A lector is a lay/ordinary person commissioned to proclaim Holy scripture and has the extraordinary privilege to take the 1st and/or the 2nd reading at mass. He or she is prayerfully involved and this work is voluntary, missionary and sacrificial.
Special instructions exist to form readers of the word to ably deliver their liturgical responsibility by studying, preparing, practising then gaining an understanding of scripture. Also being a lector is a great way to deeply appreciate sacred scripture and assist fellow parishioners at mass to clearly and prayerfully hear God’s word with full active participation.
One should ably and confidently communicate with prior careful review, study and thorough familiarization of Bible texts that have been assigned as per the church calendar year respectively from the ORDO.
Effectively, all lectors are expected to prepare for ministry in practical, scriptural and spiritual terms.
It should be noted that a lector is not a public speaker. The dress code should be appropriate, in a way that doesn’t distract the congregation. Good public speaking abilities like loud, slow and distinct voices can be pure gifts, a matter of personality or temperament. Appreciation & love of scripture, with the ability to serve as scheduled, is crucial. For some, the skills have been developed through discipline, experience and formation.
However, in the event of unavailability, it’s advisable to secure an own substitute to avoid disruption of the liturgical flow.
The Junior Lectors ministry is one whose mission is to help enhance the beauty of mass by having children participate at mass through taking readings. Children have a powerful role to play in church because they are the leaders of today at their different levels, and the leaders of tomorrow as they grow to be committed Catholics. In the Junior Lectors ministry, children are given the opportunity to proclaim the Word of God during mass and to develop a deeper understanding and love of scripture. They are usually scheduled for the third Sunday in the course of the school term and during the holidays, they are given two Sundays in a row to partake in all masses. This ministry is open to both girls and boys above the age of seven (7) who are rostered on a rotating basis.
Serving as a lector is one of the many benefits of getting involved in church beyond simple participation in the pews. It is a perfect way to contribute and be involved in the church community without necessarily taking on significant leadership roles. It allows individuals to participate in the liturgy service by reading scripture passages. It is a role the Catechism describes as exercising “a genuine liturgical function” (CCC 1143).
During mass celebration, lectors are generally active at the liturgy of the word portion. Their “workload” is shared among two to three volunteers – one takes the first reading & psalm (if not sung), another handles the second reading and the third person handles prayers of intercession. As you can see, lectors do not have to worry about putting in twenty hours of volunteer service a week. But it’s vital for one to practise the readings beforehand; allowing them to become familiar with the content, understand the context, and grasp the intended message.
Having the chance to stand behind a microphone and in front of a congregation provides tremendous practice for public speaking. Reading at mass can offer growth in confidence, as you are challenged to project yourself audibly so that all in attendance can receive and appreciate the word of God. Upon receiving compliments regarding your reading from parishioners after mass, you are also likely to feel a little boost in your self-esteem.
Serving as a lector is a powerful reminder that it’s not about our own perfection, but about our willingness to communicate the sacred scriptures. Being a lector does carry a few drawbacks; one should be forgiven for feeling a little self-conscious, having a few stumbles over some words or a cracking voice.
Reading at mass has several advantages and very little shortcomings. So the next time you feel like trying something new, be sure to consider the role of becoming a lector. It’s an extremely rewarding experience as you develop and share spiritual gifts, benefiting both you and the church family.
Ultimately, having children serve as lectors can be a wonderful way to nurture their spiritual growth, confidence, and sense of responsibility within the church and other communities. It’s essential to provide them with the necessary support, training, and guidance to ensure they have a positive and enriching experience.
Parents are encouraged to send their children to participate in this noble ministry. Registration takes place throughout the year at the parish office – particularly the office of the youth priest and practice takes place the Saturday before between 2 – 4pm.
Christ the King Lectors Association is an umbrella body which brings together all Lectors serving at the Parish. The Association was started formally in January 2005 when the constitution and guidelines to be observed by members were formulated. The constitution guides members on their general conduct with regard to behaviour and dress code among others.
Presently, the association is confident in its service with approximately 50 members, as per its guiding constitution. Elections are held every two years. The executive entails; Chairperson, vice chairperson, Welfare and Secretary, bearing in mind representation of the Ugandan populace & visiting Nationalities.
CTK is centrally located in the CBD of the capital city hence a Cosmopolitan Parish whose main uniting language is English the country’s official, Luganda to a minimal and in lieu of the East African Community, Swahili should be considered.
A monthly roster is shared as and when the need arises by the church calendar from Advent throughout Easter, Feast days, solemnities, and days of obligation.
Gender and age brackets are considered and service is welcomed from all spheres and walks
of life for people who find themselves called to be proclaimers of the word whenever numbers reduce through periodic announcements.
As the year ends, we have an advent recollection. On January 24th, we celebrate our patron saint’s day, St. Bede of Warmouth UK, whose memorial is 25th May, Lenten recollection. Then Lector’s Day is celebrated in July.
Monthly mass and prayers are offered for the association and the peaceful repose of deceased lectors plus souls in Purgatory to the heavenly inheritance. The same day we hold our monthly meeting.
All activities are self-sponsored with an occasional hand from the parish office and well-wishers keeping us grounded and aligned by nourishing and refreshing members.
The Association has been under the leadership of Jawaconga George, Senkumba William, Ovua Roger Micheal Kisule and currently Sheila Nabwire.
Members are required to attend the monthly meetings held every last Wednesday of the month from where they declare their desire and intentions to be lectors. Thereafter they undergo an induction process of one month to assess their ability to proclaim the word clearly and eloquently. We are calling upon new members to join this Ministry and serve the church as Lectors.
If you are an adult and feel you may have the gift of proclaiming, please contact our Lectors Association Chairperson
Official email: ctklectorskla@gmail.com
