A lector is the person who proclaims the first or second reading at Mass.  This person also may lead the Psalm (in the absence of a cantor/choir director) and the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass (in the absence of the deacon). 

Reading Sacred Scripture brings hope and joy to the hearts of all who meditate on the Sacred Word of God.  Participating as a reader at Mass is more than just saying words that happen to be on a printed page.  Readers offer a sacred talent of proclaiming the Word of God aloud, and rejoicing in the congregation's response, "Thanks be to God."

Readers are to be in good standing with the Catholic Church and able to receive Holy Communion.  Readers should have a good speaking voice, be able to stand up in public and be willing to prayerfully engage and study Sacred Scripture before proclaiming the Word of God at Mass.  

All readers are asked to check in at the Sacristy at least 15-20 minutes before Mass begins to review any announcements and receive instructions from the presiding priest.

A quarterly schedule is prepared so lectors can easily plan & schedule personal activities.

If you might be feeling called to proclaim the Word and wish to consider this ministry, contact Vicki Blanchard (337) 783-8539 for Midland, Shelton Leleux (337) 514-9474 for Lyons Point, and Paula Mire (337) 581-2465 for Morse.

May 25: Saint Bede the Venerable, Priest and Doctor—Optional Memorial

Patron Saint of lectors, scholars, English writers, and historians
Pre-Congregation canonization
Canonization confirmed and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1899
Liturgical Color: White

St. Bede was declared Venerable by the church in 9836 and was canonized in 1899.  He was named "Doctor of the Church" by Pope Leo XIII because of his work and piety.    He was born around the time England was finally completely Christianized and he was raised from age seven in the abbey of Saints Peter and Paul at Wearmouth-Jarrow, and lived there for the rest of his life. 
 

Prayer to Saint Bede, the Venerable:
Careful Historian and Doctor of the Church, lover of God and of truth, you are a natural model for all readers of God’s inspired Word. Move lectors to prepare for public reading by prayerfully pondering the sacred texts and invoking the Holy Spirit. Help them to read in such a way that those who hear may attain learning and edification. Amen.

A Prayer for Readers

Almighty God, cleanse my heart and my lips that I may worthily proclaim your Word.
Bless my efforts to prepare, that I may meditate on your Word, understand it better, and proclaim it faithfully to your people. Surround my ministry with your presence, that I may carefully perform the task entrusted to me, announce the Word of God properly, watch it grow in the hearts of listeners, and give glory to you, Father, through your Son and in the Holy Spirit. 

Amen!

Intercessory Prayer to St. Bede for Lectors

Sainte Bede the Venerable, you were a holy monk who embraced his vocation with zeal and devotion.  You prayed, studies, and wrote in accord with God's holy will.  By your hidden service to the Church, God influenced popes, saints, monks, and countless others in ways that we will only understand in Heaven.  Please pray for me, that I will embrace my vocation with all my heart, so as to live my mission and discover my own path to holiness.  Saint Bede the Venerable, pray for me.  Jesus, I trust in You.