PARISH MINISTRY TRAINING

Order of Procession without Deacon(s):

[Thurifer]

Cross Bearer

Candle Bearers

[Acolyte(s) and/or Additional Servers]

[Reader with Book of the Gospels]

[Concelebrating Priest(s)]

Main Celebrant

The lectionary should never be carried in the entrance procession, but only the Book of the Gospels, and only by the Deacon or reader (if no Deacon is present). If used, the Book of the Gospels may be placed in a stand or simply laid flat on the altar. (Lector)

As the ministers approach the sanctuary, if they are able and not carrying anything (ex. cross, candles, etc.), each genuflects to the tabernacle. If they are carrying something, they stop and make a simple bow of the head. The genuflection (or bow) is made individually (or in pairs) and not as a group in a line before entering the sanctuary. (Lectors & Eucharistic Minister)

As soon as the Collect concludes, as the ministers and people are being seated, the reader may approach the ambo. If the reader is seated in the congregation, he or she should make a profound bow (from the waist) to the altar, before entering the sanctuary. Similarly, the reader is to make a profound bow to the altar upon leaving the sanctuary. (Lector)

The readings should be proclaimed slowly (at a natural pace), clearly (with enunciation), and audibly (with appropriate volume). If there is a sound system, the reader should be familiar with it and adjust the height/angle of the microphone as needed before beginning the reading. (Lector)

There should be a short pause between the introduction of the reading (“A reading from…”) and the reading itself. Similarly, there should be a short pause between the conclusion of the reading and the statement, “The word of the Lord.” A longer pause should be observed between the first reading and the Responsorial Psalm, between the psalm and the second reading, and between the second reading and the Alleluia or other acclamation (during Lent) before the Gospel.¹ (Lector)

If possible, the Responsorial Psalm should be sung.² Whether read or sung, it should be led from the ambo and not from another lectern or the choir area. (Lector)

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may approach the sanctuary after the Rite of Peace. They may kneel or stand (as they are able) after the Agnus Dei (“Lamb of God”) at the side or steps of the sanctuary. They should not enter the sanctuary or approach the altar directly until after the Priest has received Communion.³ (Eucharistic Minister)

If a Deacon is present, he should administer the chalice.⁴ (Eucharistic Minister)

References

1. See GIRM, no. 56.

2. GIRM, no. 61.

3. GIRM, no. 16.

4. GIRM, no. 284.

Holy Communion Instructions

Communion procession with arms crossed to indicate that they would like to receive a blessing. With hand slightly raised/extended (without touching the person), a short and simple prayer of blessing, such as, “May God bless you and keep you,” may be said by either the Priest, the Deacon, or the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. No blessing in the form of a cross should be given (with or without words), nor should the Priest, Deacon, or other minister bless the person with the consecrated host as a kind of “benediction.” (Eucharistic Minister)

After the distribution of Holy Communion, the ministers (including extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion) should return to the altar. If there is Precious Blood remaining in the chalices, the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may consume what is remaining.⁵ (Eucharistic Minister)

Ministers should bring any empty vessels to the credence and cover them, as needed, with the purificator or a separate corporal.⁶ Purificators should not be stuffed into the chalices, especially prior to the purification of the vessels. (Eucharistic Minister)

References

5. “Norms for the Distribution of Holy Communion under Both Kinds,” no. 52.

6. Ibid.

WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT

Welcome to St. Mary’s Catholic Church!

Good morning, and welcome to everyone gathered here to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. A special welcome to our visitors and those joining us for the first time. We are happy to have you with us as we come together as one family of faith to worship the Lord.

Today is October _____, 2026, the _____ Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings for today’s Mass can be found on page _____ of the missal.

Before we begin, please take a moment to silence your cell phones and other electronic devices so that we may participate in the celebration without distractions.

Today’s Mass is being offered for [intention/name]. Let us remember this intention in our prayers.

Please join me in praying the Prayer for Vocations, found in the pew.