Who Reads the Gospel?

[Mustard]

Am I correct in thinking that only a bishop, priest or deacon may read the gospel from the altar during mass?

 

[Mustard]

But a straight reading of the gospel by a lay person is a no-no?

 

[Beryllos]

In a recent thread, it came to my attention that there may be exceptions to rules like this in cases where the priest is unable to speak due to illness or physical incapacity. At the moment, I cannot find the thread or the reference which was given.

Edit: I found it:
Canon 930: A priest who is blind or suffering from some other infirmity, may lawfully celebrate the eucharistic Sacrifice by using the text of any approved Mass, with the assistance, if need be, of another priest or deacon or even a properly instructed lay person.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

In a recent thread, it came to my attention that there may be exceptions to rules like this in cases where the priest is unable to speak due to illness or physical incapacity. At the moment, I cannot find the thread or the reference which was given.

Edit: I found it:
Canon 930: A priest who is blind or suffering from some other infirmity, may lawfully celebrate the eucharistic Sacrifice by using the text of any approved Mass, with the assistance, if need be, of another priest or deacon or even a properly instructed lay person.

This is correct. I remember being paired with a priest who was legally blind – before I was ordained as a transitional deacon – who had Mass texts memorised well enough but who could not see to read the lectionary texts.

So, as is so often the case, it depends upon the circumstance and why a lay person may have been reading the gospel – the question does not admit of a universal answer.