A Voice for Our Universal Church

At St. Vincent de Paul, the Ministry of the Word beautifully reflects the universal, Spirit-filled nature of the Catholic Church. Just as the Holy Spirit allowed the Apostles at Pentecost to proclaim the Good News in many tongues, our lectors are blessed with the privilege of making God’s Word resonate with our diverse, multicultural community.

This ministry is far more than simply reading a text; it is a sacred act of proclamation. As a Lector, you become the vessel through which the living Word of God—the story of our salvation—is shared with the faithful. Have you ever been moved by the Scriptures at Mass and felt a desire to share God’s Word with others? Perhaps the Holy Spirit is calling you to this profound service.

The heart of this ministry lies in prayerful preparation. Before approaching the ambo, you will spend time with the Scriptures, praying with them to grasp their meaning and practicing their delivery to ensure the message is proclaimed with clarity, dignity, and reverence. It's a wonderful way to deepen your own relationship with the Bible.

In a powerful witness to our unity in Christ, we are blessed to have the Word proclaimed not only in English but also in Spanish, Dinka, Bemba, and Swahili. If God has gifted you with a clear voice in any of these languages, we invite you to share that gift with your parish family.

Please Consider This Ministry

You do not need to be a professional public speaker; you only need a faithful heart and a willingness to prepare. Our parish provides comprehensive training, practical resources, and a supportive community to help you proclaim the Word with confidence and grace.

If you are ready to explore this beautiful ministry, we would be delighted to speak with you and answer any questions. Please contact Alberta DeStephano at 315-479-8715 or destefabert@gmail.com. You may also fill out the Liturgical Ministry Form available in the parish office.