--- title: "Preparing readings" slug: "preparing-readings" description: "Learn to select and configure Readings in the Source & Summit Digital Platform." tags: ["Readings", "Ad Libitum Reading", "Reading Configuration"] updated: 2025-12-01T14:21:18Z published: 2025-12-01T14:21:18Z canonical: "help.sourceandsummit.com/preparing-readings" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.sourceandsummit.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Preparing readings Learn how to select and configure readings in the Source & Summit Digital Platform. > [!NOTE] > The features described in this article apply to the following plans: > > - **Basic Plan** > - **Essentials Plan** > - **Standard, Educational, Complete Digital Add-On** > > *Note: Readings are not supported with the Basic Digital Add-On Plan.* ## **Accessing readings** 1. [Create an Ordo](/v1/docs/how-to-create-an-ordo). 2. Select a Reading section from your Outline: **First Reading, Second Reading,** or **Gospel*.** → Some celebrations include multiple text options from the Lectionary, Source & Summit provides these options for you. 3. Choose a proper **Reading text** from the center canvas. → The right panel will open with [display settings](/v1/docs/preparing-readings#reading-display-settings), such as the long / short form, paragraph / verse display, etc. 4. Configure reading Settings in the right panel. **Note: For special feasts, such as during Holy Week and other special liturgies, Ordos will populate with more (or fewer) Readings as directed by the Lectionary.* > [!NOTE] > Not seeing the correct Readings? > > Some days include multiple liturgy options. Double-check the title of your Ordo to make sure you have selected the correct day. > > Otherwise, Visit [**Why isn’t my Ordo generating the correct readings?**](/v1/docs/why-isnt-my-ordo-generating-the-correct-readings) to troubleshoot. ## **Remove or add Readings** [Video](https://cdn.document360.io/2f4703e0-6aba-4ef3-bb5e-e77c48482a6f/Images/Documentation/Add-Remove-Readings_1080.mp4) ### **Removing a Reading** If you are not preparing readings in your Ordo, you can remove them from your Outline or from the center canvas. 1. Move your cursor to the **left panel.** 2. Select the **Reading** you would like to remove. 3. From the left panel, select the **X** on the Outline section. > [!NOTE] > Pro Tip > > > Want to keep Readings in your Ordo for planning but exclude them from printed materials? > > Remember that you also can [hide sections in the Resource Editor](/v1/docs/creating-booklets-and-music-packets#hiding-sections-in-your-resource). Hidden sections stay visible in your Ordo but won’t appear in music packets or congregational booklets. #### From the center canvas 1. Scroll to the **Reading** you would like to remove. 2. Click the **Reading.** In the top right corner of the section, click the **more options menu** 3. Click **Remove**. > [!NOTE] > Remove a reading by mistake? > > Anything that you remove from your Ordo can be added back again. Follow the steps below to add a Reading back to your Ordo. ### **Adding a Reading** To insert additional readings or bring back a previously removed reading, here’s how to add them to your Ordo Outline: 1. [Create or open an Ordo](/v1/docs/how-to-create-an-ordo). 2. In the left panel, click **+**. 3. Hover over **Reading**, then click the **Reading type** you’d like to insert: **First Reading, Second Reading, Gospel,** or **Ad Libitum Reading.** → If you’ve selected an Ad Libitum Reading, an empty text box will appear at the top of your Outline. Otherwise, a reading will appear in your outline in its appropriate place. ## **Reading display settings** Use the right panel to customize how Readings are displayed in your Ordo. To access these settings, click a **Reading** section in your outline or the center canvas. [Video](https://cdn.document360.io/2f4703e0-6aba-4ef3-bb5e-e77c48482a6f/Images/Documentation/Reading_Display_1080.mp4) - **Reading Display -** Switch between Full Text, Synopsis, or Reference view - **Text Length -** Switch between the Long Form or the Short Form of a reading - **Text Display -** Switch between Paragraph or In Verse layout for full text display - **Intro/Conclusion -** Add “A reading from"…” and “The Word of the Lord” text for lectors > [!NOTE] > Creating materials for multiple groups? > > Use the Resource Editor to select different display settings for each group. Visit [**Creating booklets and music packets**](/v1/docs/creating-booklets-and-music-packets) to learn more. ## **Additional Settings for Palm Sunday and Good Friday** [Video](https://cdn.document360.io/2f4703e0-6aba-4ef3-bb5e-e77c48482a6f/Images/Documentation/Passion-Gospel_1080.mp4) For the Gospel of the Passion of the Lord, the Digital Platform offers additional ways to configure the Gospel Reading. In addition to the display settings mentioned above, you can also change the number of readers and set the crowd parts in bold. 1. From your Outline in the left panel, select the **Gospel** section. → The full text will appear in the center canvas. 2. Select the number of **Readers: Single Reader, 3 Parts,** or **4 Parts.** To match the settings in the Source & Summit Missal, select **4 Parts**. 3. Optional: Click **Intro/Conclusion** for lectors. 4. Select **Bold Crowd Part** to highlight congregation responses. ## **Ad Libitum Readings** The Ad libitum Reading feature is for those unique cases where you’ll need to do something out of the ordinary, such as devotional celebrations, for a Mass that’s not prescribed. Consult with your Pastor when using the Ad Libitum function for a liturgy. [Video](https://cdn.document360.io/2f4703e0-6aba-4ef3-bb5e-e77c48482a6f/Images/Documentation/Ad-Libitum-Reading_1080.mp4) 1. In the left panel, click **+** to add a section to your Outline. 2. Hover over **Reading**, then select the **Ad Libitum Reading** section. → An Ad Libitum Reading section will appear at the top of your Outline. 3. Click **Select a Reading** in the center canvas. → A search bar will appear in the left panel. 4. Type **keywords, a Scripture reference,** or a **phrase from the reading.** You can also click the **filter icon** to filter by Reading type. 5. Select the **Reading** from the search results. → The full text will appear in the center canvas. 6. Once you’ve found the correct Reading, click **Select Text** to apply it to your Ordo. 7. In the outline (left panel), drag and drop the **Ad Libitum Reading** to its correct position.