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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Lector Alb William Thursday, March 24, 2005

Question:

GIRM, no. 339 states " …lectors, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate and dignified clothing." Another section says that if a deacon is absent during the Mass then during the procession the lector may carry the Book of Gospels to the altar. We do not where any liturgical vestment at my parish and our deacons are retired so they never assist at Mass. Should lectors where albs and carry the Book of Gospels to the altar? What should I do if the answer is yes but my priest does not want to?

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear William,

You're correct with what the GIRM says about this so whatever the priest chooses will be okay.

In my own opinion though street clothes and business attire should not have a regular place in the sanctuary, so I would choose to ask the lectors to wear albs.

Also, it is important to be sure that the lectors are not carrying the Lectionary...  the instruction specifically says the Book of Gospels.

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.