A reader writes:
A-while back in this post (HERE) you categorically state that only the ordained can proclaim the Gospel (with the two exceptions of Palm Sunday & Good Friday). As you alluded to later in this post, my parish is also suffering from a creeping tendency to involve more and more people (since January it’s gone from just the priest and a deacon to those two plus our pastoral director (female, non-ordained, non-religious)).
Before I — politely — call the priest and/or liturgy committee, is there an exact source/citation that you can provide to me about this matter? I’ve tried the Catholic Answers fora, but they also provide no precise reference to Church documents.
Here’s whatcha need: The current edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal which is approved, translated, and in force in the U.S. says–
59. By tradition, the function of proclaiming the readings is ministerial, not presidential. The readings, therefore, should be proclaimed by a lector, and the Gospel by a deacon or, in his absence, a priest other than the celebrant. If, however, a deacon or another priest is not present, the priest celebrant himself should read the Gospel. Further, if another suitable lector is also not present, then the priest celebrant should also proclaim the other readings.
Also, the recently-released instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum states:
[63.] “Within the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, the reading of the Gospel, which is “the high point of the Liturgy of the Word”, is reserved by the Church’s tradition to an ordained minister. Thus it is not permitted for a layperson, even a religious, to proclaim the Gospel reading in the celebration of Holy Mass, nor in other cases in which the norms do not explicitly permit it.
The reader also writes:
PS You mentioned last week that you plan to be in Kentucky next month. I’m in Frankfort and would welcome the chance to come hear a talk by you. Any details as yet?
Sure. I’m supposed to give my conversion story in Hopkinsville at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 23. Hope to see you there! (Will post the name of the parish later. Don’t have it handy.)
Thanks!
Jim,
About 10 years ago, our Pastor went blind, slowly. For a while, he would celebrate Mass but a lector would read the Gospel for him.
Is there an exception is a case such as this?
Ave Maria
Jimmy,
Please answer this one if you will.
Are cantors permitted to sing the Passion narrative on Good Friday? I say this with some concern because I cantor and have sung it the last two years, but I do not want to participate in singing it this year if it is not allowed. However, it will be a great relief if there is an exception for this day, as indicated by your correspondent in the main post!
Thanks,
Josh
If Jimmy’s spoken story is anything like his written one, you’ll need a hanky.
Are cantors permitted to sing the Passion narrative on Good Friday?
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Yes, the Vatican permits lay readers or lay cantors to participate in the proclaiming of the Passion Gospel on Passion (Palm) Sunday and on Good Friday. However, the spoken words of Christ himself should not be taken by lay readers or cantors.
See the following.
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“Circular Letter concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts”
(Prot. 0)
January 16, 1988
Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship
(From the section on Passion Sunday)
33. The passion narrative occupies a special place. It should be sung or read in the traditional way, that is, by three persons who take the part of Christ, the narrator, and the people. The passion is proclaimed by deacons or priests, or by lay readers. In the latter case, the part of the Christ should be reserved to the priest.
(From the section on Good Friday)
66. The readings are to be read in their entirety. The responsorial psalm and the chant before the gospel are to be sung in the usual manner. The narrative of the Lord’s passion according to John is sung or read in the way prescribed for the previous Sunday (cf. n. 33). After the reading of the passion, a homily should be given, at the end of which the faithful may be invited to spend a short time in meditation.
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