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Lector & EMHC Protocols
Did you ever wonder why the lectors during Mass either start in the sanctuary or process in with the Gospel and then stay in the sanctuary until they have completed their assigned readings, but extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion approach the altar from the pews and ascend to the altar after the priest has received communion? There’s actually a relatively simple answer to that….for most of the Church’s history, lectors and acolytes(i.e., the principal ministers at the altar who both serve the priest and deacon at the altar and are the primary extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and may assist with the purification of the vessels as needed) have been instituted positions within the Church and as such have been assigned very specific roles during the Mass, as outlined in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM, nn. 187-198). The Roman Missal is the book containing the prescribed prayers, chants, and instructions for the celebration of Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.
In March, my fellow diaconate candidates and I (I just finished my first year, with two years to go) were instituted as lectors in a special mass presided over by the Bishop of Covington at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington. As each of the candidates are presented to the Bishop, he hands us the Bible, we put our hands on it, and the Bishop says, “Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that It may grow strong in the hearts of people.” Wow! In March of next year, our group will be instituted as Acolytes, meaning we may assist with the purification of the sacred vessels used at Mass.
This designation and special institution can be traced as far back as the third century in the early Church; however, in modern times, only those preparing for priesthood and diaconate are generally instituted as lectors and acolytes as part of their formation, and the institution must be performed by a bishop. When instituted lectors and acolytes are lacking, though, other lay people can perform the duties of these ministries. According to the GIRM, the instituted lector takes their place in the sanctuary until the assigned reading is complete. This can also be presumed for the non-instituted reader since the GIRM envisions places in the sanctuary for liturgical ministers to easily carry out their function. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, who are only called upon when ordinary ministers of Holy Communion – bishops, priests, and deacons – are not sufficient enough for the size of the congregation, are instructed to approach the altar after the priest has received Communion to honor the completion of the sacrifice of the Mass.
Now you know “the rest of the story”!
by Chris Bergman
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