Lector Do's and Don'ts

DO

DON'T

1. PREPARE - immediately, remotely

  • Immediately - for every proclamation - interiorize, understand, interpret.
  • Remotely - proper training

1. "WING IT" - forget about ministry until 5 minutes before.

2. READ - read, study and reflect on every reading.

2. SKIM - the hard words…- you will miss the message.

3. PRACTICE - read aloud, use buddy system, use A.V. materials, tape recorders and video machines.

3. BE FALSELY SELF-CONFIDENT

("I've been reading all my life")

  • Because you can read does not prepare you for PROCLAMATION.

4. DRESS PROPERLY - dress for the Sacredness of the occasion.

4. DRESS TOO CASUALLY OR "SHOWY"

  • Then attention is drawn to YOU rather than to the WORD.

5. LEARN THE MECHANICS

  • Know voice tone, volume required.
  • Learn how to use mike properly.
  • Learn comfortableness with setting.

5. PLAY WITH EQUIPMENT - at the expense of your community.

  • This disrupts the prayerful flow of the rhythm of liturgy.

6. BE ON TIME - Ministry means you care about others.

  • leave time for prayerful preparation
  • be a sign to your community that what you are doing is important!

6. DASH IN AT THE LAST MINUTE…

and expect "miracles".

7. REVERENCE & DIGNITY OF BEARING

  • in procession
  • in approach to and from ambo
  • in handling book

7. OFFER BAD AND CARELESS SIGNS…

  • tuck book under arm - casually toss it on the altar or ambo
  • use simulated cheap signs - missalettes, papers, etc.

8. PROCLAIM FOR THE COMMUNITY

  • maintain eye contact
  • be consciously aware that you are proclaiming for all present

8. READ INSTEAD OF PROCLAIM

  • mumble, ramble, read to yourself

9. USE SILENCE AND PAUSES TO MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS

9. SPEED - rush into reading. Run every thought together to beat some speed limit. Be uncomfortable with "authentic prayerful silence".

10. LEARN AND USE EFFECTIVE SPEAKING SKILLS WELL

  • pronunciation
  • articulation
  • pacing

10. BECOME LIP OR DIAPHRAM LAZY

Use 50% effort on speaking skills - when 150% is required for clear delivery in full church.