Guidelines for Ministers of the Word
 
  • In the week before you are rostered, prepare and practice the reading at home so that you are familiar and comfortable with the reading. Check pronunciations. Read the passage aloud several times. We recommend you to get the Break Open the Word book.
  • When you are rostered to read, arrived at least 10 minutes before Mass and go to the Sacristy to have your name checked off.
  • The first person on the list takes the Missal in the procession and places it on the Lectern. 
  • The first reader reads the First Reading for the day and the Responsorial. 
  • The first reader then greets the second reader at the foot of the altar and returns to their place. 
  • The second reader reads the Second Reading and waits until the first alleluia is complete and stays to begin the Gospel Acclamation before returning to their place.  
  • Readings are ended with the words – THE WORD OF THE LORD (NOT ‘this is the Word of the Lord’). 
  • The second reader comes back at the middle point of the Creed to read the Prayers of the Faithful. After reading the Prayers of the Faithful, remain at the lectern until the priest says the final prayer. 
  • Both readers should proceed out at the end of Mass. (with the cross only, not the Scripture) 
  • Before you read adjust the microphone. Your mouth should be about 20 cm from the microphone. Practice in front of the microphones a few times before you read the first time. 
  • Pace related to meaning. A passage should never be read at the same pace. 
  • Eye contact helps engage the congregation. 
  • If you were unable to read on your rostered day, please arrange 
  • Readers try to sit closer to front when rostered to read
  • Readers to bow to altar before commencing reading
  • Readers who are fragile, kindly use hand rail as they step up to the altar
  • We keep 10 seconds pause after first reading and second reading
  • Readers can raise hand to indicate response to the Psalm OR they can begin to read the response after each psalms and the congregation can join in
  • Project your voice; it needs to be louder than your normal speaking voice. Aim for the back row.