Photo Credit: St Dominic Catholic Church, Benicia
Romanus Onwe
The ministry of the Proclaiming the Word of God is a sacred responsibility. To be commissioned as a lector to undertake this responsibility is a great privilege because it gives one an opportunity to participate in the liturgical life of the Church. The Liturgy of the Word is the first fundamental part of the Mass and it plays a vital role in establishing dispositions for graces associated with the rest of the Mass especially the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The lector is not just a reader; he is a minister—an important element in the liturgy—proclaiming God’s living Word to His people. But even with group rehearsals and the best intention to proclaim well, many lectors still fall into habits that weaken the proclamation. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Poor Preparation
Arriving at Mass without prior practice of the readings can cause some pitfalls. You need to read and pray with the text during the week. Practice aloud at home and make sure you focus on tricky names, words, or phrases. You need to practice until you become familiar with the text. Familiarity with what you want to read brings confidence and clarity.
2. Rushing through the Reading
Don’t rush the reading. Reading too fast can only make the congregation struggling to follow. Slow down. Let every word, name or phrases come out well. Observe the punctuations—the comas, full stops, questions marks, etc. Know that the tone of coma is different from full stop. Proclaim thoughtfully, allowing the word to breathe. Don’t read in a hurry.
3. Monotone Delivery
Make sure you avoid reading without expression. You are not just reading out list of things; you are proclaiming the Sacred Scripture. So, convey meaning with your voice. Emphasize keywords. Make sure you vary your tone for questions, proclamations, dialogue, etc. Remember, you are not just reading literature lines; you are telling a sacred story.
4. Mispronunciation of Names and Terms
Stumbling and struggling over biblical names and unfamiliar words shows clearly incompetence or serious lack of preparation. The biblical names or places have their proper pronunciation. So, to avoid pitfalls in this area, make sure you look up the correct pronunciations ahead of time (in the course of your practice). Dictionaries and some online resources can guide you properly. Practice pronunciation until you are able to proclaim the words smoothly without hesitation
5. Poor Microphone Use
Standing too far or too close to microphone can cause distortion or inaudibility. Before you begin, ensure that you adjust the microphone to suit your height. Maintain a steady distance and project your voice clearly.
6. Lack of Reverence
You need to approach the ambo with reverence. Casual gestures or lack of focus are unacceptable. Approach prayerfully with a bow. Stand still, focused, and avoid distracting movements. Remember, you are serving the Word of God not yourself. The congregation is hungry and eagerly waiting to eat from that table. So, serve it well with all reverence.
7. Forgetting the Sacred Silence
Take care not rush away immediately after the reading. After proclaiming, pause briefly before saying ‘The Word of the Lord’. Then step away only after the congregation has responded. Silence is important here because it allows the Word to sink into hearts.
Conclusion
Being a lector is a special privilege. You are the herald of God’s message. The word of God is food for the soul. So, how you serve this food is key to satisfying the hunger of the congregation. So, prepare well, proclaim with reverence and let the spirit guide your voice. By so doing you transform a simple reading into a true ministry of the word.
Romanus Onwe is a passionate researcher and insightful writer dedicated to exploring faith, family, leadership, and the critical societal issues that shape humanity. Through his thought-provoking works, he seeks to inspire, educate, and contribute to the greater good of mankind. He is a Citizen of Rome and the Founder of Heirs of Peter, a platform for Catholic faith and formation. He has been catechizing the people of God and preparing them for Sacraments for over fifteen years now. His works such as Listen to Him: Catholic Catechism Book with Appropriate Scriptures, Mother of Popes, The Rosary in Your Hands, etc. can be accessed on Amazon.
