Evangeliary Candle Bearers Vested in Albs or Choir Robes?

[Exegete]

Most of us have seen processional crosses/crucifixes flanked by two (or more) candles in entrance processions at the beginning of Mass. I recently saw a well done Mass where this took place and in addition, the deacon bearing the Evangeliary (Book of Gospels) was also flanked by two candle bearers. Example:

That seems extremely appropriate to me when possible, and it doesn’t contravene any rubric that I can find. I have thought about this a bit and I believe it would also be highly appropriate if the Evangeliary candle bearers were the lay readers scheduled for the given Mass. That too wouldn’t contravene any rubrics.

Now my question. Would it be appropriate to have non-instituted lay readers (which some incorrectly refer to as “lectors”) vested either in albs or the robes worn by some cantors and other choir members? I understand that the ministry of reading from the OT and NT epistles is that of the layperson, and thus it’s appropriate if they wear street clothes, but an alb or a choir robe of a distinct, non-liturgical color like blue (yeah, for the most part) seems like it would add a small touch of solemnity to the Mass.

Example: http://almy.com/UI/CMAlmyImages/Keyword/k_39304_d.jpg

This might also be a way to deal with readers who don’t dress in a manner that’s really appropriate for Mass. On the other hand, having to wear an alb or a robe might drive some people from the ministry of lay reader or far worse, it could attract the wrong people. What do you think? Thank you.

 

[CilladeRoma]

The candle bearers in my parish are children/teens, like most of our other altar servers.
They wear albs with cinctures that are the appropriate color for the liturgical season.

As a duly instituted and trained lay reader, I would say NO, I do not want to wear an alb or robe of any kind. If it became a requirement, I would be one of the people who would give up my ministry.

I find dressing the laity who help at Mass in liturgical garb (with the exception of altar servers, where it is a long-standing and expected tradition) to be a little ridiculous. It has never been a tradition in my area, and I think it would be more of a distraction than anything.

If a pastor is having issues with the way his liturgical ministers are dressed, he needs to address the problem with clear-cut expectations and follow through with enforcing them.

 

[Exegete]

As a duly instituted and trained lay reader

Readers are temporarily commissioned. Lectors (male-only) are permanently instituted.

 

[CilladeRoma]

Tell my Bishop. We just had a ceremony not too long ago where he, in his words “instituted us as lay readers” and “commissioned EMHC”.

Never happened before under our old Ordinary, once in a while it happened on a parish level, but this past fall, we were all told to show up at the Cathedral to be “commissioned/instituted” so we did.

 

[phil19034]

Tell my Bishop. We just had a ceremony not too long ago where he, in his words “instituted us as lay readers” and “commissioned EMHC”.

Never happened before under our old Ordinary, once in a while it happened on a parish level, but this past fall, we were all told to show up at the Cathedral to be “commissioned/instituted” so we did.

What Diocese? If I’m not mistaken, there are only 2 or 3 bishops in the United States that install lay men as Instituted Lectors. The rest only institute seminarians studying for the priesthood or permanent diaconate

And where there women installed as lectors with you? If so, that was not an installing of the “Instituted Lectors.” That was simply a ceremony & blessing for lay lectors.

To the OP: @exegete All Instituted Lectors typically wear an alb when serving as lector. An Instituted Lectors technically were members of the clerical state until Paul VI removed the need for tonsure. Also, all Instituted Lectors are supposed to serve as lector over a lay person (but that doesn’t always happen)

Finally, as I mentioned before, the vast majority of bishops do not institute average laymen as Lectors. Most Lectors are instituted approx 1 to 2 years before they are ordained as a Deacon.

God Bless

 

[CilladeRoma]

I know what the “rules” are, and I know what the terminology is.

I also know that I was at this ceremony.

I don’t know why it was called what it was, and I don’t know why all of a sudden it was done, but it was, and I am not going to argue with anyone about it, as it really has no bearing what-so-ever on the OP. All I did was mention it in passing because I am a duly trained lay reader.

 

[phil19034]

I know what the “rules” are, and I know what the terminology is.

I also know that I was at this ceremony.

I don’t know why it was called what it was, and I don’t know why all of a sudden it was done, but it was, and I am not going to argue with anyone about it, as it really has no bearing what-so-ever on the OP. All I did was mention it in passing because I am a duly trained lay reader.

I’m not doubting it happened because it exists. But there are TWO different kinds of lectors.

One is lay, the other is not.

I’m just curious if you Bishop is instituting laymen as Lectors or not, because all but 2 or 3 bishops in the US limit it to men just before they are ordained as a Deacon.

