Gospel Book - Western Use

Western Use

In current Roman Catholic usage, the Book of the Gospels contains all four gospels and is used by the priest or deacon to read or chant the gospel of the day during the Mass. However, use of the Book of the Gospels is not mandatory, and the gospel readings are included in the standard Lectionary.

Many parishes choose to use the Book of the Gospels, particularly on Sundays because the Book of the Gospels may be carried in the entrance procession while the Lectionary may not. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 120) When carried in procession, the Book of the Gospels is held slightly elevated, though not over the head. It is particularly proper for the deacon to carry the Book of the Gospels in procession, as the reading of the gospel is his particular province. When there is no deacon, the Book may be carried by a lector.

Upon reaching the altar, the deacon or lector bows in veneration of the altar, then places the Book upon the altar, where it remains until the Alleluia. During the singing of the Alleluia, the deacon, or in his absence, the priest, removes the Book from the altar and processes with it to the ambo. If incense is used, the Book of the Gospels is censed by the deacon before the reading or chanting. An altar server or acolyte will swing the censer slowly during the reading or chanting. The Gospel remains at the ambo until the Mass concludes. If the Rite of Dismissal of catechumens is celebrated, the Book of the Gospels is carried in procession in front of the catechumens as they leave the church.

When the Deacon reaches the ambo it is placed there while the church still sings.

In many places it is customary to have a gospel procession to the place of reading. A procession may include several persons — the reader ("gospeler"), two candle bearers, a crucifer, a thurifer, and someone to hold the gospel book. Incense may be used to honor the gospel book. The presider blesses the deacon or other gospeler. The gospeler takes up the gospel book from the altar and follows the others to a lectern, ambo, pulpit, or into the midst of the congregation. If the gospel is read in the midst of the congregation (for example, in the middle aisle of the church), members of the congregation turn, as necessary, so that each of them is facing the Gospel Book. Afterward, the reader leads the way back and places the altar book either on the altar or on a side table. If the gospeler is to preach, someone else may return the book to the altar.

Most churches only use the gospel book during Lent, Advent, Christmas and Easter, generally not using the book during Ordinary time during which they use a smaller book on the lectionary.