Ministry of the Word Formation: Spiritual Preparation

Formation workshop for Ministers of the Word continuing in their ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville

1. Ministers of the Word Formation Workshop

2. Today We Will Review the parish vision and implementation strategies Identify the types of preparation for proclamation and their importance Practise the work of spiritual preparation to proclaim the scriptures at Mass Review Mass procedures

3. Acolytes, Lectors and Readers

4. Preparing to Proclaim All those entrusted with this office, even those not instituted in the ministry of Reader, should be truly suitable and carefully trained. This training should be biblical and liturgical, as well as technical… 2010 Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Benedykt_XVI_%282010-10-17%29_4.jpg

5. Preparing to Proclaim

6. Preparing to Proclaim … The purpose of their biblical formation is to give readers the ability to understand the readings in context and to perceive by the light of faith the central point of the revealed message. The liturgical formation ought to equip the readers to have some grasp of the meaning and structure of the liturgy of the word and of the significance of its connection with the liturgy of the Eucharist… Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass, no. 55

7. Preparing to Proclaim Two types of preparation Spiritual Technical Equally important Good spiritual preparation can enhance technical preparation

8. Spiritual Preparation Not just for Ministers of the Word Several methods, but all have similar characteristics Read the Word Reflect on the Word Bringing the Word to life

9. Preparing Can Be Easy Attend Ask the Spirit for help in hearing God’s message Break Open Ask what the passage is saying about God, our relationship and what God is saying Connect How will you respond to what you have read?

10. Four Senses of Scripture Literal Spiritual Allegorical Moral Anagogical The meaning conveyed by the words of Scripture, interpreted soundly Symbolic; recognising the significance of events in Christ Scripture leads us to act justly Viewing realities and events in terms of eternal significance Catechism of the Catholic Church, 115-119

11. Preparing Small groups, working together Reflecting on the readings for the Sundays of Advent What really resonates from what I have read How can I take that key message and get it across in my proclamation?

12. Proclaiming the Word at Mass

13. Preparation Use the Preparing to Proclaim resource provided Take time to reflect Read all three readings Let God speak to you through the Scripture Specific preparation sessions may be required on occasion

14. Before Mass Organise a swap or replacement if you cannot serve when rostered on Arrive in plenty of time to prepare yourself Readers ensure the Lectionary is on the ambo Commentators ensure their microphone is on Readers have the Book of Gospels with them, ready in the narthex Commentators greet the assembly with a short introduction

15. Entrance Procession Reader processes ahead of priest Hold the book with dignity and reverence Bow your head when the priest bows Place the Book of Gospels on the altar

16. Liturgy of the Word Approach the ambo with dignity and reverence Proclaim slowly, clearly and with life Give the assembly the moments of silence to reflect and allow words to penetrate

17. Liturgy of the Word Commentator is in position for the start of the Prayer of the Faithful Pause between the end of the intention and “Lord, hear us” Move the lectern away after the Prayer of the Faithful

18. After Mass Concludes Leave the Lectionary and commentator’s folder where they can be easily located Ambo or commentator’s lectern, or, Work sacristy

19. olmcwentyliturgy.org For guidelines and resources