Just as we need The Bread Of
Life , so too do we need The Word Of God.
Scripture is a source of great hope and light in times of
darkness and sorrow.
The Ministry Of the Word Of God is an important lay
contribution to the life of the Church. Becoming a Reader
will give you an opportunity to partake more fully in The
Mass and you will also help your fellow parishioners towards
a greater understanding of Scripture.
New Ministers are always welcome, and expertise in public
speaking or top grades in elocution lessons are NOT
required! What is needed is a commitment to your
faith. Everything else comes from The Holy
Spirit.
What's the point in being a Reader?
To heighten your spiritual
awareness, to help learn more about your faith, and to
gain an insight into the meaning of the sometimes obscure
teachings contained in the Bible.
You will gain a greater
understanding of the Mass.
You will come to appreciate the
great wisdom contained within the pages of the Bible and
this experience will help you to live your life according
to God's teachings.
By becoming a Reader at Mass,
you will enhance the experience of those who
listen.
Will there be any training?
If you wish, we can arrange a
convenient time to explain the responsibility and honour
which attaches to Reading at Mass.
We will help you to prepare and
understand the readings, how to deal with some of those
strange and exotic names in the Bible, and we will
explain the practicalities involved. You will get an
opportunity to practice in the church.
Regular newsletters ensure that
ongoing contact with the Readers Group is maintained, and
these newsletters often contain hints and suggestions on
Reading.
Through the structures of
teams, leaders and coordinator, there will always be
support available to you should you need it.
What commitment is required?
Normally you will read at one
Mass on Sundays, and one evening Mass during the
week.
The Readers Group is divided
into five rotating teams, so Readers are only required to
read at Mass every five weeks . (However, you may
occasionally be invited to stand in if other Readers are
away.)
You will be assigned to a team
whose leader will ensure that you are kept informed of
when you will read and provide any assistance you may
need.
If you are unable to read at a
particular Mass you may phone your leader who will
arrange a replacement.
And if you are having
difficulty with any aspect of your ministry, take heart from
the words St Paul wrote to the
Corinthians:
Never give
in then, my dear brothers and sisters, never admit defeat;
keep on working at the Lord's work always, knowing that, in
the Lord, you cannot be working in
vain.
1 Corinthians, 15:54-58