 

[Exegete]

I asked if it would be wrong to vest commissioned readers (not instituted lectors) in either albs or choir robes and for them to take on the added responsibility of bearing candles in the procession? Neither would contravene any rubrics that I know, but I just want to be certain.

All installed Lectors are supposed to be wear an alb when serving as lector. An Installed Lector is technically no longer a lay man, but a member of the clerical state (just like a seminarian).

I also don’t believe there is any sort of directive from the Church that requires instituted lectors to wear an alb? Further, Instituted lectors are still most certainly laymen.

 

[CilladeRoma]

I have been to the ceremony where a men studying for the priesthood/permanent diaconate have been instituted as a Lector. What our Bishop did was similar, but with slightly different wording, and did not call any of us “lectors”.

We were called “duly trained and instituted lay readers”.

 

[phil19034]

I asked if it would be wrong to vest commissioned readers (not instituted lectors) in either albs or choir robes

wrong, no. bad idea, yes. Reason I would say it’s a bad idea is because it is clericalization.

and for them to take on the added responsibility of bearing candles in the procession? Neither would contravene any rubrics that I know, but I just want to be certain.

no, because lectors are not supposed duly serve as altar servers. Candle bearing is a set role within the altar servers. A parish should be able to appoint two altar servers as candle bearers.

I also don’t believe there is any sort of directive from the Church that requires instituted lectors to wear an alb?

considering that vast majority of Instituted Lector are in the seminary for the priesthood of permanent diaconate, they will wear an alb

Further, Instituted lectors are still most certainly laymen.

I misspoke before when I said they are clerical state. I meant to say they used to receive that Rite after tonsure.

Regardless - there is a difference between Instituted Lectors and the typical lectors we see in parishes.

 

[phil19034]

I have been to the ceremony where a men studying for the priesthood/permanent diaconate have been instituted as a Lector. What our Bishop did was similar, but with slightly different wording, and did not call any of us “lectors”.

We were called “duly trained and instituted lay readers”.

yeah, I think that might come from the “book of blessings” or something like that. It’s most likely what some priests do with the readers they train & bless.

 

[Phemie]

CilladeRoma:

I know what the “rules” are, and I know what the terminology is.

I also know that I was at this ceremony.

I don’t know why it was called what it was, and I don’t know why all of a sudden it was done, but it was, and I am not going to argue with anyone about it, as it really has no bearing what-so-ever on the OP. All I did was mention it in passing because I am a duly trained lay reader.

I’m not doubting it happened because it exists. But there are TWO different kinds of lectors.

One is lay, the other is not.

I’m just curious if you Bishop is installing laymen as Lectors or not, because all but 2 or 3 bishops in the US limit it to men just before they are ordained as a Deacon.

You’re mixing up Installed and Instituted. Only men can be Instituted Lectors and Acolytes. And just because they are instituted doesn’t mean they aren’t “lay”. It’s a ministry.

At some point, back in the 80s, I was installed as a reader and then as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.

 

[Exegete]

Reason I would say it’s a bad idea is because it is clericalization.

No, it’s not “clericalization”, but readers in street clothes does underscore that it’s a ministry of the layperson. I do get that.

no, because lectors are not supposed duly serve as altar servers. Candle bearing is a set role within the altar servers.

There’s no reason that someone couldn’t be an altar server and a reader (or acolyte and lector) at the same Mass. It may not be optimal, but it breaks no rubrics to do so. “Candle bearing” is in no way limited to altar servers/acolytes.

considering that vast majority of Instituted Lector are in the seminary for the priesthood of permanent diaconate, they will wear an alb

Actually some wear a cassock/surplice/collar or street clothes. Either way, it’s not a requirement for them to vest.

I misspoke before when I said they are clerical state. I meant to say they used to receive that Rite after tonsure.

Being permanently instituted as either a lector or an acolyte is not a “rite.”

Regardless - there is a difference between Instituted Lectors and the typical lectors we see in parishes.

There’s temporarily commissioned readers and permanently instituted lectors. That’s it.

 

[JohnLilburne]

I disagree with Exegete that it is appropriate to flank the deacon carrying the Book of the Gospels with people carrying candles in the Entrance Procession.

The liturgical books describe the entrance procession with the cross being flanked by ministers carrying candles. They do not describe this for the Book of the Gospels.

From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, from the part “Mass Without a Deacon”:

“120. … b) ministers who carry lighted candles, and between them an acolyte or other minister with the cross;

c) the acolytes and other ministers;

d) a reader, who may carry a Book of the Gospels (though not a Lectionary), slightly elevated;

e) the Priest who is to celebrate Mass.”

