hands in the pocket, on your lips, behind your back, or in folded arms. These gestures are uninviting and distracting. Above all, do not use your hands at any point during the reading. It is theatrical, inappropriate, and will annoy your listeners. Announcement Line The announcement line tells the listeners from whom or from where the reading comes from, (e.g. the book of the prophet Isaiah). 37
Proclaim the announcement line loudly and clearly (Kinutlo gikan sa Basahon ni Propeta Isaias). You will get the assembly’s attention if you start out in a positive, dignified, and determined manner. if you rush the announcement line, you are likely to rush the rest of the reading. Pause for two to three seconds after the announcement line is read. This will give the assembly a chance to place the prophet, era, or Biblical location in their minds and ready them to actively listen to the passage. “A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah:” (two to three seconds pause) Thus says the Lord…. 38
When you first get to the ambo. When you proclaim the announcement line At the end of a sentence During key words or phrases At changes in the text (e.g., changes in mood, time, place, character, relationship, etc. Just before the closing line (i.e. “The word of the Lord”) During and after the closing line. Eye Contact You may be doing everything else rightproper pace, effectively pausing, speaking in a clear, engaging manner, and so on but if you do not look at your listeners, you will not connect with them. Those with the ability to look their assembly in the eye will exude confidence and win credibility for the message they are proclaiming. Here are some of the best times to look directly at your assembly: 39
It is also important to span the entire congregation when making eye contact-left, center, right, front, and back Rate What do you think are the two biggest complaints about lectors’ performance? One is the rate and the other is the volume (i.e. “They read too fast” and “I can’t hear them”). The rate refers to how quickly or slowly one speaks. (It does not mean how much time one takes between thoughts or phrases, that’s pausing). The best rate for a particular passage depends on the content of the reading but as a general rule, lectors should proclaim at one-half their normal speaking voice. That’s right, one-half. Slowing down accomplishes several things. First, people do not listen as fast as you may speak. They, the listeners need time to digest what you are saying 40
to them. Unless you slow down, they may not be able to keep up and will simply tune out. At that point, you’ve lost them and all that practice and preparation would have for nothing. Secondly, slowing down helps achieve clearer pronunciation and brings an added dimension of power to the reading. Try it and see the difference for yourself. Proper breathing Volume The other of the two most common criticisms that listeners have of lectors is they cannot be heard. Sometimes, the problem is equipment related but more often than not, it has to do with the lector’s ability to project, voice quality and/or their use of the microphone. The keys to projecting effectively are: 41
A natural gift of volume Correct microphone usage Confidence To provide a smooth transition when reading is changing direction To allow listeners to absorb an important point To provide space between multiple thoughts in the same sentence To take a breath Before and after quotes to offset the quote from the character or narrator Before the closing time, “The word of the Lord.” Pausing Silence is golden, at least in the right spots. The proper use of pausing is essential to effective proclaiming. Let us consider some obvious places to use the pause: 42
Keep in mind that pauses used too frequently within a sentence or paragraph will create a choppy effect. Strive for smoothness and fluidity. Pauses that interrupt a phrase or grouping of words in the wrong places can change the meaning or intended feeling. Pauses that are too long or too frequent can kill the pace of the reading and create drag. Reverence Always approach your reading with reverence. It will come across as you do your reading. Enunciation Read distinctly and slowly (about half the speed of regular speech). Give emphasis in the reading where indicated in the workbook. SOME THINGS FOR LECTORS TO REMEMBER 43
Attention Keep the congregation’s attention to the Word by looking up often during the reading to different sections of the church. Tip: follow the text with your finger so as not to lose your place when you look up. Dedication Do your homework. Read the readings several days before your assigned Mass. Once you feel you have perfected the way you want to do the reading- Practice reading it to a spouse or friend. Study your readings. “That in all things, God may be glorified.” 44
Merciful Father, it is a privilege to minister at your altar. I believe that during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Church offers to you the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ our High Priest and King. I also believe that during the Eucharistic Banquet bread and wine are changed into the living Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, Your Son and our Savior. O Lord Jesus, how happy I am that You have called me to minister at Your Altar. May I never forget that the Mass is the greatest action on earth and the most important thing I can do today. O Holy Spirit, give me the grace to fulfill my sacred duty with faith, reverence, and love, so that what I do may be pleasing to You, assist your People in praising You, and obtain for us all the fruits of this Holy Mass. Amen. 45
LECTORS’ MINISTRY EVALUATION To help in you evaluation, please place a number in the box as: 1 - I am not doing it (Wala nako nabuhat o ginabuhat) 2- I am working on it (Naningkamot pa ko mabuhat) 3 - I do it sometimes (Mabuhat nako usahay o panagsa) 4 - I do it always (Ginabuhat nako pirmi o kanunay) FAITH OF THE LECTOR ___ I have the desire to proclaim the Word of the Lord especially to those who are deprived of the gospel message. ___ I am committed to my Lectors’ Ministry and arrange for a substitute when I have a conflict. 46
___ I faithfully participate in the Sunday Eucharist. ___ I sincerely try to live the gospel message in my communal and individual life. ___ I seek to attend formation opportunities that help me grow in faith, knowledge, and love of the living God. SKILLS OF THE LECTOR ___ I “proclaim” the words of the Scripture rather than “reading.” ___ I boldly express the feelings and emotions that are contained in the Scripture. ___ I can be heard in Church. ___ I wear clothes appropriate to the dignity in God’s presence. 47
___ I attend growth seminars/ workshops to sharpen my skills as a lector. ___ I continue to seek critics in my delivery and am open to evaluation. ___ I feel assured and positive after I have proclaimed a reading. ___ I incorporate stresses, pauses, and adequate projection. ___ I learn the correct pronunciations for words by consulting various sources. WORK OF THE LECTOR ___ I spend time praying with the text and reflecting on its message. 48