In A Roman Catholic Mass, What Is A Lectionary?

The Lectionary is a three-volume set of thick hardback books which contain the texts of the Readings, Psalms and Gospels which are read out during the celebration of the Mass. The various texts are taken from both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. The three volumes are for the various different liturgical seasons and special occasions which occur in the Church's year. The Lectionary is placed on the lectern or the ambo, a stand usually made of wood positioned near the altar.

At the Liturgy of the Word, the Readings are often read by a layperson. On Sundays, Holy Days and major Feast Days, there are two Readings. During the week there is just one Reading. At every Mass, there is a Responsorial Psalm, the verses of which are either said or sung by the cantor or reader. The chorus is said or sung by the whole congregation. The Readings and Psalms (taken from the Book of Psalms) are followed at every Mass by the Gospel. This is a passage from either one of the four Gospels written by Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The Gospel is always proclaimed by either a priest or a deacon.