Lector Guide: How to Proclaim the Readings at Catholic Mass

A lector proclaims the word of God to the assembly: the first and second readings at Mass, and often the psalm and the Prayers of the Faithful. It is a real ministry, not just “doing a reading”: “when the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people” (GIRM 29). This guide covers what the Church asks of lectors, how to prepare during the week, how to proclaim well, what to do in the procession and at the ambo, how to announce the intentions of the Universal Prayer, and a prayer before you read.

What the Church asks of lectors

According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM):

The readings are proclaimed by a lector, the Gospel by a deacon or priest (GIRM 59).
The lector “proclaim[s] the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel,” may announce the intentions of the Prayer of the Faithful and, when there is no psalmist, proclaim the psalm (GIRM 99, 196–197).
Lay people who serve as lectors “should be truly suited to perform this function and should receive careful preparation,” so that listeners “may develop in their hearts a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture” (GIRM 101).
The readings are always proclaimed from the ambo (GIRM 309) and taken from the Lectionary.

Since 2021 (Pope Francis, Spiritus Domini), both men and women may be formally instituted in the ministry of lector. Most parish lectors are commissioned by the parish to serve without being instituted.

Read the full General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

Preparing during the week

Find your reading early. Use your parish schedule and the Lectionary reference for the day.
Read it in context. Read the chapter around the passage so you understand who is speaking and why.
Pray with it. Read it slowly as a prayer at least once (lectio divina).
Check pronunciation of every name and place: Melchizedek, Nebuchadnezzar, Thessalonians. Ask the priest or deacon if unsure.
Practice aloud several times, ideally standing, and record yourself.
Mark the pauses and emphasis in a personal copy (never in the Lectionary).
Read the other readings and the Gospel, since they are chosen to fit together.

Proclaiming at Mass

Walk to the ambo calmly after the Collect, when everyone has sat down. Bow to the altar if you pass in front of it.
Adjust the microphone, find your place and pause. Look at the people.
Announce the reading exactly as printed: “A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.” Do not add “The first reading is…” or the chapter and verse.
Read slowly, much more slowly than in conversation. Pause at commas, longer at periods and between paragraphs.
Project and articulate. Speak to the last row.
Let the text carry the emotion. Proclaim, don’t perform: no dramatic voices, but don’t read like a grocery list.
Make eye contact at the beginning and end of sentences, not in the middle of difficult passages.
End with a pause, then look up and say: “The word of the Lord.” The people answer, “Thanks be to God.” Pause again before leaving the ambo.

The responsorial psalm

If there is no cantor, the lector proclaims the psalm (GIRM 196): say the response clearly, let the people repeat it, read each stanza, then pause for the response. See our guide to the responsorial psalm.

The Prayers of the Faithful

When there is no deacon, the lector may announce the intentions “after the introduction by the priest” (GIRM 197):

Go to the ambo during the Creed or when the priest begins his introduction, as your parish does.
Read each intention clearly, ending with the invitation (“let us pray to the Lord”) in a way that signals the response.
Pause after each intention for the people to answer.
Return to your place after the priest’s concluding prayer.

See how to read the Prayers of the Faithful and when to go up for the Prayers of the Faithful.

The entrance procession

When there is no deacon, the lector may carry the Book of the Gospels in the procession, slightly elevated, walking ahead of the priest. At the altar, the lector bows and places the Book of the Gospels on the altar, then goes to his or her place (GIRM 194–195). Never carry the Lectionary in procession.

Dress and conduct

Dress as you would for an important occasion, modestly and simply, so that attention goes to the word and not to you. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, check in with the sacristan, and look over the Lectionary to make sure the ribbon is on the right page.

A prayer before reading

Written for this page:

Lord, open my lips and my heart.
Let me proclaim your word faithfully and clearly,
so that all who hear it may receive it as your word
and not as mine. Holy Spirit, speak through me. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

Can a lector read the Gospel?

No. The Gospel is proclaimed by a deacon or a priest (GIRM 59).

Who can be a lector?

A practicing Catholic who has received the sacraments of initiation and is well prepared. Parishes have their own requirements and training. Children may read at school or children’s Masses.

What if I make a mistake while reading?

Stay calm, pause, correct the word if it changes the meaning, and continue. The people are praying with you, not judging you.

More guides to the Mass

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2002), with adaptations for the dioceses of the United States, nos. 29, 59, 99, 101, 194–198, 309.
Pope Francis, apostolic letter Spiritus Domini (January 10, 2021), on the ministries of lector and acolyte.
The prayer before reading was written for this page.