PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD
We have had many titles such as readers, lectors and, more recently, Proclaimers of the Word. We are tasked with bringing the Good News, through the scriptures, to God’s people. At Mass, there is the Liturgy of the Word, in which we take part, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Many people can read the scriptures for themselves these days, but our job is to make the scripture “alive” by use of the voice in order to bring the meaning of the words to the people – that is to interpret what the passage means.
The priest or deacon, of course, takes this a step further in their homily. The proclaimer needs to prepare the passages very well. Looking up word meanings when necessary and generally researching the background. Many good Bibles have substantial footnotes which should be used. Most importantly, it is necessary to first read the passages, starting with the Gospel, then, reflect on them. Finally, practice reading aloud. We start with the Gospel because that sets the tone/theme for the other readings.
Presently we have over 30 proclaimers and these have regular duties at the 4 week-end Masses – two for each Mass for the 4 weeks of the month. There are also some slots given for a 5th week-end when this occurs. Weekdays are arranged somewhat piecemeal as not many proclaimers are available during ‘work hours’.
As a group, we try and meet 3 or 4 times a year. Our special day is the feast of Christ the King, when we are commissioned to serve for the next year. Our Patron Saint is Holy Gabriel the Archangel, who was God’s messenger to interpret God’s message sent to Daniel in a vision and to bring good news to Zechariah and Our Lady. He is officially patron of Communications.
We have had many titles such as readers, lectors and, more recently, Proclaimers of the Word. We are tasked with bringing the Good News, through the scriptures, to God’s people. At Mass, there is the Liturgy of the Word, in which we take part, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Many people can read the scriptures for themselves these days, but our job is to make the scripture “alive” by use of the voice in order to bring the meaning of the words to the people – that is to interpret what the passage means.
The priest or deacon, of course, takes this a step further in their homily. The proclaimer needs to prepare the passages very well. Looking up word meanings when necessary and generally researching the background. Many good Bibles have substantial footnotes which should be used. Most importantly, it is necessary to first read the passages, starting with the Gospel, then, reflect on them. Finally, practice reading aloud. We start with the Gospel because that sets the tone/theme for the other readings.
Presently we have over 30 proclaimers and these have regular duties at the 4 week-end Masses – two for each Mass for the 4 weeks of the month. There are also some slots given for a 5th week-end when this occurs. Weekdays are arranged somewhat piecemeal as not many proclaimers are available during ‘work hours’.
As a group, we try and meet 3 or 4 times a year. Our special day is the feast of Christ the King, when we are commissioned to serve for the next year. Our Patron Saint is Holy Gabriel the Archangel, who was God’s messenger to interpret God’s message sent to Daniel in a vision and to bring good news to Zechariah and Our Lady. He is officially patron of Communications.
