Q418 – Is it appropriate for a woman to serve as a lector in the sanctuary during Mass, or should this role be limited?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt
Date: January 13, 2026
Bishop Schneider instructs that Scripture should not be read from the altar or presbytery, especially by women, as it conflicts with Church tradition. Such practices create Protestant-like informality, undermine liturgical sacredness, and convey a non-Catholic image. Scripture reading should occur at home, in Bible groups, or during conferences, not during Mass.
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Yes, I would say, please do not perform the reading of the Scriptures during Holy Mass from the altar area or the presbytery. This is completely contrary to the entire tradition of the Church. The presence of women in the altar area is already a confusing image and message. This style resembles Protestant worship, not Catholic, because the altar is reserved for the priesthood, the ordained priesthood, or their helpers, the male servers, like acolytes and deacons, who are connected to the male priesthood.

Also, coming up from the pews in civil clothes to the altar or the pulpit creates such an informal moment that it destroys the holiness, sacredness, and sublimity of the entire liturgy. It introduces a Protestant-like informality, like a gathering in a conference hall where participants can simply climb to the lectern and begin a lecture. This is a phenomenon, simply a phenomenon, independent of your intentions, but it conveys an exterior image and message that is not Catholic at all.

Of course, if you were influenced by priests who taught this, you are not guilty. You did it in ignorance and goodwill. But now I clarify it: please do not do this. Doing so contributes to the Protestantizing of Catholic worship. It has never been done in 2,000 years and is not fitting for the reasons I mentioned.

You love the Holy Scriptures. You can read them at home with your children, in Bible groups, or during conferences. That would be good.

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