Lay Liturgical Ministry

Quotes from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:

The faithful should not refuse to serve the People of God gladly whenever they are asked to perform some particular ministry in the celebration. (GIRM 97)

Lay ministers may be deputed to serve at the altar and assist the priest and the deacon; they may also be deputed to distribute Holy Communion as extraordinary ministers. (GIRM 100)

Other laypersons may be commissioned to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture. They should be truly suited to perform this function and should receive careful preparation, so that the faithful by listening to the readings from the sacred texts may develop in their hearts a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture. (GIRM 101)

The psalmist’s role is to sing the Psalm or other biblical canticle that comes between the readings. To fulfil this role correctly, it is necessary that the psalmist have the ability for singing and a facility in correct pronunciation and diction. (GIRM 102)

The schola cantorum or choir exercises its own liturgical role, ensuring that the parts proper to it, in keeping with the different types of chants, are properly carried out and fostering the active participation of the faithful through the singing. This
also applies to other musicians, especially the organist. (GIRM 103)

The following also exercise a liturgical role:
the sacristan; the commentator; those who take up the collection in the church; those who meet the faithful at the church entrance, lead them to appropriate places, and direct processions. (GIRM 105)