Guidelines for Lay Preaching - Speaking at Mass

August 2005

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A lay person reading during MassThe role of preaching in the context of Mass (speaking at the regular Homily time) is reserved to the ordained priest and/or deacon. All others (Laity and Religious men and women who are not in Holy Orders) may speak at Mass.  Depending on the occasion and purpose, there are several options available for them to do so.

Before Mass Begins

  • At the time Mass is scheduled to begin, the Priest-celebrant (or some other leader of the community) leads the one who is to speak to the Sanctuary, and introduces them to the Assembly, noting the occasion and purpose.
  • The individual speaks from the ambo/pulpit or from some other place (i.e. the cantor stand.)
  • When finished, the speaker may go to a seat among the Assembly, or remains in the sanctuary through the Mass (depending on space, local custom, etc.)
  • The Gathering Song is announced, and the ministers process.
  • The Homily is given by the Priest-celebrant (or another priest or deacon) at the usual time.
  • If there is to be a collection (i.e. for a missionary), this could take place at the usual time or the missionary and volunteers could be at the doors of the church with baskets in hand as people leave the church.

At the Beginning of Mass

  • Although it runs the risk of disturbing the flow of the Liturgy, some pastors have found that it is effective to have the individual speak at the very beginning of Mass.
  • After the Gathering Song, the Priest-celebrant begins Mass as usual with the Sign of the Cross and the Greeting.  He then invites the assembly to be seated and introduces the one who is to speak.  The individual then speaks from the ambo/pulpit or from some other place (i.e. the cantor stand.)
  • After the speaker has finished, the Priest-celebrant invites the assembly to stand and continues the Liturgy with the Penitential Rite.
  • The Homily is given by the Priest-celebrant (or another priest or deacon) at the usual time.
  • If there is to be a collection (i.e. for a missionary), this could take place at the usual time or the missionary and volunteers could be at the doors of the church with baskets in hand following the liturgy

After Communion

  • Following the Prayer after Communion, when the announcements normally would be given, the Priest-celebrant invites all to be seated.
  • The Priest-celebrant (or some other Parish Staff member) introduces the person to speak, noting the occasion and purpose.
  • The individual speaks from the ambo/pulpit or from some other place (i.e. the cantor stand.)
  • When finished, the speaker may return to a seat among the Assembly; or remain in the sanctuary and process out with the ministers.
  • If there is to be a collection (i.e. for a missionary), this could take place after they have finished speaking, but before the Blessing and Dismissal (meanwhile, someone else could make the parish announcements) or the missionary and volunteers could be at the doors of the church with baskets in hand as people leave the church.

- Rev. Patrick J. Beidelman
Director of Liturgy

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