The Ministry of the Reader is to read the various announcements before each Mass, and proclaim the assigned readings and petitions during the Mass. The purpose of our ministry is to have the laity more directly involved in the liturgy by proclaiming the Word of God to the congregation.
Those who wish to serve as a reader must learn how to find the assigned readings in the Lectionary; the proper way to carry the Book of the Gospels in the opening processions and where to place that book on the altar; when to approach the ambo for the first reading, the second reading and the Prayers of the Faithful; how to project their voices to be heard and clearly understood by the congregation; and what position they should take in the recessional.
Each person in this ministry will receive a Readers' Workbook that will have all the readings throughout the liturgical year. This Workbook is a tool to help a reader prepare prior to the Mass. It is very important that a reader study, learn correct pronunciations, and what words to emphasize as one proclaims the Word of God.