| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Who may read the Gospel during Mass? | Sal | Monday, February 14, 2005 |
Question: At our parish, normally during Mass either a Deacon or Priest proclaims the Gospel. However during a couple of Sundays in Lent we will have the gospel read by different folks (multiple people reading different parts of the Gospel - for a more dramatic reading) during mass. I have been asked to read a part of this, but was under the impression that only a Priest or Deacon could read the gospel during mass. I would like to assist, however I would like to make sure this is OK to do. Could you shed some light and possible provide a link to some documentation that could clarify this for me? Thank You. |
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| Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek
Dear Sal, The GIRM clearly says that the priest reads the Gospel. (n. 95 in the old English edition) (or deacon) NOTHING has been changed since then about this. So when you are approached to read a part of the Gospel and are asked "Why not" reply simply that you are not a priest or deacon, in front of as many of the other readers as possible, and when they question what you mean refer them to the GIRM. The exception of course being for the reading of the Passion. Mr. Slavek Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers. (b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks. (c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively. |
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