“The reader is responsible for the reading of the Scriptures (except for the Gospel) during liturgical assembly. The reader may also direct the singing and present the general intercessions when a deacon or cantor is absent. The reader may also prepare another member of the faithful to read the Scriptures on a temporary basis.”The instituting bishop handed us a Bible and instituted us with the words: “Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.” The liturgy of institution of acolytes says:
“The acolyte assists the deacon and priest during liturgical assemblies. The acolyte may also distribute holy communion as an auxiliary minister when situations demand. The acolyte may also instruct the faithful in the performance of liturgical functions as may be the case.”The bishop instituted us by giving us a vessel with the bread or wine and saying, “Take this vessel with bread (wine) for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.” Paul VI made clear that the lector should also “meditate assiduously on sacred Scripture”. He added that, other than assisting at Mass, acolytes may also “be entrusted with publicly exposing the blessed sacrament for adoration by the faithful and afterward replacing it, but not with blessing the people. He may also, to the extent needed, take care of instructing other faithful who on a temporary basis are appointed to assist the priest or deacon in liturgical celebrations by carrying the missal, cross, candles, etc., or by performing other such duties. He will perform these functions more worthily if he participates in the holy Eucharist with increasingly fervent devotion, receives nourishment from it, and deepens his knowledge about it.” At the end of the Motu Proprio, Paul VI adds, “In accordance with the ancient tradition of the Church, institution to the ministries of reader and acolyte is reserved to men.” This is what Pope Francis has changed by institutionalizing what has already been in practice for decades around the world because women could perform the role “by temporary designation” under Canon 230 § 2, which was revised in 1983. And so, the Church officially adopts what has been a practice: it changes from the bottom up. In a letter to Cardinal Luis Ladaria, SJ, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, issued with the Motu Proprio, Pope Francis explains that these ministries are different to ordained ministry, and that since they are based on the Sacrament of Baptism, they may be entrusted to all suitable faithful, whether male or female. I think that in most parishes in North America, it’s likely that the majority of lectors and altar servers are already women and girls. However, it’s good that this has now been made official. It would be important for lay people to be instituted to these ministries in the same way that those who are preparing for ordination are. Not that we need more hierarchies or clericalism (nor do we need to clericalize women), but it would set those people apart for a special liturgical role. It may also mean that we give more attention to the importance of Sacred Scriptures and the Eucharist. - To learn more about the role of women in the Church, you may want to read: Deacon-structing: The Gynacolate Deacon-structing the Diaconate: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 (Women), and Part 5 (Women 2). You may also want to see the resources on the Vocation of Women at the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. You should also read the wonderful Encyclical Mulieris Dignitatem by St. John Paul II. And you must watch the excellent Salt + Light TV production A Woman’s Voice: Stories of Discernment and Grace.
In his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis continued this cycle of catechesis on "Jesus Christ our Hope," as part of the Jubilee 2025. This week he reflected on the Magnificat, the Virgin Mary's Song of Praise after she is greeted by her cousin Elizabeth.
Reflecting on the vision given to St. Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew, Pope Francis said that "He dreams of the miracle that God fulfils in Mary’s life, and also the miracle that he works in his own life: to take on a fatherhood capable of guarding, protecting, and passing on a material and spiritual inheritance."
Pope Francis continued this cycle of catechesis on "Jesus Christ our Hope." Reflecting on the Angel Gabriel's greeting to the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation, he said that "The 'Almighty,' the God of the 'impossible' is with Mary, together with and beside her; He is her companion, her principal ally, the eternal 'I-with-you.'"
In his weekly catechesis, Pope Francis reflected on the fruits of the Spirit. Beginning with Joy, he said that "not only is it not subject to the inevitable wear of time, but it multiplies when it is shared with others! A true joy is shared with others; it even spreads."
In his weekly catechesis, Pope Francis reflected on how the Holy Spirit empowered the Blessed Virgin Mary to become the Mother of God.