Women's Parts in Mass

[FrCorey]

People are always asking this, so here it is,
from the 1975 Rubrics of the holy catholic church.

The Conference of Bishops has given permission for women to serve as readers in accord with no. 66 of the General Instruction (November, 1969).

In February, 1971, the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy prepared a commentary on the liturgical ministry of women:

a. With the exception of service at the altar itself, women may be admitted to the exercise of other liturgical ministries. In particular the designation of women to serve in such ministries as reader, cantor, leader of singing, commentator, director of liturgical participation, etc., is left to the judgment of the pastor or the priest who presides over the celebration, in the light of the culture and mentality of the congregation.

b. Worthiness of life and character and other qualifications are required in women who exercise liturgical ministries in the same way as for men who exercise the same ministries.

c. Women who read one or other biblical reading during the liturgy of the word (other than the Gospel, which is reserved to a deacon or priest) should do so from the lectern or ambo where the other readings are proclaimed: the reservation of a single place for all the biblical readings is more significant than the person of the reader, whether ordained or lay, whether woman or man (cf. General Instruction, no 272).

d. Other ministries performed by women, such as leading the singing or otherwise directing the congregation, should be done either within or outside the sanctuary area, depending on circumstances or convenience.

 

[jmcrae]

Thank you, Father.

 

[Rand_Al_Thor]

Pax vobiscum!

The first part has changed now, though. Women/girls are allowed to be altar servers but it is up to the discretion of the bishop or priest.

In Christ,
Rand

 

[kaygee]

Of course, there is the most important role that women (and men, and children, and all the laity in general) have at the Mass… being present and prepared, praying along, assisting at the Holy Sacrifice. Not worrying about the limelight, but assisting in the strength of humility. . .

 

[John_Lilburne]

But women cannot be instituted as lectors, only men can.

Bishops insititute men as lectors in a ceremony. Only men in accordance with the Code of Canon Law, canon 230 and the 1972 Motu Proprio Ministeria Quaedam.

Examples of the preference for using instituted lectors in the liturgical books follow. From the 2002 General Introduction to the Roman Missal (GIRM) which can be accessed from romanrite.com/girm.html :

"99. The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the Prayer of the Faithful and, in the absence of a psalmist, proclaim the Psalm between the readings. In the Eucharistic Celebration, the lector has his own proper office (cf. below, nos. 194-198), which he must exercise personally. …

“101. In the absence of an instituted lector, other laypersons may be commissioned to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture. …”

Ceremonial of Bishops, Liturgical Press, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1818-9, page 219, n. 794:

“INSTITUTION OF READERS
794.The reader is appointed for a function proper to him, that of reading the word of God in the liturgical assembly. Accordingly, he is to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, except for the gospel reading in the Mass and other sacred celebrations. [Footnote 123 See MQ, n. V: DOL 340, no. 2930]”

Here “MQ” means Ministeria Quaedam. “DOL” means Documents on the Liturgy 1963-1979, Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1982, ISBN 0-8146-1281-4.

1981 Lectionary for Mass, Introduction:

“51. 'The reader has his own proper function in the eucharistic celebration and should exercise this even though ministers of a higher rank may be present.’
[Footnote 89: General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 66]
The reader’s ministry, which is conferred through a liturgical rite, must be held in respect. When there are instituted readers available, they are to carry out their office at least on Sundays and major feasts, especially at the principal Mass of the day. …”

Book of Blessings, Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1875-8, page 29.

“121. A reader or another person present reads a text of sacred Scripture …”.

This rubric if found in many places in the Book of Blessings. Why is “another person present” who reads not called a “reader”? Because the term “reader” means an instituted lector.

 

[jmcrae]

As I understand it, only a seminarian can become an instituted lector. Obviously a seminarian has to be male, but not all men are seminarians.

Since we don’t normally have seminarians at Mass in the general population (since they are usually away at school) “another person” - either male or female - is usually designated to read.

 

[John_Lilburne]

As I understand it, only a seminarian can become an instituted lector. Obviously a seminarian has to be male, but not all men are seminarians. …

jmcrae’s understanding is incorrect. From the 1972 Motu Proprio Ministeria Quaedam, about instituted lectors and acolytes:

“3. Ministries may be assigned to lay Christians; hence they are no longer to be considered as reserved to candidates for the sacrament of orders.”

