Title

• Minister of the Word AKA Lector
   

Objective

• To proclaim the Word of God to those coming to worship at St. Patrick Parish, at every regularly scheduled Week-end Mass, Daily Mass and at Masses offered during the Christmas and Easter Season. Care is taken to reflect the diversity of the Parish Community thus members of this Ministry includes men and women of various ages, social and ethnic backgrounds, married and single.
   

Duties and Responsibilities

• Submits to a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Inquiry) before beginning Ministry,
   
• Completes the mandated Archdiocesan "Protecting God's Children" Training before beginning Ministry,
   
• Understands that service in this Ministry is for the purpose of meeting the needs of the Parish Community and is a commitment to assist in the celebration of the Liturgy in its fullest beauty,
   
• secures the monthly schedule from the designated location in a timely manner so that, if necessary, arrangement for substitutions, may occur, (remember that it is your responsibility to secure a substitute should there be a schedule conflict),
   
• Arrives in a timely manner, at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the Mass at which one is scheduled to read,
   
• Wears appropriate attire (including identifying Ministry Pin) and is properly groomed when serving in the role of Minister of the Word; appropriate attire includes: Suit and tie or clean, nicely creased trousers with shirt and tie or shirt and nice sweater; for women: pants suit or skirt and blouse/sweater or slacks and blouse/sweater....please note: no jeans or shorts at any time!
   
• Prepares for the Ministry by not only reviewing the readings for one's scheduled Mass, but learns about that reading by turning to the Bible and reading the passage immediately preceding and following the chosen Mass text to better understand the context of the chosen readings,
   
• Practices reading aloud, maximizing one's ability to effectively proclaim the Word of God,
   
• Practices eye contact with the assembly,
   
• Engages in full participation in the Mass, i.e., joining in the singing, extending a Peace greeting etc.,
   
• Checks the lectionary to be sure the correct readings are marked and ensures that the Prayers of the Faithful and the lectionary are on the lectern before the start of the Mass , *Reviews the Prayers of the Faithful and is aware of how to pronounce any names mentioned in the intentions of the day,
   
• Participates willingly in training and/or scheduled Ministry meetings
   

Qualifications

• Possesses an ability to stand before an Assembly and proclaim the message of the Scripture in a clear, articulate, well- modulated voice with proper enunciation and pronunciation, so the Word of God is heard and understood by the Assembly,
   
• Possesses a sense of Liturgical Prayer,
   
• Is at least sixteen years old; received the Sacrament of Confirmation and is a practicing Catholic; exceptions can be made for those participating in Children's Liturgies.
   

Relationships

• Responsible to the Parish Coordinator of Lay Ministry; works in collaboration with all members of the Pastoral staff and directly, at scheduled Masses, with the Church sextons.
   

Hours needed

• Regularly scheduled Parish Masses; Masses during the Christmas and Easter Season; other Liturgical celebrations for which members of the Ministry may be needed.