ORDER OF COMMISSIONING WITHIN MASS
OF LAY PRESIDERS FOR
UNPLANNED ABSENCE OF A PRIEST

[After the gospel/homily, the priest explains the meaning of the ministry of lay presider at the
Liturgy of the Word on Sundays in the event of the unplanned absence of a priest presider.
Unplanned absence means that the priest, due to an emergency such as sudden illness, injury, etc.
is unable to preside.]

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES

(The priest presents to the people those chosen to serve as lay presiders.)

Dear friends in Christ: our brothers and sisters N. and N. are to be entrusted with the
ministry of lay presider at the Liturgy of the Word on Sundays in the event of an
unplanned absence of a priest presider.

(The priest addresses the candidates:)

In this ministry, you must be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct; you must
strive to grow in holiness through the reading and contemplation of Holy Scripture.

As a lay presider at the Liturgy of the Word, be especially aware of the responsibility
to invite the assembly to prayer, taking the utmost care to humbly acknowledge the
presence of God within the gathering.

EXAMINATION

(The candidates stand before the priest, who asks them these questions:)

Are you resolved to undertake the ministry of lay presider at the celebration of the
Liturgy of the Word in the unplanned absence of a priest on Sundays, and so serve this
parish's need to gather as one people?

I AM

Are you resolved to lead the assembly of this parish in prayer with humility, confidence
and care?

I AM

PRAYER OF BLESSING

(The candidates kneel and the priest invites the faithful to pray:)

Dear friends in Christ, let us pray with confidence to the Father: let us ask God to bestow blessings on our brothers and sisters, chosen and trained to be lay presiders of prayer.

(Pause for silent prayer. The priest then continues:)

Gracious Father, creator and guide of your family, bless + our brothers and sisters
N. and N. May they faithfully lead your people in praise of your Word.

Strengthened by your gift of holy presence, may they come to know the fullness of
life in your eternal kingdom.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

AMEN.