The Ministry of Lectors of St Anne’s Church 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 President and the appointment of our first Spiritual Director. At present, our Ministry has 59 total members of all ages, from 16 to 70 years’ old, and from different backgrounds. 

Our Ministry’s patron saint is St Bede, the patron saint of scholars and historians, who 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 for us.

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 Himself is present during the Mass, “it is He Himself who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in the Church” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, chapter I, point 7). Therefore, the task of proclaiming the Word is a sacred one, and the Lector becomes an instrument through which our Lord speaks to His people.

Such a significant responsibility requires one to be sufficiently prepared before they can be ready to proclaim at the Mass. The Lector’s preparation is thus 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.

Our Ministry has a team of veteran Lectors appointed to assist in training our members and provide useful resources to help in the individual Lector’s preparation. Our trainings aim not only to improve our members’ articulatory and oratorical skills through skills-based workshops and recitational practice, but also to promote a greater prominence of the Bible in our lives through scriptural reflection and sharing. 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”.

Currently, the Ministry meets monthly for training and Breaking of the Word. In consultation with our Spiritual Director, the Ministry also organises annual retreats for a time of prayer, rest, and fellowship. 

Prayer is at the root of the Lector’s work. An ideal proclamation is one that 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. 

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? 

The work undertaken by Lectors is a rewarding one. As a Lector, 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, the old, the sick, the troubled, the hopeless, the happy, and those in need of comfort.

If you have ever been touched by the Lord through the readings in Church, join us in the Ministry of Lectors! 

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’ (Matthew 4:4)

Requirements to Join the Lectors:

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are baptised and confirmed Catholics;
• Are parishioners of St Anne’s Church and regularly attend Mass;
• 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