 

[kleary]

Pax vobiscum!

The first part has changed now, though. Women/girls are allowed to be altar servers but it is up to the discretion of the bishop or priest.

In Christ,
Rand

Which is one reason why I prefer throwing all of that out - including the 1975 instruction and driving 40 miles to my indult parish every Sunday. At least there we are bound by the 1962 rubrics and only them. Women are forbidden to have any liturgical function whatsoever, unless in the choir but never to chant the propers.

I left my home town parish because they told me I would have to deal with training female altar servers - I was the altar boy coordinator and trainer there.

I saw how it was changed in direct disobediance and defiance to John Paul II. Like Communion in the hand - it spread so far so fast illegally untill it was legalized - and now has appeared to become the norm.

Ken

 

[stbruno]

also deacons are instituted to the minor orders of lector and acolyte in a formal ceremony as well.

 

[Proud2BePapist]

The ministries of Reader (lector in latin) and Acolyte, are remnants of what used to be refered to as “minor orders” and are steps for those pursing ordination. I will be reciving the former at the end of this month

However, lay men who are not pursuing ordination may be admitted to these ministres at the invitation of the ordinary. A few diocese have done this, particularly for the latter of these roles. An acolyte, in addition to serving at the altar in the role that is often filled by those lay men and women whom we term as “servers”, also is the first to be called upon as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, as per the 2000 GIRM and the instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum. To prevent abuses, a few bishops have installed laymen as acolytes so as to prevent an excessive, even abuseive, number of EMHC’s at mass. I am not familier with any Bishops who formally intall as lectors those who are not pursuning ordinaion.

Pax Domini,

Casey The Seminarian

 

[mosher]

The ministries of Reader (lector in latin) and Acolyte, are remnants of what used to be refered to as “minor orders” and are steps for those pursing ordination.

Not to be mean but I sure hope you have a better grasp of this by the end of your formation. I myself possess the Stable Ministry of Lector and it is by no means a remnant of the “Minor Orders.” If you read the instruction of Paul VI on the suppression of the Minor Orders and establishment of the “Stable Ministries” you will see that these Institutions have a dignity of their own and are in a way necessary steps unto Sacramental Ordination. Even the Minor Order of Sub-Deacon is still in existence in the West but it was rolled into the rite for the Ordination of Deacons so that no separate formal ministry prevails. Each of these particular roles speak to the formal ecclesiology of the Church and cannot be considered in any way to be shadows and dust.

 

[Proud2BePapist]

Um, that was a bit ad hominum and presumptive, but please allow me to clearify.

When I said that they were “remnants” of minor orders all I meant by that is that, they are all that is left in the west. Now there has been some discusion (and frankly there needs to be more) as to what to do with groups like FSSP and ICK who still use the orders, including subdeacon. For example, is a seminariarn who has recived tonsure a cleric? The 1984 CIC says one becomes a cleric at the time of deaconate, but the code dose not mention the minor orders, because, for good or for ill, most of them have been abrogated. (Although a conference of bishops could, request from the Holy See, additonal ministries (Porter, Catecist, etc.) Paul VI also tells us that the role of the Subdeacon now belongs to the acolyte.

I certainly take the minisries of which I am being called to, very seriously. I am glad I go to an istution that does as well, unlike some that just hand out bothe lecrtor and acolyte within months of each other, here I will have a chance to exerisise my ministry for a “suitable period of time” (CIC 1035) In fact, I regret the fact that after this month I will not hav ethe faculty to bless breads, first fruits and cataecumens and lectors once could.

In sum, by remenat I simply meant that they are the remaining orders, not that they are outdated or mere shadows. Perhaps I should have used a differant word. As one who holds a philosophy degree, I ussually over qualify statments. I was not true to form here and beg the forgivness of any readers (not to be confused with instituted readers) who may think that I was undermining the ministries of Reader and Acolyte. However, next time just as for clarification.

