This document provides guidance for ministers of the word on preparing to proclaim scripture readings at Mass. It emphasizes the importance of both spiritual and technical preparation, noting that spiritual preparation through reading, reflecting on, and bringing the scriptures to life can enhance one's technical skills. It offers some methods for preparation, including working in small groups to reflect on the upcoming Sunday readings. It also provides direction for ministers on their roles during the different parts of the liturgy of the word.

2. Ministers of the Word
Formation Workshop

3. Acolytes, Lectors and Readers

4. Preparing to Proclaim
All those entrusted with
this office, even those not
instituted in the ministry
of Reader, should be truly
suitable and carefully
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Benedykt_XVI_%282010-10-17%29_4.jpg
trained. This training
should be biblical and
liturgical, as well as
technical…
2010 Apostolic Exhortation
Verbum Domini

5. Preparing to Proclaim

6. … The purpose of their to Proclaim is to
Preparing biblical formation
give readers the ability to understand the
readings in context and to perceive by the light
of faith the central point of the revealed
message. The liturgical formation ought to
equip the readers to have some grasp of the
meaning and structure of the liturgy of the
word and of the significance of its connection
with the liturgy of the Eucharist…
Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass, 55

7. Preparing to Proclaim
• Two types of preparation
− Spiritual
− Technical
• Equally important
− Good spiritual preparation can
enhance technical preparation

8. Spiritual Preparation
• Not just for Ministers of the Word
• Several methods, but all have similar
characteristics
− Read the Word
− Reflect on the Word
− Bringing the Word to life

9. Preparing Can Be Easy

10. Preparing
• Small groups, working together
• Reflecting on the readings for the
Sundays of Advent
− What really resonates from what I have
read
− How can I take that key message and
get it across in my proclamation?

11. Proclaiming the Word at Mass

12. Preparation
• Biblical commentary
can be downloaded
from website
• Take time to reflect
• Read all three readings
• Let God speak to you
through the Scripture
• Scheduled preparation
workshops in
particular seasons

13. Before Mass
• Make sure the roster is followed
− Organise a swap/replacement if you cannot make it
• Arrive in plenty of time to check-in, prepare
and familiarise yourself
• Make sure the Lectionary is on the ambo
(readers)
• Make sure the microphone is on
(commentators)
• Have the Book of Gospels with you
• Be ready in the narthex

14. Entrance Procession
• Process ahead of
priest
• Hold the book with
dignity and
reverence
• Bow your head as
the priest bows
• Place the Book of
Gospels on the altar

15. Liturgy of the Word
• Approach the ambo with
dignity and reverence
− The ministers set the
standard at this time
• Proclaim clearly and
with life
• Don’t rush
• Give the assembly the
moments of silence to
reflect and allow words
to penetrate

16. Liturgy of the Word
• The Prayer of the
Faithful begins with the
priest’s introduction
− The commentator should
be in position by this time
• Pause between the end
of the prayer and “Lord,
hear us”
• Move the lectern away
after the Prayer of the
Faithful

17. After Mass Concludes
• Leave the Lectionary and commentator’s
folder where they can be easily located
− Ambo or commentator’s lectern, or,
− Work sacristy