Dear Catholic Exchange:
I understand the Church teaches only an ordained minister has the authority to proclaim the Gospel at Mass. Bearing this in mind, I have a few questions about gospel readings during Eucharistic holy hours.
At our parish we have a Eucharistic holy hour (Blessed Sacrament exposed) once a month devoted to praying for vocations. The holy hour includes both silent and vocal prayer, meditation (read by the laity), rosary, litany, and invocations for priests, as well as Benediction (the priest comes to do the Benediction). My questions are: When the Church says only an ordained minister has the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, does this mean only during the Mass itself or during any liturgy service? Is a Eucharistic holy hour as explained above considered a liturgy service? Do you know how or where I can find out more about the proper role of the laity in the matter of reading gospel reflections during a Eucharistic holy hour?
Thanks!
JMW
Dear Friend,
Peace in Christ! The laity are permitted to preach in churches and oratories under various circumstances. According to the Code of Canon Law, however, the “homily” is the preeminent form of preaching and is reserved to the ordained. Homilies take place at Mass, the highest prayer of the Church, wherein the ministry of the Word and Sacrament are uniquely given to the faithful. Because of the connection between Word and Sacrament at Mass, in the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Christ, only the ordained can give a homily. Under certain circumstances the laity may provide reflections or preach, but the homily is obligatory on Sunday and holy days of obligation.
Though the laity are permitted to preach, the ministry of the Word is primarily the responsibility of the ordained. The laity should preach for these exceptions: (1) When an ordained minister is not available. (2) Under other special circumstances, as prescribed by the diocesan bishop. For more information see canons 766-67 and 943 of the Code of Canon Law. Also, see our FAITH FACT on lay preaching.
I hope this answers your question. If you have further questions on this or would like more information about Catholics United for the Faith, please contact us at 1-800-MY-FAITH (693-2484). Please keep us in your prayers as we endeavor to “support, defend, and advance the efforts of the teaching Church.”
United in the Faith,
David E. Utsler
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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