“When the Scriptures are read in Church, God Himself speaks to His People, and Christ, present in His own Word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore all must listen with reverence to the readings from God’s Word for they make up an element of greatest importance in the Liturgy” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal).
Lectors are members of the Assembly of the Faithful who proclaim the Word in the first two scripture readings. They also assist in creating a prayerful environment by reading and leading the Prayers of The Faithful for the Assembly.
Training and preparation are necessary for those persons wishing to be a Lector. Proclaiming the Sacred Scriptures is different from other kinds of public speaking. Lectors are not only effective communicators but express the spirit and sacredness of the liturgy as well.