A new edition of the Lectionary — using the English Standard Version - Catholic Edition and the Abbey Psalms and Canticles — will come into use in England and Wales on the First Sunday of Advent, 1 December.

This event provides an opportunity for all ministers of the Word — clergy and lay — to take stock and refresh their appreciation of the work entrusted to them. 

To prepare for Advent, it will be helpful for ministers to explore and become familiar with what is ‘new’ in the new edition - for example, the translation and layout, and also consider some of the Lectionary’s less familiar resources that can help with the more effective ministry of the Word in our parishes, schools and other communities.

Advent 2024 offers a golden opportunity to encourage and help all Catholics to better know and love God’s living Word, and find there nourishment for our life in faith.

A (free!) refresher programme for ministers is being offered online on two occasions in response to demand:

Introduction to the Lectionary and the ministry of the Word

3pm to 4.30pm on Sunday 13 October and repeated on Sunday 20 October.

The course is led by Fr Allen Morris, former Secretary to the Bishops’ Conference Department for Christian Life and Worship.

To book a place please email fr.allen.morris @rcaob.org.uk

Parish clusters are welcome to email to book this course as an ‘in-person’ live event. Interested? Please email Fr Allen for more details.

Fr Allen has also produced two resources to support the introduction of the new Lectionary:

Ministering the Word of God: This brief introduction to the liturgical ministry of Reader explains how the Liturgy of the Word works and its place in the life of the Church as well as giving guidelines for Ministers of the Word at Mass and leaders of children’s liturgy and Lectio Divina.

The Word is Very Near to You: Designed to accompany the use of the newly-revised Ministering the Word of God in the training and formation of Ministers of the Word, this workbook is ideal for use in parishes, chaplaincies and schools, or any other setting in which the Word of God is a central part of ministry.

Learn more about the new Lectionary