The Lector at Mass*

Reading and Explaining the Word of God

When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, the readings from the Word of God are to be listened to reverently by everyone, for they are an element of the greatest importance in the Liturgy.

Vocal Expression of the Different Texts

In texts that are to be pronounced in a loud and clear voice, the voice should correspond to the genre of the text itself, that is, it should also be suited to the form of celebration and to the solemnity of the gathering.

For more information about the function and duties of a Lector, please visit the USSCB “The Lector at Mass.”

*Based upon Roman Missal Formational Materials provided by the Secretariat for the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2010.