Guide for Readers at Mass

What Is a Reader?

A Reader (sometimes called a Lector) proclaims God’s Word at Mass.

When Scripture is read aloud in the liturgy, it is Christ Himself who speaks to His people.
 This makes reading at Mass a ministry, not a performance.

Who Can Be a Reader?

A Reader should:

  • be a practising Catholic
  • be able to read clearly and audibly
  • be willing to prepare in advance
  • approach the role with reverence

You do not need a special voice.
 Clarity, calmness, and preparation matter most.

What Does a Reader Read?

Depending on the Mass and who is present, a Reader may proclaim:

  • the First Reading
  • the Responsorial Psalm (sometimes)
  • the Second Reading
  • the Gospel Acclamation (if there is no choir or cantor)
  • the Prayer of the Faithful (if there is no deacon)

The Gospel itself is always proclaimed by a priest or deacon.

How Many Readers Are There?

When Two Readers Are Used (Preferred)

  • Reader 1
    • First Reading
    • Responsorial Psalm
  • Reader 2
    • Second Reading
    • Gospel Acclamation (if needed)
    • Prayer of the Faithful (if no deacon)

This helps keep the liturgy calm and avoids unnecessary movement.

Preparing Before Mass

Read the Text in Advance

  • Read your text several times
  • Read it out loud
  • Check pronunciations of names and places
  • Notice where pauses naturally belong

Ask yourself:

  • Where should people have time to think?
  • What words carry the meaning?

On the Day of Mass

Arrive Early

  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early
  • Check with the priest or sacristan
  • Confirm which parts you are reading

Dress Appropriately

  • Dress neatly and modestly
  • Avoid anything distracting
  • You are serving the Word, not drawing attention

Going to the Ambo

  • Walk calmly
  • If passing the altar, bow to the altar
  • Do not rush
  • Treat the ambo as a sacred place

How to Begin a Reading

Pause.
 Look up.
 Take a breath.

Then say clearly:

“A reading from the Book of …”

❗ Do not say:

  • “The first reading is taken from…”
  • “The response is…”
  • Anything extra or explanatory

The liturgy already provides the structure.

How to Read Well

While Reading

  • Speak slowly
  • Speak clearly
  • Project your voice
  • Let sentences finish
  • Do not rush to the end

Pauses Matter

  • Pause at full stops
  • Slightly longer pauses at the end of paragraphs
  • Silence helps people listen

Ending a Reading

At the end:

  • Pause briefly
  • Then say:

“The Word of the Lord.”

Wait for the people to respond:

“Thanks be to God.”

❗ Do not say:

  • “This is the Word of the Lord”
  • “The Word of the Lord, thanks be to God”

The response belongs to the people.

The Responsorial Psalm

If There Is a Cantor or Choir

  • The Psalm is sung
  • The Reader does not read it

If There Is No Cantor or Choir

There are two common possibilities:

  1. Psalm spoken entirely by the Reader
    1. Reader proclaims the whole Psalm
    1. The congregation may repeat the response if indicated
  2. Psalm verse spoken, response sung
    1. Reader reads the verses
    1. The congregation sings the response

Follow what the priest or music leader indicates.

❗ Do not explain what is happening aloud.

The Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia)

If there is no choir or cantor:

  • The Reader proclaims the Gospel Acclamation from the ambo
  • This is usually done by Reader 2

Say only what is written.
 Do not introduce it or explain it.

The Prayer of the Faithful

If there is no deacon, the Reader normally proclaims the Prayer of the Faithful.

Guidelines:

  • Read each intention clearly
  • Pause after each one
  • Allow the people time to respond

Do not add personal comments or explanations.

Things Readers Should Not Do

Readers should not:

  • explain the text
  • add comments
  • say what the congregation should respond
  • rush because they feel nervous
  • apologise for mistakes

If you make a mistake:

  • correct it calmly
  • continue

After Reading

  • Return to your place calmly
  • Remain attentive
  • Take part fully in the rest of the Mass

Your ministry does not end the moment you sit down.

If You Feel Nervous

This is normal.

Remember:

  • God’s Word does not depend on perfection
  • Silence and calm are your friends
  • Speak more slowly than you think you need to

Trust that God is working through you.

A Final Word

Being a Reader is a ministry of service.

You lend your voice so that:

  • God may speak
  • the Church may listen
  • faith may grow

Read with care.
 Read with reverence.
 Read with faith.