About Us
The Ministry of Lectors has a long history, dating back to 1963 with only a few members before being formally established in 2003 with the election of our first Ministry President (and the appointment of our first Spiritual Director). Today, we have a total of 59 members aged between 16 and 70 from different backgrounds.
Our ministry’s patron saint is St. Bede, the patron saint of scholars and historians. He was named a ‘Doctor of the Church’ by Pope Leo XIII because of his work in the Church and piety. In using his gifts of writing to give back to his community in England and work as a teacher, St. Bede serves as a good role model to us.
Roles & Responsibilities
Preparing to proclaim the Word — such a significant responsibility requires one to be sufficiently prepared before they can be ready to proclaim at the Mass. The Lectors’ preparation is two-fold: spiritual and technical. Spiritually, we pray with the scriptures and allow the Word to shape our lives. Technically, we practise our readings such that our delivery may appropriately capture their meaning.
We have a team of veteran Lectors who have been appointed to assist in training our members and provide useful resources to help in the individual Lector’s preparation. These points in training aim not only to improve our members’ articulatory and oratorical skills through skill-based workshops and recitational practice, but also to promote a greater prominence of the Bible in our lives through scriptural reflection and sharing.
Tasks & Practices
Before the start of the Mass, Lectors on duty gather at the sacristy to don the Lector’s collar, go over the readings, and pray the “Prayer of a Lector before Proclamation”. Prayer is at the root of the Lector’s work. An ideal proclamation aids the congregation in receiving and comprehending the Word of God — for which a deep, personal understanding of the reading must first be attained by the Lector.
Our ministry hosts a monthly training session, which includes the Breaking of the Word. In consultation with our Spiritual Director, we also organise annual retreats for a time of prayer, rest and fellowship.
Join Us
If you have ever been touched by the Lord through the readings in Church, join us in the Ministry of Lectors! We are looking for individuals who:–
- Are baptised and confirmed Catholics;
- Are parishioners of St Anne’s Church and attend Mass regularly;
- Embrace the prayers offered at the Mass;
- Give positive witness to the Christian life;
- Are willing to prepare for readings through constant prayer, study and practice;
- Are willing to commit themselves to the Ministry’s activities, including regular duties, training and Breaking of the Word.
Interested individuals may fill up the application form and email it to sac.lectors@catholic.org.sg.
To serve as a Lector is to realise our baptismal mission of preaching the Gospel to the world and bearing witness to Christ. And what better way of doing so than to make the Word come alive to His people during the Mass?
Lectors are charged with the unique opportunity to proclaim the Word of God during the Holy Mass as part of the Liturgy of the Word. As Jesus is present during the Mass, “it is He Himself who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in the Chuch,” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, Chapter 1, Point 7). Therefore, the task of proclaiming the Word is a sacred one, and as Lectors, we strive to become instruments through which our Lord speaks to His people.
The work undertaken by Lectors is a rewarding one. You gain the opportunity to serve in the Mass, nurture your spirituality through a greater appreciation of scripture and pick up useful skills related to public speaking and reading. Through sacrificing your own time, gifts and effort, God’s living Word continues to reach all of His people: the young, old, sick, troubled, hopeless, happy and those in need of comfort.
"Do not drug yourselves with wine, this is simply dissipation; be filled with the Spirit. Sing the words and tunes of the psalms and hymns when you are together, and go on singing and chanting to the Lord in your hearts, so that always and everywhere you are giving thanks to God who is our Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:18-20
What Our Parishioners Say
John Tan
“Being part of the church’s outreach ministry has been a transformative experience. It has deepened my faith and allowed me to serve others in meaningful ways.”
Sarah Lim
“The fellowship and support I receive from the women’s ministry is incredible. It feels like a second family, always there to uplift and encourage me.”
Michael Ong
“Volunteering with the youth ministry has not only strengthened my faith but also given me the opportunity to mentor and guide the next generation.”