Lectors

[FrDavid96]

The language used in the GIRM does not specifically do this, and it very easily could have. You are offering this as a given based on the language in the GIRM and it’s not a given.

I wonder in how many places does the GIRM use terminology like “instituted lectors and/or commissioned readers” or at least “lectors and/or readers?”

Yes, it is a given because that’s what the GIRM says, and that’s how the Church composes liturgical norms. The Church does not describe ordinary and extraordinary functions in the same way. The GIRM makes this distinction because when the word lector is used it refers to the duly instituted Lector. The only reference to a layperson who has been temporarily deputed to do the readings is in one specific place, GIRM 101. In this place, it says that another layperson may be appointed to proclaim the readings. It does not use the word “lector” to refer to such persons, nor does it say that such persons do anything other than proclaim the readings. The GIRM doesn’t say that anything else pertaining to the Lector also applies to temporary readers.

The word is used in GIRM 99 which appears under the heading “The duly instituted Acolyte and Lector”. Therefore, it’s quite clear that the word refers to “duly instituted”

The problem here is that extraordinary functions have become so “ordinary” that many Catholics miss this essential distinction. We can’t say that just because we’re so used to anyone doing the readings, that therefore when the GIRM says “Lector” it means an extraordinary function or an ordinary one without distinction.

 

[FrDavid96]

I suspect that this is as much a peculiarity of the English language as any attempt at making a distinction. Is there a term other than ‘lector’ in Latin that means “someone who reads”?

In French the term ‘lecteur’ applies both to the instituted minister reading the Old Testament at Mass and the guy down the street reading the newspaper or the latest novel and neither Canon Law nor the French translation of the GIRM has felt the need to invent another term to distinguish between the two.

There’s no other word in Latin of which I’m aware. However, in English, one who reads is called a reader. Is that no so? Why then do you seem to take issue with using the word reader to refer to one-who-reads? Can I not refer to someone who runs as a runner? or someone who drives a driver? If I am referring to someone who speaks, am I not allowed to use the term speaker, but instead have to say “orator” because that’s closer to the Latin origin?

 

[John_Lilburne]

I’m currently in formation for ordination to the permanent Diaconate. I am an Instituted Lector and Instituted Acolyte.

In the Diocese of Kansas City - St Joseph and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas the policy is that Instituted Lectors do not vest and sit in the sancutuary. They sit in the pews and come up to do the reading in the same manner as Lay Readers. When serving as Instituted Acolytes we do vest and sit in the sancutuary in accordance with the GIRM.

The exception to this rule was today when myself and another man that I’m going through formation with served at daily mass where the Archbishop of the Military Services for the United States was the celebrant (we both work on the military installation and serve at daily mass there). The Catholic Chaplin asked that I vest and process in as an Instituted Lector while my brother candidate vested and served as the Instituted Acolyte. I also assisted the main Acolyte with the alter prepartion and clearing.

I believe that most diocese in the United States probably do not let Instituted Lectors in formation for the Permanent Diaconate vest and sit in the sanctuary. Not sure why but that just seems to be the trend that I have observed.

My view is that instituted lectors should wear vestments.

From Introduction to the Lectionary (of 1981):
“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 they 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.”
(Lectionary Volume 1 Study Edition, Collins Liturgical Australia, 1983, ISBN 0 00 599764-X, page xxix.)

This sentiment appears to be repeated in the 2002 GIRM, as approved for the USA:
“336. The sacred garment common to ordained and instituted ministers of any rank is the alb, to
be tied at the waist with a cincture unless it is made so as to fit even without such. …”

The argument that vestments are not required for instituted lectors or instituted acolytes would be based on:
“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.”