Lectors Ministry: Faithfully Proclaiming God’s Word

In recent years, studies showing the benefits of reading aloud have sparked a resurgence in this form of education and entertainment. These benefits extend well past childhood. Reading aloud improves memory, retention of information, and understanding for adults as well.

The reading of passages from the Bible during the Mass began in the first years of the Church. Before the Bible was compiled, Christians gathered together to read the letters from St. Paul, read from the Old Testament, and hear the stories of the life of Christ. They celebrated the Last Supper, thus forming the liturgy that we now celebrate as the Mass.

Printed Bibles didn’t become available until the middle of the 1400s. As a result, for most Christians, hearing God’s Word proclaimed at Mass was the only access that they had to the Bible.

For Gere Welden, a former English teacher, reading aloud to her children and her students was an important part of her life. And later, reading the Word of God aloud to her fellow parishioners was a natural step.

“I have always loved reading aloud,” Gere says. “I knew how

important it was. I loved to read to my young children and my students. You gain an appreciation for the written word when you hear it and experience it with all of your senses.”

Having become a lector 25 years ago, Gere has been coordinating this ministry for the last 20 years.

“The gifts of faith, intellect, and love really intensify when you are preparing to read at Mass,” she says. “You realize that you get to be the mouthpiece of God and it is stunningly powerful. I love the Bible verse ‘The Lord has given me a welltrained tongue’ (Isaiah 50:4). As a lector, we bring the Word alive. When it is spoken aloud, it brings another dimension compared to just reading it.”

Training for lectors takes place on a one-on-one basis. Those interested in becoming a lector meet with Gere at the church and undergo individual training to learn the processes and practice reading the Scriptures.

“There are people who speak well and are not fearful of public speaking,” Gere says. “But many of us are nervous because we want to do well. We need those who proclaim the Word. When your focus is on Him, you get over those nerves quickly.”

If you would like to get involved in the Lectors Ministry, please contact Gere Welden at gerewelden@comcast.net or 530-638-2647.