St. Teresa of the Child Jesus
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Roman Catholic Church in Morden, Surrey

Dear Parish Readers

21/10/2023

 
Before God, we are thankful for your valuable role as Lector / Minister of the Word. Your dedication and commitment to proclaiming the Sacred Scriptures during Holy Mass contribute to our parish community's spiritual growth and nourishment.

The history of the ministry of Lector traces back to the time of Jesus, who himself took on the role of a reader. In Luke 4:16-20, we read about Jesus being passed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, and as He read the words, the Word of God was proclaimed by the Word of God. This profound moment emphasises the significance of Scripture in our liturgy and reminds us of the power of the Word to transform lives.

The practice of reading from the scriptures was integral to Jewish worship, and the first disciples of Jesus came from that tradition. As Christianity spread, the importance of the Word of God continued to be upheld, and the ministry of Lector evolved to ensure the faithful could receive God's message through the proclamation of Scripture.

Looking towards the future, the ministry of Lector will remain a vital part of our parish worship. As a Lector / Reader at Mass, you can nurture a deep relationship with God through your love for the Sacred Scriptures. When the Word of God is proclaimed in the Church, it is not simply a human act but a divine encounter where God speaks to His people.

If you feel called to this unique parish ministry, and we hope more will be, we offer guidelines to help you fulfil your role effectively. Firstly, approach your service with an inspirational tone. Let your love and reverence for the Scriptures shine through your reading. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your voice, infusing it with the power and beauty of God's Word.
Before stepping up to the lectern:

  1. Take a moment to centre yourself in prayer.
  2. Ask for God's guidance and understanding to accurately convey His message to the faithful.
  3. Remember that you are not merely reading words on a page but sharing God's truth and love with the parishioners.
When you begin reading, speak clearly and confidently. Let the words flow naturally, ensuring they are audible and easily understood. Incorporate appropriate pauses at significant moments to allow the congregation to reflect and absorb the message more deeply.

Be mindful of the tone of the passage you are reading. Whether it is a joyful proclamation or a sad reflection, let your voice reflect the emotions and sentiments expressed in the text. Your voice is a powerful instrument that can bring the scriptures to life and touch the hearts of those listening.
While reading, maintain eye contact with the congregation. This connection helps to engage the parishioners and enables them to feel connected to the Word of God. It creates an atmosphere of shared worship and fosters a sense of unity within the faith community.

Lastly, remember that as a Lector / Reader, you are not simply fulfilling a duty but serving as a Minister of the Word. Embrace this role with humility, gratitude, and reverence. Allow yourself to be a vessel through which the Holy Spirit speaks, trusting that God will work through you to reach the hearts and souls of those listening.

In conclusion, THANK YOU!

The parish family of Saint Teresa's extend our heartfelt appreciation to every Minister of The Word for embracing this sacred ministry. You contribute to our parish's spiritual growth and nourishment through your valuable, faithful service. May your readings inspire, uplift, and draw us closer to the transformative power of God's Word.

With gratitude and blessings,

Canon Michael

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Registered charity number in England: 1173050
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