These volunteers proclaim the word of God and the Prayers of the Faithful at all Sunday Masses. Their mission is to help members of the assembly enter into the power of God’s word.

For more information, contact - Paul Nord at 314-878-1693 or e-mail paul.j.nord@monsanto.com.

Incarnate Word Parish is blessed to have more than 85 parishioners involved as Lectors for Sunday and Holy Day Masses. Most of the preparation for this ministry occurs well before the first word is spoken. I deeply appreciate the time and talent freely given by these dedicated individuals. I invite you to join us in this very rewarding ministry. For additional information, please see the Q&A below.

- Paul Nord

Lector Minister Questions & Answers

Q: What skills do I need to be a Lector?

• While not a skill, love of scripture makes it much easier to proclaim with feeling and it will grow when nurtured. None of us are perfect, but you can consider a combination of the following qualities: Voice quality and range, volume, diction, pace, pausing, rhythm, intonation, eye contact and posture.

Q: How do I become a Lector?

• Contact Paul Nord at 314-878-1693 or send an email to paul.j.nord@monsanto.com. If you are interested in daily Masses please contact Arsenio Recenillo at 314-878-4365.

Q: Do I need any training?

• Yes. New Lectors are trained in sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes or longer depending on previous experience. In addition, you are encouraged to use the Lectionary Workbooks (Cycle A for 2005) and other Lector literature to answer many questions. Several short “how to” photocopied sheets are also provided.

Q: When are training sessions held?

• Training sessions are available by appointment and are normally held approximately two weeks before the new schedule comes out.

• Yes. If you generally attend one Mass, indicate that Mass only when you sign up. Conversely, you can choose multiple Masses and then you will be assigned to Masses with the fewest Lectors available.

• You will be scheduled 5 to 10 times a year, depending on the number of Lectors available for the Mass(es) you select and the scheduling options you choose.

Q: Can I serve more or less frequently?

• No and Yes. In order to give all Lectors an opportunity, you will not to be intentionally scheduled more often. Alternatively, you can volunteer to be scheduled for Holy Days, Easter and Christmas Masses. While two Lectors are preferred, occasionally, there will be only one Lector or none. Be prepared before hand and check before Mass to see if you can help.

Q: Can I serve with other family members as a Lectors?

• Yes. Just make your preferences known to the lector contact person. If you want to be scheduled so you never serve at the same time, e.g., for babysitting, this can also be accommodated.

Q: What should I do if I know I'll be unavailable to serve a particular weekend?

• Before the schedule is produced, let the lector contact know the date(s) you will not be available. Once the schedule is out, you should get a substitute.

Q: Can I be available as a substitute?

• Yes. Preferably you would choose to be scheduled on a regular basis. However, you can sign up as a substitute. Other Lectors can then contact you if they need a replacement.

Q: How often are schedules distributed?

• Every three months, usually the last week of February, May, August and November.

Q: Are schedules available on the Web?

• Yes. The URL will be provided with your first schedule.

Q: How are Lectors selected for Easter and Holy Days?

• Volunteers call or the coordinator calls for volunteers

Q: What must I do if I can't make a scheduled Mass?

• You are responsible for finding a substitute if you are unable to attend a scheduled Mass. Each schedule contains a list of all Lectors with their telephone numbers. Check Mass preferences provided for each, and calling at least a week in advance is preferred, but even one day ahead is better than having no Lector for a Mass.

Q: Do I need to sign up each year?

• Yes, you should sign up each year when the parish sends out the stewardship cards.

1. Practical guidelines for Lector Ministers