general instruction of the roman missal liturgy documentary series i

GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL
exception of the Gospel. He may also
announce the intentions for the Prayer of
the Faithful and, in the absence of the
psalmist, proclaim the Psalm between
the readings.
In the Eucharistic Celebration, the lector
has his own proper office (cf. nos. 194-
198), which he must exercise personally.
The Other Roles
100. In the absence of an instituted acolyte,
lay ministers may be deputed to serve at
the altar and assist the priest and the
deacon; they may carry the cross, the
candles, the thurible, the bread, the
wine, and the water, and they may also
be deputed to distribute Holy
Communion as extraordinary
ministers. 85
101. In the absence of an instituted lector,
other laypersons may be commissioned
to proclaim the readings from Sacred
Scripture. They should be truly suited to
perform this function and should receive
85 Cf. Sacred Congregation for the Discipline of the
Sacraments, Instruction Immensae caritatis, 29
January 1973, no.1: AAS 65 (1973), pp.265-266;
Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 230 § 3.
81