I. INTRODUCTION
In the absence of an instituted reader, other lay people may be designated to proclaim the
readings from the Sacred Scriptures. Such designated readers must be truly qualified and
carefully prepared for this office, so that the faithful will develop a warm and lively love
for Sacred Scripture from listening to the reading from the sacred texts (GIRM 101).

When the Scriptures are read in Church, God himself is speaking to his people, and Christ,
present in his own word, is proclaiming the gospel (GIRM 29). In proclaiming the word of
God, reader exercise their responsibility in mediating the presence of Christ. God speaks
to the assemble through them, and the impact of God’s message will depend significantly
on their conviction, their preparation and their deliver.

The reading of God’s word must therefore be listened to by all with reverence; they make
up a principal element of the Liturgy (GIRM 29).

The richness in the quantity and in the variety of readings in the Lectionary challenges
those who are called upon to proclaim the Scriptures at Mass. They employed various
literary forms to convey the message of salvation, ranging, for example, from narratives
and the poetry of the psalms to prophetic oracles and parables, from theological expositions
to apocalyptic visions. An awareness of the literary form of the particular reading and a
knowledge of the sacred author's style will enable the reader or psalmist to proclaim more
fully and with greater understanding of the tone and content of the text.

The psalmist or cantor of the psalm is to sing the psalm or other biblical song that comes
between the readings. To fulfill their function correctly, these psalmists should possess the
ability to sing and an aptitude for correct pronunciation and diction (GIRM 102). At
times, however, it may be necessary for the responsorial psalm be lead by the reader or
another minister.

II. REQUIREMENTS
Those who normally fulfill the ministry of reader should be fully initiated members of the
community and of sufficient maturity and competency to undertake this ministry.

III. SEATING AND ATTIRE
The proper place for the seating of readers is within the assembly distinguished clearly
from those of the clergy (GIRM 310). They should be seen coming forth from the
assembly and returning to it when their ministry has been completed.
In the Diocese of the United States of America, acolytes, altar server, readers, and other
lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate and dignified
clothing (GIRM 339). Readers should be encouraged to dress appropriately.