The ministry of lector, once reserved to clerics, is now more commonly filled by lay people. Lector reads (proclaims) the first two readings at weekend Masses and makes announcements when necessary. If the responsorial psalm is not sung, the lector reads it. Two lectors are usually scheduled for each Mass on a more or less rotating schedule every four - six weeks.
Requirements: Lectors must be a minimum of high school age, has the ability to project one's voice and have stage presence. Male and female parishioners are eligible. A short training session is available to those who want it. Proper dress is a requirement. During the week, volunteers lector at the 8:00 AM daily Mass.