The Parish of the Durham Martyrs

Readers are lay people responsible for proclaiming the Word of God at Mass and Services of Word and Holy Communion. They also read the Bidding Prayers. If you are interested in joining the rota for Readers please contact the Parish Office specifying which Mass you regularly attend. 

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 Leanne Heseltine is the rota co-ordinator for the readers across the parish. We are launching dedicated WhatsApp groups for St Godric's and St Joseph's to make organising weekend rotas and scheduling swaps quick and easy. 

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Reminders for the upcoming weekend’s scheduled Readers and Ministers will be sent out every Thursday Evening. Please join the group for the Church Mass you usually attend using the links below:

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 St Godric's Group: Join by clicking here 

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St Joseph's Group: Join by clicking here 

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​​​​​​General Guidance for Reading at Mass 

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Thank you for all you do as Ministers of the Word. We are vital to the parish as we continue proclaiming the Word of God. 

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It was decided at a reflection morning that we would revert back to having two readers per Mass.  It is important also to note that if reading in St Joseph's Church  Fr. Colm has requested we access the sanctuary via THE RAMP and  not cut across the altar. 

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Coming up to Read

 Both readers come up to the front together AFTER the COLLECT (Opening prayer) has finished.

Bow to the ALTAR together. If reading at ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH, please go up to the ambo(lectern) via THE RAMP.  Do not cut across the front of the altar.

Whilst the FIRST reader is reading the 1ST READING AND PSALM the SECOND reader is to sit on a chair at the side of the sanctuary near where the Altar servers sit. They then switch for the 2ND READING.

When both Readers have finished reading, DURING THE FINAL ALLELUIA, we come down from the ambo (via THE RAMP in ST JOSEPH’S) and bow to the ALTAR. We DO NOT need to bow or genuflect to the priest celebrating Mass. We then return to our seats.

 

Reading the Bidding Prayers

The SECOND READER goes up ALONE to read the Bidding Prayers. When reading the Bidding Prayers please count to five slowly in your head between reading the prayer and the response. This allows people time to pray for the intention.

Example

For our own intentions and the intentions of those who have asked for our prayers.

(COUNT TO  5)

Lord, in your mercy.

We stay at the lectern UNTIL THE PRIEST FINISHES THE PRAYERS.  Then come down from the ambo

( if in ST JOSEPH’S come down THE RAMP) and  bow to the ALTAR and return to our seat.

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Consider having a  “Positively Critical Friend” who can give you feedback on your reading at Mass WHEN YOU ASK FOR IT.

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