Ceremonial of Bishops:

“128. … – an acolyte carrying the cross, with the image to the front, walks between seven other acolytes, or at least two, carrying candlesticks with lighted candles;

– clergy, two by two;

– the deacon carrying the Book of the Gospels;

– deacons, if present, two by two;

– concelebrating presbyters, two by two;

– the bishop …”.

[Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL). Except from the English translation of Ceremonial of Bishops. All rights reserved.]

(Continued in next post).

 

[JohnLilburne]

Regarding what people doing the readings should wear, the General Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass has:

“54. During the celebration of Mass with a congregation a second priest, a deacon, and an instituted reader must wear the distinctive vestment of their office when the go to the lectern to read the word of God. Those who carry out the ministry of reader just for the occasion or even regularly but without institution may go to the lectern in ordinary attire that is in keeping with local custom.”

What is the distinctive vestment for a man with the office of instituted reader? I am not aware of anything having been decided. It is clear that it should not be a stole, chasuble or dalmatic from the 1997 Instruction Ecclesia de mysterio : Article 6, §2 “In the same way, the use of sacred vestments which are reserved to priests or deacons (stoles, chasubles or dalmatics) at liturgical ceremonies by non-ordained members of the faithful is clearly unlawful.”

Perhaps individual bishops are meant to decide their own solutions. For example, the cincture of an instituted lector is to be made of cloth, the cincture of other ministers is to be made of rope.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal has:

“119 …. c) for the other ministers: albs or other lawfully approved attire.”

The footnote to this is the 1997 Instruction Ecclesia de mysterio : Article 6.

According to the version General Instruction of the Roman Missal on www.vatican.va for the United States it has:

“339. In the dioceses of the United States of America, acolytes, altar servers, lectors, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate and dignified clothing.”

This is an special adaptation of:

“339. Acolytes, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable attire that has been legitimately approved by the Conference of Bishops (cf. no. 390) .”

[Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL). Excerpt from the English translation of the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981. All rights reserved.]

 

[phil19034]

“54. During the celebration of Mass with a congregation a second priest, a deacon, and an instituted reader must wear the distinctive vestment of their office when the go to the lectern to read the word of God. Those who carry out the ministry of reader just for the occasion or even regularly but without institution may go to the lectern in ordinary attire that is in keeping with local custom.”

Yes… this is where I would argue that the Instituted Lector is being told to wear an Alb or Cassock & Surplice

 

[Exegete]

The liturgical books describe the entrance procession with the cross being flanked by ministers carrying candles. They do not describe this for the Book of the Gospels.

So? I’ve read all the rubrics that could possibly control this action. None do. There is absolutely nothing wrong with adding this feature to the entrance procession. If one stands back and thinks about this matter in a critical manner, it’s a extremely appropriate idea.

 

[phil19034]

So? I’ve read all the rubrics that could possibly control this action. None do. There is absolutely nothing wrong with adding this feature to the entrance procession. If one stands back and thinks about this matter in a critical manner, it’s a extremely appropriate idea.

While it might be a good idea, it’s not appropriate for lay people, deacons, priests & even individual bishops to add things to the liturgy. Even something like this which is technically before the Mass begins.

If this was something appropriate to do, it would be done at Papal Masses and large celebrations with Bishops (like a Chrism Mass).

Now, if the Pope sees this video, thinks it’s a good idea and starts doing it - great. But until then, it was not appropriate for this to be done.

This is just my two cents.

God Bless

 

[Exegete]

For example, the cincture of an instituted lector is to be made of cloth, the cincture of other ministers is to be made of rope.

Where is this documented? I saw no mention of it in Ministeria Quaedam. Did I miss it? From Ministeria Quaedam I did notice:

“Two ministries, adapted to present-day needs, are to be preserved in the whole Latin Church, namely, those of reader and acolyte. The functions heretofore assigned to the subdeacon are entrusted to the reader and the acolyte; consequently, the major order of subdiaconate no longer exists in the Latin Church. There is, however, no reason why the acolyte cannot be called a subdeacon in some places, at the discretion of the conference of bishops.”

Thus I would suggest that in some cases, an instituted acolyte wearing the vestment proper to the subdeacon – the tunicle would be appropriate.

 

[phil19034]

There’s no reason that someone couldn’t be an altar server and a reader (or acolyte and lector) at the same Mass.

This is actually mentioned somewhere in the GIRM I think. However, I know that I’ve read it. It is emphasizes that we are supposed to use two lay readers (when there isn’t an Instituted Lector) and that readers may not serve at the altar.

However, I know that many parishes break this all the time… A number of parishes use only 1 reader instead of 2, and some (usually during daily mass) have one person serve as reader, altar server and EMHC in one mass.

I don’t have time to look this up, however, I know this was written down.