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“The very best celebration of the Eucharist is one where the Word of God is broken open by well-prepared readers and skillful preacher. Such an encounter enables and ennobles us to go forth and spread the Word and do that good which Jesus did during his days among us.” - The Most Robert N. Lynch
The Most Robert N. Lynch in his Pastoral Letter 2007: Living Eucharist: Gathered, Nourished, Sent
Role
As a reader, we are called to have an intimate relationship with God through the scriptures. It is our responsibility to share that relationship with our parish community.
“Ministers of the divine Word may be able to distribute fruitfully the nourishment of the scriptures of the People of God.” (Dei Verbum #6.23)
Distinction of Role in the Liturgy
The reader has a distinct role in the liturgical celebration. Even though the minister may serve in other liturgical ministries, he or she should serve in only one ministry at a particular Mass. Politely decline if asked to serve in another function, unless a suitable substitute cannot be found.
“In liturgical celebrations, each person or minister who has a ministry to perform, should carry out all and only those parts which pertain to his or her ministry by the nature of the rite and the norms of the Liturgy.”
- Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (CSL), no. 28, 1973
Selection
Must be a registered member of Saint Anne Catholic Church.
Must demonstrate a mature Christian life style, which is characterized by faith, charity, prayerfulness, morality, service, and stability.
Must be a practicing Catholic who is actively involved in the sacramental life of the Church.
Must be qualified and carefully prepared (i.e. be able to make good public proclamation of the written word.)
“When it comes to selecting and preparing those who will read at Mass, parishes must choose and train only persons of excellent reputation who can proclaim the Word of God with feeling, clarity, and precision. It is a great privilege and a great responsibility to proclaim God’s Word at Mass. Proclamation that is careful and beautiful is a key feature of a good liturgical celebration.”
Practical Formation for Readers
A reader should be willing to attend a twice-a-year training in the parish and in the Diocese to enhance his/her proclaiming.
During training sessions, ministers will be given an opportunity to walk through the ritual and to practice reading.
A good reader must have a deep devotion to the Sacred Scripture. He/She must be able to be ready to proclaim even if he/she is not scheduled. (Just in case he/she’s needed.)
Principles of Oral Reading
Oral reading is an act of interpretation and a form of communication that make passages vivid and meaningful. It requires practice.
Home Preparation
The nourishment that scripture’s proclamation provides both the reader and the community is enhanced if the reader makes regular practice of prayer and meditation on the pages of the scripture.
Pray with the text you are scheduled to read.
Use the Reader’s Workbook to help you in your proclamation. The workbook is a useful tool in your attempt to proclaim the Reading and to understand the Reading in the literary, historical, cultural, and theological contexts of the authors who produced them.
Set aside time at home over several days to prepare the readings. Go over the Readings several times, silently, and out loud before getting up to proclaim it in worship.
Strive to know your text well enough to be confident when you deliver it.
Identify the type of passage: Is it a story? A prophecy? A witty saying? An instruction? A song or a poetry?
-Narrative (i.e. Acts of the Apostles, Old Testament)
-Poetry (i.e. Psalms, Song of Songs, Book of Wisdom)
Identify to whom the passage was written.
Identify the characters (especially when quotes are given).
Study the meaning of the passage. Where is the climax of the story?
Go over the readings several times, silently, and out loud before getting up to proclaim in worship.
What words need emphasis?
Aim for slow, patient, clear delivery.
What ideas need to be given at a slower or faster rate? (SLOWER is always BETTER!)
Where are pauses needed?
Consider the tone of the passage (How to present it): comforting? Scolding? Warning? Intimate? Informing?
Become familiar with unusual names. Check with the priest or the Liturgy Coordinator. The workbook should provide the correct pronunciation. There is also a red book in the ministry room that will help you in how to say those names. (Do not worry if you stumble or make a mistake, do your best and move on).
Be conscious of lengthy sentences, particularly in the Pauline letters.
Ask for feedback from your family, fellow reader, or one of your friends.
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