Please follow the Procedural Instructions below so that everyone serves the same way:

Procedure:

• The Lector wears approved attire (General Instruction of the Roman Missal 194).  Lectors are asked to dress in a way that would not distract people's attention from the reading (of Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass 54).
• There is a Dress Code.  Please no jeans, t-shirts, sneaker shoes, or low cut tops; dresses/skirts should be appropriate length.
• The Lector should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of Mass.
• Before Mass begins, the Lectionary should be placed on the ambo (pulpit).  It should be opened to the proper page for the First Reading; it will minimize distractions when the Lector approaches the ambo.  No ceremony accompanies the placement, but liturgical books are best handled with dignity.
• The Lector normally walks in the Entrance Procession following the Altar Servers and before the Deacon and Priest.
• The Book of the Gospels will be carried in the Entrance Procession by the Deacon.  In the absence of the Deacon, the Lector will carry the Book of the Gospels.  The book is held slightly elevated.  The principle is to draw attention to the Book of the Gospels.  The Lectionary is not to be carried in procession.
• Upon approaching the Sanctuary, the Deacon or Lector with the Book of the Gospels directly enters the Sanctuary without making any sign of reverence and places the book on the altar.
• Then the Lector makes a profound bow to the altar and proceeds to their place.  (The Lector's Family is encouraged to sit with them in the designated pew.)  
• After the Opening Prayer, the Lector approaches the Sanctuary, makes a profound bow to the altar then goes to the ambo to proclaim the First Reading.
• If the Responsorial Psalm is sung, the Lector returns to their seat.  After the Psalm has ended, the Lector then approaches the Sanctuary, makes a profound bow to the altar, then goes to the ambo to proclaim the Second Reading.
• After the proclamation of the Second Reading, the Lector closes and places the Lectionary on the shelf and returns to their seat.
• After the praying of the Creed, the Lector approaches the Sanctuary and makes a profound bow to the altar, then goes to the ambo to lead the Prayers of the Faithful.  After the Concluding Prayer, the Lector announces the Second Collection if there is one, and then returns to their seat.
• At the end of Mass, the Lector remains in their until the Closing Hymn has ended; then the Lectionary should be opened to the First Reading for the next Mass.
• The Book of the Gospels should then be taken to the sacristy.

Thank you for your service to our Lord Jesus and His holy people.  God Bless You!