Ministers of the WordFormation Workshop

Today We Will– Consider key characteristics of liturgical

hospitality

– Examine how Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion show hospitality

– Identify ways of developing hospitality within our own ministry

– Review Mass procedures

Preparing to ProclaimAll those entrusted with this office, even those not instituted in the ministry of Reader, should be truly suitable and carefully trained. This training should be biblical and liturgical, as well as technical…

2010 Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini

http

://en

.wik

iped

ia.o

rg/w

iki/F

ile:B

ened

ykt_

XVI_%

2820

10-1

0-17

%29

_4.jp

g

Preparing to Proclaim– Two types of preparation

- Spiritual- Technical

– Equally important- Good spiritual preparation enhances technical

preparation

Spiritual PreparationAttend

Ask the Spirit for help in hearing God’s message

Break OpenAsk what the passage is saying about God, our relationship and what

God is sayingConnect

How will you respond to what you have read?

Technical Proclamation

Skills

Vocal Variety

Melody

RatePausing

Volume

Peer Affirmation and Support– Drawing on the wisdom, experience and

encouragement of the group

– Each person will proclaim a reading they have chosen from the material sent out in advance

– The group will provide support, affirmation and advice

Affirmation and Support– This proclamation was good because…

– This proclamation would be even better if…

Proclaiming the Word at Mass

Preparation– Use the Break Open

the Word book provided

– Take time to reflect– Read all three readings– Let God speak to you

through the Scripture– Specific preparation

sessions may be required on occasion

Before Mass– Organise a swap or replacement if you cannot

serve when rostered on– Arrive in plenty of time to prepare yourself– Readers ensure the Lectionary is on the ambo– Commentators ensure their microphone is on– Readers have the Book of Gospels with them,

ready in the narthex– Commentators greet the assembly with a short

introduction

Entrance Procession– Reader processes

ahead of priest– Hold the book with

dignity and reverence

– Bow your head when the priest bows

– Place the Book of Gospels on the altar

Liturgy of the Word– Approach the ambo

with dignity and reverence

– Proclaim slowly, clearly and with life

– Give the assembly the moments of silence to reflect and allow words to penetrate

Liturgy of the Word– Commentator is in

position for the start of the Prayer of the Faithful

– Pause between the end of the intention and “Lord, hear us”

– Move the lectern away after the Prayer of the Faithful

After Mass Concludes– Leave the Lectionary and commentator’s

folder where they can be easily located

- Ambo or commentator’s lectern, or,- Work sacristy