Pax Domini,

Casey the Seminarian

 

[John_Lilburne]

… I regret the fact that after this month I will not hav ethe faculty to bless breads, first fruits and cataecumens and lectors once could.
…

Instituted lectors continue to have a priority for particular blessings. From the Introduction to the Book of Blessings, n. 18:

“d. An acolyte or a reader who by formal institution has this special office in the Church is rightly preferred over another layperson as the minister designated at the discretion of the local Ordinary to impart certain blessings.
" Other laymen and laywomen, in virtue of the universal priesthood, a dignity they possess because of their baptism and confirmation, may celebrate certain blessings, as indicated in the respective orders of blessings, by use of the rites and formularies designated for a lay minister. Such laypesons exercsise this ministry in virtue of their office (for example, parents on behalf of their children) or by reason of some special liturgical ministry or in fulfillment of a particular charge in the Church, as is the case in many places with religious or catechists appointed by decision of the local Ordinary, after ascertaining their proper pastoral formation and prudence in the apostolate.
" But whenever a priest or a deacon is present, the office of presiding should be left to him.”
(Book of Blessings, Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1875-8, page xxvii.)

In this USA edition there is an “Order for the Blessing of Food for Thanksgiving Day” (Chapter 58, page 657). This can be done outside of Mass, by a lay minister.

Blessings of catechumens can be done by an instituted lector. An instituted lector is a catechist, as it says in the homily for the institution of lectors: “… You will proclaim that word in the liturgical assembly, instruct children and adults in the faith, and prepare them to receive the sacraments worthily. …” (The Rites Volume Two, Liturgical Press, 1991, ISBN: 0-8146-6037-1, page 105).

It says in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults:
“BLESSING OF THE CATECHUMENS
… 94. The blessings may be given by a priest, a deacon, or a qualified catechist appointed by the bishop …”. (The Rites Volume One, Liturgical Press, 1990, ISBN: 0-8146-6015-0, page 81).
It is reasonable to understand an instituted lector is such a catechist.

 

[Proud2BePapist]

Yes, I am aware as per the BB that lectors and acolytes, can give blessings to catecumens in the ansence of a preist, but it is much more simplified in nature than it used to be, as we are considererd laity, were as one used to enter the clerical state at tonsure.

 

[mosher]

Um, that was a bit ad hominum and presumptive, but please allow me to clearify.

When I said that they were “remnants” of minor orders all I meant by that is that, they are all that is left in the west. Now there has been some discusion (and frankly there needs to be more) as to what to do with groups like FSSP and ICK who still use the orders, including subdeacon. For example, is a seminariarn who has recived tonsure a cleric? The 1984 CIC says one becomes a cleric at the time of deaconate, but the code dose not mention the minor orders, because, for good or for ill, most of them have been abrogated. (Although a conference of bishops could, request from the Holy See, additonal ministries (Porter, Catecist, etc.) Paul VI also tells us that the role of the Subdeacon now belongs to the acolyte.

I certainly take the minisries of which I am being called to, very seriously. I am glad I go to an istution that does as well, unlike some that just hand out bothe lecrtor and acolyte within months of each other, here I will have a chance to exerisise my ministry for a “suitable period of time” (CIC 1035) In fact, I regret the fact that after this month I will not hav ethe faculty to bless breads, first fruits and cataecumens and lectors once could.

In sum, by remenat I simply meant that they are the remaining orders, not that they are outdated or mere shadows. Perhaps I should have used a differant word. As one who holds a philosophy degree, I ussually over qualify statments. I was not true to form here and beg the forgivness of any readers (not to be confused with instituted readers) who may think that I was undermining the ministries of Reader and Acolyte. However, next time just as for clarification.

Pax Domini,

Casey the Seminarian

Thank you for your clarification. To paraphrase Paul VI, percision in language is paramount. As a former (and possibly future) seminarian myself, perhaps my own experience of poorly educated seminarians was projected. Thus, while a layman my be ignorant to a topic to some degree the seminarian has no excuse. Again, thanks for the clarification.

 

[Rand_Al_Thor]

Which is one reason why I prefer throwing all of that out - including the 1975 instruction and driving 40 miles to my indult parish every Sunday. At least there we are bound by the 1962 rubrics and only them. Women are forbidden to have any liturgical function whatsoever, unless in the choir but never to chant the propers.

I left my home town parish because they told me I would have to deal with training female altar servers - I was the altar boy coordinator and trainer there.

