Guidelines for Lay Preaching - Speaking at Mass
August 2005
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Queries about lay preaching / speaking at Mass have been received in the Office of Worship. The basic question has been: what are the guidelines? Based on the statement released by the USCCB, the Archbishop’s letter in the Criterion on April 19, 2002, conversations with the Archbishop, Msgr. Schaedel and various offices of worship in the Midwest, here are guidelines for those times when any non-ordained person speaks at Mass.
Before Mass Begins
Someone from the parish staff, or the presider, at the time the mass is scheduled to begin, brings to the sanctuary the one who is to speak. The staff person or presider introduces the person to speak, noting the occasion and purpose.
The individual speaks, at the ambo/pulpit.
When finished, the speaker may go to a seat among the Assembly, or remain in the sanctuary through the Mass (depending on space, local custom, etc.)
The Gathering Song is announced, and the ministers process.
The Homily by the presider (or another priest or deacon) would take place 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.
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 non-ordained person speak at the very beginning of Mass.
In this case, after the Gathering Song, the priest begins Mass as usual with the Sign of the Cross and the customary greeting. He then invites the assembly to be seated and introduces the one who is to speak. The speaker then speaks at the ambo/pulpit.
After the speaker is finished, the celebrant invites the assembly to stand and continues with the penitential rite and the Mass proceeds as usual.
The Homily by the priest or deacon takes place 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 parish announcements would normally be given, the presider invites all to be seated.
The presider or a staff person introduces the person to speak, noting the occasion and purpose and then sits.
The individual speaks, at the ambo/pulpit.
When finished, this person
- may return to a seat among the Assembly; or
- may 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 (one might then make the parish announcements) and before the blessing and sending; or the missionary and volunteers could be at the doors of the church with baskets in hand following the liturgy.
It is hoped that these guidelines are helpful. In time experience will help us to see which is the more effective. Reflections upon experiences (for future reference and possible updating of these guidelines) are welcome.
Father Pat Beidelman, Director of Liturgy