Training of Lectors and Cantors at Derebail Church Back

Training of Lectors and Cantors at Derebail Church

A training programme for the Lectors and Cantors was organised at the Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail, on Saturday, 16th September, 2023 by the Commission for Liturgy. The programme began at 6.00 in the evening under the direction of Fr. Vijay Machado, the Director of Diocesan Liturgical and Catechetical Centre. 

Fr Vijay with utmost clarity explained the significance of the ministry of the Lectors and Cantors. He underscored some very significant points:

1. Word of God is proclaimed and not read; it is an integral part of the Liturgy, hence one must consider it a great privilege to proclaim the Word of God.

2. The one who is supposed to proclaim the Word of God must take up this noble task seriously with due preparation well on time, going through the text again and again and if necessary take the assistance of someone.

3. Those who wish to proclaim the Word should not come at the last moment, rather a few days in advance and be familiar with the text.

4. The person should get up to proclaim the Word only after the Amen of the introduction prayer, kindly do not come before the ‘amen’ is said by the congregation. 

5. When approaching the Lectern (Ambo- reading place) one should go with proper disposition and care, properly and neatly dressed, bow before the Altar and should slowly move towards the Lectern.

6. While near the Lectern, do not be in a hurry, relax, adjust the mike to your mouth, and then read slowly and meaningfully.

7. Read only from the Lectionary (Big Book) placed at the Ambo, and not from any other book, never from the Photocopied paper, Mobile or Bible Diary.

8. While proclaiming the Word of God, pay attention to the text of the book and see that you have an eye contact with the assembly as much as possible.

9. Those who proclaim the Word on Sunday, kindly join in the entrance procession along with the priest, and occupy the front seats in the church, do not enter the sanctuary.

10. Those who sing or read the responsorial psalm, must render their role with dignity and devotion. The text of the Psalm has to be from the Lectionary and not from Hymn book.

11. Those who wish to get some more clarification, approach the Parish Priest or Assistant Parish priest.

12. We need to take this ministry seriously; more and more people from the parish need to come forward for it is a privilege and an opportunity to be close to the Word of God.

After clarifying a few questions, Fr Joseph Martis, the Parish Priest, thanked Fr Vijay for his clear and correct instructions and for his availability. He also appreciated the participants for their interest in this ministry. The session was attended by around 140 parishioners. It was a very enlightening session; the participants were given correct and necessary knowledge on the ministry of Lectors and Cantors. The session ended at 7.20 p.m. 

Report by: Alwyn Carvalho
Pictures: Ashish Joseph Carvalho