As we carry out our duties as lay ministers, it is important to bear in mind the information detailed in the General Instruction on the Roman Missal which concern the liturgical role of the lector.
Entrance procession:
In coming to the altar, when no deacon is present, the lector may carry the Book of the Gospels, which is to be slightly elevated. In that case, the lector walks in front of the priest but otherwise along with the other ministers.
Upon reaching the altar, (if he is not carrying the Book of the Gospels) the lector makes a profound bow with the other ministers. If he is carrying the Book of the Gospels, the lector does not bow, instead, the lector processes directly to the Altar and places the Book of the Gospels on the Altar (face up with the spine aligned to the left).
The Prayers of the Faithful:
When no deacon is present, the lector, after the introduction by the priest, may announce from the ambo the intentions of the Prayer of the Faithful. It is important to note that the intentions are prayer text, therefore they should not simply be read, but be prayed such that the lector assists and invites the rest of the assembly to pray.
Concluding Rites
When the Mass has ended and the ministers recess out of the church, the Lector remains in their place with the assembly. The Book of the Gospels should never recess out of the church after Mass, but should remain enthroned on the ambo.
Once the assembly has begun to dismiss, the lector should see to it that the Book of the Gospels is returned to its place in the sacristy so that it may be prepared for the next Mass.