Readers

Liturgical tradition assigns responsibility for the biblical readings in the celebration of the Mass to ministers:  to lectors and the deacon.  But when there is no deacon or no other priest present, the priest celebrant is to read the Gospel and when there is no lector present, all the readings. (#49, The Word of God in the Celebration of the Mass)

The assigned Reader at Mass fulfills the following:

• First Reading
• Responsorial Psalm (if not sung)
• Second Reading
• Universal Prayer

The proclamation of the Word of God is truly a ministry in the Church.  Readers bring the living Word of God to the liturgical assembly. In and through them God speaks to the gathered faithful. The ministry of the Word, therefore, is treated seriously and with great dignity.

Proclaimers of the Word are competent readers who love the Word of God and make it come alive in the liturgy. They know that the assembly come to the Eucharist to hear Sacred Scripture and to be inspired by it. They are aware that they must proclaim effectively if God's Word is to be heard.

Above all they know it is God himself who speaks when they proclaim. Readers take every opportunity to increase their knowledge of the Bible. They try to make the reading of scripture a part of their own lives. They continue learning about their ministry by attending workshops. Proclaimers of the Word strive constantly for authenticity in their proclamation. They seek to become transparent so that we remember the Word and not the minister. They pray and prepare well so as to understand the meaning of the text for themselves. They then can proclaim it with conviction for the assembly.

If you are interested to be a Reader at Mass, please contact the Cathedral Rector (250-564-5225) or e-mail (secretary@shcpg.ca) with a subject line, 'Reader at Mass.'