Asked to read at mass?

Have You Been Asked To Read At Mass?

Each time I sit in church, I am reminded that we forget. We can be “Cradle Catholics” and yet we forget all we have done week after week as we file into our pews and obediently sit, stand, listen and sing. Sometimes it is stress that makes us forget the actions that have now been subliminally imprinted into our consciousness. Sometimes it is grief.

Remember this: wherever you go, for whatever purpose, you are a role model for others. You represent Catholics everywhere. Yes, it’s a tremendous responsibility, but also a great opportunity to share your faith with others.

Text Box: “Don’t ad lib. Leave your cell phone in the car. Reading is an honor. “

Email: gabrielshp@aol.com

Gabriel’s Harp | The Music | Compassion | Commercial Production and other venues | Have you been asked to read for a funeral or wedding?

If you are called upon to be a lector for a funeral or wedding liturgy, be sure to read your passage before you get to the church, and again, before mass begins. Leave your cell phone in the car, and get rid of any gum you may be chewing. If there are words or names you do not know how to pronounce, be sure to ask someone before mass begins. When you are called upon to read, do not embellish the reading by adding words and do not ad lib. Do not greet the congregation with “Good morning,” or “Thank you all for coming,” before you read. Reading is an important part of the liturgy, it’s a constant. You have been asked to participate in a very important ceremony: Liturgy of the Word, which is part of the Catholic mass.

The First Reading occurs as soon as opening prayers end, and all are seated. Be ready to stand, and move to the front and center of the altar. Stop and bow from the waist, then stand up straight again and walk to the ambo. Pause a moment before reading, then begin. Read slowly and with care. Try to use inflections. You already know what it’s like to listen to monotone reading. If you are overcome with emotion, stop, take a deep breath, and steady yourself, then continue. If you are very nervous, and your words get jumbled, stop, take a deep breath, then continue. When you are finished with the reading, be sure to say “The Word of the Lord,” pause, then, carefully step down from the ambo, walk to the front and center of the altar, bow from the waist again, then stand straight and walk to your seat.

The Responsorial Psalm will be sung or spoken after the First Reading.

The Second Reading occurs next. Be prepared to move as soon as the Responsorial Psalm is done. Move quickly and deliberately when it’s your turn to read.

Reading is an honor, and you will be blessed to serve your family and friends in this way. For many, these moments happen only once or twice in a lifetime. They are memories to be cherished.

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