"When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to His people, and Christ, present in His word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, the readings from the Word of God are to be listened to reverently by everyone, for they are an element of the greatest importance in the Liturgy."
​(General Instruction of the Roman Missal [GIRM], no. 29)

A lector is the person who proclaims the first or second reading at Mass. This person also may lead the Psalm (in the absence of a cantor) and the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass (in the absence of the Deacon).
       This ministry in the Church requires a person who is of excellent character and serious about the practice of his or her faith.
At the very core, the lector must believe that Sacred Scripture is the Word of God and have deep respect for God's presence in that Word. The two requirements for lectors listed in the General Instruction are that they are to be truly suited to perform this function (which presumes a fully practicing Catholic who lives by the Precepts of the Church), and that they should receive careful preparation.
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