"They all felt like lectors" was the feedback I received after recently holding a morning "mini-retreat" for our church's 40-plus lectors. "They didn't feel talked at," said veterans who'd been-there-done-that with meetings covering the same 'ol topics on procedures and proclamation 101 techniques.

The event was a huge success for several reasons. At the beginning, our pastor opened with prayer and comments to convey the importance of the ministry to everyone. He was then followed with a series of 10- to 15-minute rapid-fire segments starting with kudos to all for their commitment to the ministry, where they are in comparison to other parishes, prayers, procedures, a discernment exercise, resources for self-improvement, and motivational topics to deepen their love for their work.

The highlight of the morning was a segment called "Lectors Unleash," where four of our most passionate and loved lectors gave uplifting five-minute testimonies on what the lector ministry meant to them.

It was the first meeting our lectors had come together for in years, and the last thing they wanted to hear was how to make eye contact, project their voices or pronounce Phrygia and Pamphylia.

It was not a time to teach, but a time for fun, inspiration, making new friends and bonding with old ones. In the end, they felt respected and good about themselves. The three-hour session flew by and was over before we knew it.

One of the biggest concerns we had as we prepared this meeting was attendance. Some years before this meeting in another parish, I sent a letter to the lectors saying that the upcoming meeting was mandatory by word of our pastor, and even despite this, only half of the lectors showed up.

So this time around at my new parish, I sent a polite invitation letter asking our lectors to "join me and our pastor." Attendance was 80 percent.

Planning a lector meeting soon? Do a little research first. Get a good feel for your lectors' sentiments and areas of need: then put something together... just for them.