Reader's Ministry

Each Mass Centre has its own readers rota. Rotas are issued every three months.

If you are interested in becoming a reader we have a course to train new volunteers.  The Bishop has recommended that all readers should take part in a workshop at least once a year in order to maintain a high standard of reading.

Mass Centre contacts are as follows:

St Thomas' - Mike Murphy

Buckhurst Hill - Peter Hayes

Chigwell - Sandra Lobo      

Readers Induction / Best Practices

Before Mass:

• Agree with the other reader who’s doing what, preferably before the Sunday as this will enable you to practice your reading. 
• Make contact with the other reader before Mass starts. 
• Check the Lectionary is on the Ambo and at the right page.

• It is probably best to sit nearer the front of the church and at the end of the pew.  If you sit at the back you will have longer to walk and possibly arrive at the ambo out of breath.
• Stop at the bottom of the steps and in the centre of the altar, bow and proceed to the ambo. After the reading, return to the bottom of the steps at the centre and bow (if applicable wait for the 2nd reader and bow together).

• On arrival at the Ambo, don’t start the reading straight away, compose yourself.
• Microphone: Adjust the height ONLY – do not try to move it to the left or right.
• 1st & 2nd Readings
• Introduce the reading: Look at the congregation and say “A Reading From....” (Not “The 1st Reading is taken from the ...”). Pause then start.
• Read Slowly – use punctuation to your benefit.  If you feel that you are running away, then pause.
• If you feel able to do so, acknowledge the congregation by “looking up” throughout the reading.
• When you have finished the reading, pause, look at the congregation and say “The word of the Lord”.
• If you are the 2nd Reader remove the Lectionary after the reading (assuming that the priest will use the book of the Gospels) and place on the shelf.
• Responsorial Psalm:
• Don’t say “The response to the psalm is...” just read the response.
• If it’s a long response – if necessary, join in with the congregation
• Alleluia (or during Lent, the Gospel Acclamation) varies as to whether the choir sing all the acclamation or just the alleluia – check with the choir
• Prayers of the Faithful:
• The person responsible for the 2nd reading normally reads the Bidding Prayers.
• Even more important to read slowly.
• The Priest may use his own opening and closing prayer as opposed to the one on the sheet.
• You only read the petition; the priest will say “Lord in your mercy hear us”.
• Remain at the Ambo until after the closing prayer.