Years ago, before Vatican II, some of us may remember when the lay people sat in the pews and listened to the priests and deacons do all the readings at mass. After Vatican II, the laity was encouraged to take a more active part in the church. One of the liturgical changes came about when people were invited to read at Mass. This change is not really a new development in the history of the Church as in its earliest beginnings, lay-men were called upon to proclaim God's Word in liturgical assemblies.
After Vatican II, to conform with the new Liturgy, laymen were now again invited to come forward to read. At St. Pius X three readers came forward, and as they became more fully involved, they became aware that this was not just an ordinary reading, it was God's message to His people.
Later changes permitted women to read, and to encourage and help new readers workshops were held, and thus interest in this ministry slowly grew. In time we had so many readers that we were able to have a Reader and Commentator at each Mass. The Reader, to bring out the importance of the Word of God, confined this ministry to the scriptures alone. Announcements, prayers of the faithful, and other less important readings were left for the Commentator. This arrangement being more Liturgically correct.
Learning to proclaim the Word is an ongoing challenge and a growing faith experience. Lectors do more than just read. They reveal the meaning of scriptures through their understanding of the passage and their skill in reading. By prayerfully preparing and reflecting on the passage before hand, the lectors learn to proclaim with conviction and confidence. Workshops are offered periodically to help the lay readers evaluate their role and responsibility in reading well and to learn good reading techniques. Since scriptures are the inspired Word of God the reader sees himself as the instrument God uses to transmit His message to His people.
In asking the lay readers at St. Pius X their reasons for reading at mass, their answers vary. Most of them have a desire to serve, even though they had initial fears or still have fears about standing in front of a large congregation. In time, these fears subside as they concentrate more fully on the message of the Word. Many readers grow in a deeper understanding and love for scriptures as they prepare in a prayerful and reflective manner at home. Doing readings is a rewarding experience when the time and energy is spent to faithfully proclaim God's Word.
A good lay reader combines faith and skill in his role in proclaiming the Word of God. His faith opens his mind and heart to the presence of Christ in the Word and his skill gives him the ability to project well. When the lay reader reads with sincerity from the heart, the Word also speaks to the hearts of the listeners.
Reference: Annette Leib, Our History, 1986
This ministry of proclaiming the Word of God is very, very special! Readers and Commentators really add to the celebration of the Eucharist. Through the reader, when the readings are prepared prayerfully, the actions and words of Jesus are presented to the people so that they are understood and interpreted meaningfully. We are always looking for members - Youth and Adult - to share in this ministry. Has anyone ever told you that you read beautifully? Maybe this ministry is the next step for you! If so, please call the office.
