I just started as a lector at my new parish. I’ve been Episcopalian since 2016 and involved in 3 parishes since then. Each time I’ve been a lector and each time after my first couple times reading people approach me to thank me for reading so well and slowly.

Part of me thinks this is because of the difference between Catholic Churches and Episcopal churches. I grew up Catholic and when I wanted to be a lector at my childhood parish I was required to attend a morning of lector training. It included best practices for reading. While I barely remember the specifics, certain tips are still entrained in me every time I read.

On the other hand, for every Episcopal parish I was signed up to read the week after I said I was interested in being a lector.

I still think I do the bare minimum, but seeing the response over the last few years makes me think Episcopal churches should put a little more emphasis on training readers, even if it is a hassle.