I saw how it was changed in direct disobediance and defiance to John Paul II. Like Communion in the hand - it spread so far so fast illegally untill it was legalized - and now has appeared to become the norm.

Ken

Pax tecum!

Women helping with the Mass is not necessarily as horrible a thing as you make it out to be. I have no problem with a woman doing the readings for the Mass. I don’t think you’re right about the women not chanting any of the propers…I have heard women (and girls in the children’s choir) chant the propers with men (and boys in the children’s choir) in both Tridentine and Dominican Rite Masses. Even girl altar servers do not pose a huge problem to me, as long as preference is given to boys as to foster a chance for vocations (though if there are not enough boys, then I don’t have a problem with girls periodically being used).

The Church says it’s ok, so it’s ok until the Church says it’s not ok. We as laity do not have the authority or the right to “throw all of that out” if it’s something in the rubrics.

In Christ,
Rand

 

[zarrah13]

Even girl altar servers do not pose a huge problem to me, as long as preference is given to boys as to foster a chance for vocations (though if there are not enough boys, then I don’t have a problem with girls periodically being used).

Growing up we had the same two altar boys each week. As Catholics, we’re supposed to attend Mass weekly, so I can’t see the huge problem with boys only. I’m happy that Bruskewitz doesn’t allow girls as altar servers, and somewhat dismayed that Loverde did allow it earlier this year (but he allowed two more indult Masses, so I guess he was playing his cards). Not all priests in Arlington allow female altar servers, and with good reason. The pastor at St. Veronica’s in Chantilly has a wonderful statement on why, even with permission from Loverde, doesn’t allow female altar servers:
I believe: that her serving at the altar may well create confusion in her relationship with the Lord; that it may ultimately make it harder for her to discern God’s call to her to a particular state in life; and that it will probably make it harder for boys to discern a call to the priesthood. I think he’s on to something. For his full statement: stveronica.net/from_the_pastor_altar_servers.asp

 

[hilde_the_dog]

zarrah

over here at St leo’s in Fairfax City it seems that we will not be having girls as the new class began for Males only. And with 85 alter boys 19 having recently joined we are in no need. Last night in my 6th grade CCD class for boys 6 of the 14 guys are alter boys —Wow. These kids go to public schools to boot. Maybe being an alter boy is cool now.

 

[Rand_Al_Thor]

Growing up we had the same two altar boys each week. As Catholics, we’re supposed to attend Mass weekly, so I can’t see the huge problem with boys only. I’m happy that Bruskewitz doesn’t allow girls as altar servers, and somewhat dismayed that Loverde did allow it earlier this year (but he allowed two more indult Masses, so I guess he was playing his cards). Not all priests in Arlington allow female altar servers, and with good reason. The pastor at St. Veronica’s in Chantilly has a wonderful statement on why, even with permission from Loverde, doesn’t allow female altar servers:I believe: that her serving at the altar may well create confusion in her relationship with the Lord; that it may ultimately make it harder for her to discern God’s call to her to a particular state in life; and that it will probably make it harder for boys to discern a call to the priesthood. I think he’s on to something. For his full statement: stveronica.net/from_the_pastor_altar_servers.asp

Pax tecum!

I think you’re misunderstanding me. I don’t see a “huge problem”, let alone ANY problem with having only altar boys. All I was saying is that altar girls is something that has been approved by the Church, and so I don’t think that it is as big of a problem as some people make it out to be, as long as preference is given to boys and it doesn’t just turn into all girl altar servers, as it does in some churches.

In Christ,
Rand

 

[zarrah13]

Pax tecum!

I think you’re misunderstanding me. I don’t see a “huge problem”, let alone ANY problem with having only altar boys. All I was saying is that altar girls is something that has been approved by the Church, and so I don’t think that it is as big of a problem as some people make it out to be, as long as preference is given to boys and it doesn’t just turn into all girl altar servers, as it does in some churches.

In Christ,
Rand

I think you’re probably correct; I may have been reading too quickly.

I do agree with you, but I guess in my parish, it seems there must always be females somewhere in the sanctuary and with several hundred families, I find it difficult that they can’t find 10-20 willing boys to be altar servers. I think I was venting more than disagreeing. No biggie.