Stephen J. Dubner

We took our Catholicism very seriously. We never missed Mass; our father was a lector, and both our parents taught catechism. At 3 in the afternoon on Good Friday, we gathered in the living room for 10 minutes of silence in front of a painting of the Crucifixion.

American Journalist

Lectors in religious contexts read sacred texts during services.

Religious Service

Lectors in churches usually have a reverent and formal way of reading.

Respectful Tone

A lector is not necessarily a clergy member but serves a special role.

Not Clergy

In universities, a lector is a respected teaching position, not full professor yet.

Academic Position

The academic title 'lector' is more common in Europe than in other regions.

Cultural Specificity

Lectors are associated with educational institutions and lecture to students.

University Setting

Lectors were once a vital source of entertainment and education for workers.

Historical Readers

By reading news and literature aloud, lectors kept workers informed.

Workplace Informer

Understanding the lector's role can give insight into historical working conditions.