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Lector Resources

Hosted by George Miller,

Author of Catholic Lector

from the Inside-Out,

The Uncommon Lector
and God Is My CFO

Proclaiming God's Word for Greater Effect

'Good Job' Doesn't Mean Good Enough

Why This Site?

Hear George's reasons for building this site,
and the many benefits of using it regularly.

As lectors and public readers of God's word, we never arrive at a point to where we can't get better, no matter how many attaboys our family, friends or even our pastor give us..

I hope this site encourages you strive to be the best proclaimer of God's word that you've been called to be. Browse around and contact me anytime with your questions, comments or ideas for making this site more helpful to you

and your church's ministry.

George Miller/Website Founder

Recent Posts

A Few Questions for Wannabe Lectors

12/29/2019

Pope Benedict XVI described the purpose and importance of our ministry in his letter, Porta Fidei: We can cross the threshold into a life of communion with God, when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. This is our opportunity as Catholic lectors ... to help our brothers and sisters open their hearts to receive that transforming grace, and be guided toward a deeper communion with God. Isaiah 50:4.says: The Lord has given me a
Called by God or Self?

02/04/2019

There are many things we can do to serve God. Lots of good things, but not necessarily the one good thing God wants us to focus on. It happens in parishes all the time. We're asked to do this and that. We run from one ministry to the next. Tuesday evening here, Sunday afternoon there, etc, etc. And who's laughing at us but Satan! It's his "Plan B" for us. If he can't get us to remain distant from God by actually sinning, he'll keep us busy doing too many different things so we never have time
Are You in a Ministry or a Job?

01/13/2019

The importance we give to our church work depends not just on our abilities and talents for it, but also our attitude toward it. The following comparison has been around for years. Whoever originally penned it is unknown, but it was recently a bulletin insert in my parish, and I couldn't help to pass it on... If you are doing it because no one else will, it's a job. If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it's a ministry. If you are doing it just well enough to get by, it's a job. If you
Wake-up Call for Old-Time Lectors

08/18/2018

So you’ve been a lector for 25 years? Or one year 25 times? At my church’s annual lector workshop, about eighty-percent of our lectors always show up. Another ten-percent usually have valid reasons for not coming, and the remaining ten-percent are either not committed or just feel they’re experienced enough to not need it. But one of the huge benefits of regular lector meetings besides the training content is the fellowship that's kindled among everyone. In my church, our lectors are becoming
The Seven Capital Sins (of a Lector)

08/12/2018

Those “deadly seven” sins of Sloth, Envy, Gluttony, Pride, Lust, Anger and Greed can find their way into our lector ministry as easily as other parts of our lives. Though not all neatly listed together anywhere in Scripture, they are referred to throughout God’s book. Whoever originally penned them is not certain, but it's believed that artists and philosophers of the 14th century ingrained them into the Christian consciousness. They are not direct violations against God’s Commandments, but
Exalted, But Not Superior

05/19/2018

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted: Matthew 23:12 A few years back at a lector coordinators' meeting, the priest leading it began his introductory remarks saying, "The Ministry of Lector is the most exalted lay ministry in the church... I mean, you could train a monkey to be a Eucharistic minister." We've all heard irresponsible remarks from priests and deacons, but this was over the top. There's no doubt that it's an honored and privileged
To Proclaim from Memory or Not

05/13/2018

"Isn't that wonderful," I'll occasionally hear from parishioners who marvel over lectors who recite their readings from memory, which makes me wonder if they remembered anything about the reading. When you practice a reading enough, you'll often have it down to memory, or at least close. But to then deliver it from memory is usually going a step too far. The biggest problem with reading from memory is that you can shock people into a "Wow, he's reciting from memory" reaction and distract them
Lector Discernment: Not Just for Newbies

04/04/2018

Discernment should not only be exercised with new lectors entering the ministry, but with veterans as well. The enthusiasm we may initially feel about proclaiming God's word may die down over time, we may lose our "salt," get attracted to other ministries, feel burned out or need a re-check of our basic proclamation skills; just to name a few reasons why lector discernment should be continuous and life-long. Discernment in any ministry means being honest with ourselves and God about why we

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'Good Job' Doesn't Mean Good Enough

Recent Posts

A Few Questions for Wannabe Lectors

Called by God or Self?

Are You in a Ministry or a Job?

Wake-up Call for Old-Time Lectors

The Seven Capital Sins (of a Lector)

Exalted, But Not Superior

To Proclaim from Memory or Not

Lector Discernment: Not Just for Newbies