A "Lector" or "reader" is any lay minister who reads from the Lectionary at Mass.

Lectors are responsible for reading the Word of God, which is a very powerful tool.

"The Word of God is living and effective," the letter to the Hebrews says, "sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

The story of Jesus in the synagogue also says something about the role of the lector. As a lector, Jesus had made the Word of God part of his life. He was familiar with the scriptures. He had absorbed these thoughts into his own.

It is the lector's responsibility to not just read the Word, but to prepare him/herself to deliver It in the spirit it was intended.

There are tools available to lectors to help them in their preparations. The lector's workbook is a good example.

Participating in this ministry has the added value of deepening one's understanding of the Word of God and increasing the appetite to continue to dig deeper into it with others.

If you desire to learn more about the lector's role and responsibilities, and possibly joining this important ministry, please contact David Pigott at (318) 929-2143.