29. The Celebrant
The most complete manifestation of the Church is a Bishop, his priests, and the faithful gathered in celebration of the Eucharist. Every celebration of the Mass is under the direction of the bishop, who is represented and assisted by the priests. The unity of the Church is expressed as the priests, helpers of the bishop, and the bishops, brothers among themselves and successors of the Apostles throughout history, all celebrate the same Mass throughout the world, in union with the Pope.
A bishop or priest, possessing the power of ordination to offer sacrifice in the person of Christ the Head of the Body, stands at the head of the gathered faithful. As the celebrant of the Mass, he has a significant role: he presides over the prayer of the assembly, proclaims the message of salvation to them, associates the people with himself in the offering of the sacrifice of the Mass, gives his brothers and sisters in Christ the Bread of Life, and partakes of it with them. His duty is formidable: when he celebrates the liturgy, he must serve God and the people with dignity and humility, and by his words and actions convey the living presence of Christ to the assembly.
GIRM 91-93
30. The Deacon
Second to the priest (or bishop) celebrant, the deacon also holds an important place as a minister of the Mass. The Sacred Order of Deacon has been held in high honor by the Church since the time of the Apostles. Deacons (from the Greek diakonia, meaning “service”) exercise a role of service to the Church.
In the Mass, the Deacon has his own proper role: proclaiming the Gospel, preaching occasionally, announcing the Prayers of the Faithful, preparing the Altar and the Gifts, giving directions to the faithful, assisting the celebrant, and distributing the Eucharist.
The Deacon carries the Book of the Gospels in procession and places it on the Altar. He incenses it before proclaiming the Gospel.
He incenses the celebrant, concelebrants, other clergy, and people at the Offertory. He kneels from the epiclesis (invocation of the Holy Spirit) until after the Consecration. He invites the people to give the sign of peace; instructs them to bow for the blessing; and dismisses them at the end of Mass.
The Deacon is charged with purifying the Sacred Vessels. He receives Communion, and never takes it for himself like a concelebrant. He is properly the minister of the Chalice for the distribution of Communion.
GIRM 94
31. The Acolyte
In rank after the (bishops) priests and deacons, Instituted Acolytes and Lectors also exercise liturgical ministries. Acolytes are instituted to serve at the altar and assist the priest and deacon. They have their own proper functions, which they are to perform personally.
The Acolyte carries the cross, or incense, or candles, in the opening procession. He holds the book for the priest and deacon. If no deacon is present, the Acolyte prepares the Altar, placing on it and arranging the corporal, chalice, pall, purificator, and the Missal. He assists the priest in receiving the gifts, and hands them to the priest. He assists with the incense. He may give Communion to he faithful. He may also assist the deacon in purifying the sacred vessels, or, if there is no deacon, purify himself at the credence table.
In seminaries, men in training for the priesthood are instituted as Acolytes for a time, as a step on the way to priesthood.
In parishes, where there are most often no instituted Acolytes, lay persons are chosen to perform these necessary functions at Mass. Altar Servers serve the Mass and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion distribute Communion to the Faithful. These two roles fulfill the functions of the Acolyte.
GIRM 98, 100, 187-193
32. The Lector
In rank after the (bishops) priests and deacons, Instituted Acolytes and Lectors also exercise liturgical ministries. Lectors are instituted to proclaim the Readings from Sacred Scripture. They may read the Antiphons, Responsorial Psalm and Prayers of the Faithful. They have their own proper functions, which they are to perform personally.
The Lector, if there is no Deacon, carries the Book of the Gospels in the entrance procession. The Lectionary is never carried. He reads the Readings from the Pulpit (Ambo). He may announce the intentions for the Prayers of the Faithful, if there is no Deacon; and read the Responsorial Psalm, if there is no Cantor. He may read the Introit (Entrance) and Communion Antiphons, if they are not sung.
In seminaries, men in training for the priesthood are instituted as Lectors for a time, as a step on the way to priesthood.
In parishes, where there are most often no instituted Lectors, lay persons are chosen to perform these necessary functions at Mass. They should be well-trained and formed in love for Sacred Scripture.
GIRM 99, 101, 194-198
33. Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
The only minister who can validly confect the Sacrament of the Eucharist is a validly ordained priest. Therefore, a priest is the “minister of the Eucharist.” By reason of their ordination, (bishops) priests and deacons are the “ordinary ministers of Holy Communion,” whose duty it is to administer Communion to the faithful. Beyond these, the instituted Acolyte is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, even outside of Mass.
In cases of true necessity, members of the faithful may be selected to assist in the distribution of Communion. These “extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion” are delegated by the diocesan Bishop, either for a specific occasion or for a certain length of time. Also, in cases of unforeseen need, the priest may select members of the faithful to assist with Communion on a single occasion.
This function is to be understood as its name implies: “extraordinary.” Such ministers are to be employed in cases of real necessity, such as a vast crowd, and only if there are not a sufficient number of priests or deacons present. They receive Communion only after the priest and deacon, and never with the priest. They may never assist with the fraction of the Hosts.
Extraordinary ministers approach the Altar only after the priest has received Communion. They are not to assist with the purification of vessels, which is reserved to priests, deacons, and instituted acolytes.
RS 154-160, Letter from SCDWDS to U.S. Bishops, October 2006
34. Other Liturgical Apostolates
Singing is an essential aspect of all Liturgy. Thus, those who serve the Church by providing liturgical music have a serious and irreplaceable function in the liturgy. The Cantor, Choir, and Organist, exercise a liturgical function that is proper to them. They ensure that the chants and other music are carried out well, with the full participation of the faithful, whether that participation be in the form of actual singing along, or attentively listening to the choir or organ. Liturgical musicians ought to be properly trained and educated, so that their music serves the liturgy, and is able to lead the minds and hearts of the people into worship of God.
Also exercising liturgical functions are the Sacristan and Master of Ceremonies. Sacristans are those who arrange the liturgical books, vessels, and linens, care for the liturgical appointments, and set-up for and clean up after Mass. A Master of Ceremonies is one who, during the liturgy itself, oversees and coordinates the function of all those who are ministers of the liturgy. They are most helpful functions, especially in major celebrations.
GIRM 102-107
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