A free resource for Ministers of the Word

"Sacred scripture is of the the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy. For from it are drawn the lessons which are read and which are explained in the homily; from it too come the psalms which are sung. It is from scripture that the petitions, prayers and hymns draw their inspiration and their force, and that actions and signs derive their meaning. Hence, in order to archive the restoration, progress, and adaption of the sacred liturgy it is essential to promote that warm and lively appreciation of sacred scripture to which the venerable tradition of eastern and western rites gives testimony." (Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy, 24) 

Sacred scripture that is read and explained and act as the inspiration for prayers and hymns. Actions and signs that inspire a warm and lively appreciation of sacred scripture. In 50 years since Sacrosanctum Concilium was written and implemented, how has the ministry of the reader evolved into an active, warm, lively, bodily active sign that inspires an assembly to hear how God is speaking to here and now, in the present and to our lives?  

The minister of God's Word is entrusted with particular responsibilities beyond showing up fifteen minutes prior to a liturgy to check the pronunciation of difficult words. Living with scripture in prayer and practice is mandatory for anyone who accepts the invitation to proclaim God's word in the midst of the worshipping assembly. 

Through the guidance of pastoral leaders who teach, preach and study sacred scripture, ministers of the word should expect ongoing formation in their ministry. Days of reflection, helpful publications designed to assist readers throughout the week to understand and pray with the scripture passage they will proclaim and ongoing scripture study for ministers of the word enrich the spiritual life of persons who serve as readers  as well as the assembly who hears the Word proclaimed. With ultimate care for mininsters of the word, a pastoral context can expect that the hearts of the faithful will fill with a burning love of God's word and how God speaks through the word in our lives.  

Here's what Dei Verbum tell us: "Using appropriate techniques (they) should together set about examining and explaining the sacred texts in such a way that as many as possible of those who are ministers of God's word may be able to dispense fruitfully the nourishment of the scriptures to the people of God." (Dogmatic Constitution of Divine Revelation, 23) 

To this end, The Roncalli Center is pleased to offer a guide for ministers of the word that may assist pastoral leaders and readers to pray, reflect and practice toward the mutual goal of possessing 'a well-trained tongue, so they might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.' (Is 50: 4) 

The Ministry of the Reader is a concise, 8-page booklet that may be tailored to meet the needs of your own pastoral contexts to provide beginner training for new readers and serve as a source of reflection that can deepen the ministry of more experienced readers. You may download the attached document as a Word file and shape it to meet the specific needs of your own pastoral context. 

May the word of God be a lamp for your feet and a light to guide your path.