The Lector Ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Church

Ministry Head:   Martha Frink • MarthaFrink00@gmail.com • 865-556-4684

“That is why we thank God constantly
that in receiving his message from us you took it,
not as the word of men,
but as it truly is,
the word of God
at work within you who believe.”

1 Thessalonians 2:13

A Lector is a Liturgical Minister who proclaims the first and second readings during Mass. Becoming a lector is a serious decision and commitment to your faith and parish, since you are sharing your time and energy to the service of the church.

Todays Lector is no longer just a mere reader of biblical words, but has matured into a proclaimer of faith and revealer of our stories of faith. Proclaiming the Word from the Old Testament Books and the New Testament Books is an opportunity to make the Word “come alive” to the congregation by sharing the story. Everyone loves a good, well-delivered story!

The Lector’s role at Mass is very important and plays a significant part in proclaiming the Word at each Eucharist. The place of proclamation is a significant space, i.e., the Table of the Word. The Church word for this is Ambo, or referred to as the lecturn for the unfamiliar. Each Lector must learn to adapt his or her personal style to benefit in a maximum manner from this space. A certain uniformity of proclamation by all Lectors (rather than a highly personalized and stylized manner) will tend to enhance God’s Word.

Lectors must be comfortable speaking in front of the congregation in an articulate, commanding, engaging voice. Lectors must also be comfortable using the microphone at the Ambo and recognize when it is necessary to make adjustments to the position of the microphone or even the position of the Lector.

If you are interested in joining the Lector Ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Church, please contact the Ministry Head/Scheduler listed at the top of this page.