JAN 12, 2025
Bulletin Inserts
Bulletin Inserts
- LISA M BELLECCI ST ROMAIN
- GREG WARNUSZ
FIRST
READING
BOOK OF ISAIAH
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
SOURCE: Lisa M Bellecci |Archive
God is coming to bring comfort and hope, urging people to prepare for His arrival with joy and reassurance, as He tenderly cares for His flock.
Comfort: Emphasize the theme of comfort and consolation, as the prophet Isaiah is instructed to provide solace to the people.
Tone: Shift your tone to reflect the varying emotions present in the passage, such as excitement, strength, reassurance, and tenderness.
Segmentation: Break down the reading into smaller sections to help maintain focus and deliver the message effectively.
Enthusiasm: Embrace the enthusiasm and joy conveyed in certain parts, like the proclamation of the Lord’s arrival and the announcement of glad tidings.
Visualization: Visualize the vivid imagery presented in the passage, such as mountains being brought low and valleys being filled, to instill the imagery into the listeners’ minds.
Connection to Gospel: Understand that this reading is a preparation for the Gospel, emphasizing God’s tenderness and love for those feeling abandoned or worried.
Practice: Practice reading the passage aloud to ensure a smooth delivery and allow yourself to fully engage with the text.
SECOND READING
LETTER TO THE
EPHESIANS
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
SOURCE: Lisa M Bellecci |Archive
God accepts everyone equally, regardless of background, as demonstrated by the Holy Spirit’s arrival at Cornelius’s house and the inclusive message of peace and healing through Jesus Christ.
Context: Lisa mentions that the lector should be aware of the context of Peter speaking at the house of Cornelius, addressing people who haven’t been baptized but received the Holy Spirit. This background information should be reflected in the reading.
Tone: The lector should convey the tone of amazement and learning in Peter’s voice as he realizes that God shows no partiality and accepts anyone who fears Him and acts uprightly.
Segmentation: Lisa suggests keeping in mind the “one, two, threes” in the long section of the reading to help with pacing and emphasis. This may refer to breaking down the reading into smaller sections and identifying key points to emphasize.
Translation: Lisa mentions an alternative translation of the passage that refers to healing those “in the grip of the devil.” The lector should be aware of possible variations in translations and choose the one that resonates best with the audience.
Practice aloud: Lisa recommends practicing the reading aloud to ensure a smooth and engaging delivery, capturing the essence of Peter’s message and his own realization about God’s impartiality and acceptance. message of Gentile inclusion and divine grace found in this passage.
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C

Lector Prep
A close look at upcoming Sunday readings, focusing on the lector’s understanding and proclamation
Greg has has served the church with his website since 1999 helping lectors prepare to proclaim the Scriptures in our Sunday assemblies.
For each Sunday’s first and second readings (and occasionally for the gospel), the Notes give the historical and theological background, plus suggestions on oral interpretation.


