By Traci Tay
KUCHING — Around 20 members of the Lectors and Commentators Ministry of Blessed Sacrament Church had their annual training and formation workshop on 27 May 2026. The half-day workshop served to deepen both their spiritual formation and liturgical knowledge in their service to proclaim the Word of God during the Liturgy of the Word.
This annual event is an ongoing effort to nurture and strengthen the faith, understanding, knowledge and skills of lectors and commentators tasked with the proclamation the Word of God during the Eucharistic celebration.
The opening prayer led by Eric Phan, former Chief of the L&C Ministry, set a reflective and prayerful tone for the gathering. Then, to stir their motivation and curiosity, a Bible Trivia quiz was given. Patricia Wong, Chief of the L&C Ministry encouraged the participants to find all the answers using their phones. Those who finished faster walked away with prizes.
One of the key highlights of the workshop was the interpretation of the instructions in the ORDO – the liturgical calendar and guide used by the Catholic Church with regards to the readings in preparation for Mass on the day the members were assigned to read. The ORDO also lists out liturgical seasons, solemnities, feast days, and the cycles of readings listed throughout the liturgical year. This session enabled participants to better interpret the abbreviations given in the ORDO and appreciate the traditions, structure and richness of the Church’s Liturgical Celebrations.
Special emphasis was also given to the role of commentators, particularly in reading liturgical sequences during major celebrations such as Pentecost and Corpus Christi. Members were given opportunities to read some beautiful, poetic and rhythmic sacred psalms, offering them glimpses of how poetic language can manifest and glorify the adoration of God.
The workshop also included a session on God’s Salvation Plan after the fall of Adam and Eve. This was facilitated by Edwin Akui, Deputy Chief of the ministry. Members were guided through reflections on the history of salvation, the roles of the prophets, and how when Jesus came, he fulfilled all the prophecies written about him in the Old Testament. The session served as a reminder that the ministry of proclaiming the Scriptures is not merely functional, but a sacred calling rooted in faith, prayer, and service.
The workshop ended with members expressing appreciation to the organisers and fellow ministry members for their dedication and commitment. The get-together also became a time of camaraderie, renewal, encouragement, and shared mission in serving the Church through the ministry of the Word.
As lectors and commentators continue their service at the Ambo, this Annual Formation Workshop has become a valuable initiative to nurture ministers to proclaim the Word not only with their voices, but also with hearts filled with faith, conviction and understanding.
