Lectors

During the liturgy, the lectors are the ones who proclaim the scripture readings before the
Gospel is read. The lectors are fulfilling a mission to his or her fellow community members. It
is a sacred duty that involves a sharing of one's own faith. This does not mean that a reading
should be stiff or formal, but rather should be proclaimed with the realization that we are
continuing Jesus' mission of sharing the Word of God with God's people. It is something special,
and requires adequate preparation.

Because it is Scripture that is being read does not mean that the skills of public speaking
(adequate loudness, good phrasing, proper emphasis, etc.) are not required or are to be
downplayed. Rather, it means that these skills which are picked up through training and
experience are used in a context in which God's Word can speak to God's people; a Word that
has power and that challenges, comforts, and builds up a community. It should not be just a task
that is being performed; a good lector allows the community to sense the presence of the living
Jesus in that community without focusing much attention on the lector himself or herself.
To put it simply, the readings from scripture have been chosen such that there is a spiritual
message readily apparent in almost every passage. The reader's goal is to allow the congregation
to hear and understand that message.