Gospel Reading/Preaching

Document Title: "Gospel Reading/Preaching
Question from on 04-24-2007:
Greetings Fr. Bob

Have you heard anything about the Church officially appointing lay people to read the Gospel and preach during liturgy as a new norm due to the lack of priests and deacons in some areas? A priest in our diocese who I consider devout and faithful to the magesterium has said that some U.S. bishops have mentioned this. I have attempted to research this and can find nothing more about this. I know lay people may be allowed to read something prepared by the priest for a 'Service in the Absence of a Priest' in the absence of a priest or deacon, but it was mentioned that lay people may be appointed or commissioned, much like the commissioning Accolytes and Readers receive when done in an 'official' capacity, to actually be able to preach during liturgy.

God's Blessings on all you do in your Priestly Ministry, Deacon Bob
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 04-25-2007:
Deacon Bob, Yes, I also heard of this but can't be more informative than you. Sorry. Itcould be true. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis"