Sunday Lay Presider

by Paul Turner

The absence of a priest may occur because of various circumstances. In some parts of the world, priests are so few that one only rarely visits a given community. In other places, a priest may serve several communities, permitting him to visit each only on rotation. Sudden illness or unforeseen obstacles may create emergencies in communities accustomed to a priest every Sunday. Many parishes train lay presiders for such occasions.

Sunday, the day of the Lord’s resurrection, is our primary day for community prayer. By gathering on Sunday, the faithful acclaim our belief in the resurrection, especially when we celebrate Eucharist.

When there is no priest, the faithful still gather on Sunday for another form of prayer. Usually the liturgy includes several familiar elements. Introductory rites form our community and prepare us for prayer. The Liturgy of the Word allows us to hear the Scriptures assigned for that Sunday’s Mass. The lay presider offers a prayer of thanksgiving, in which we praise God. We may then share communion under the form of the Body of Christ, consecrated at a previous celebration of the Eucharist. Concluding rites then send us on mission into the world.

Although this celebration can be a beautiful form of prayer, it should never decrease our desire for the Mass nor our awareness that the prolonged absence of the Eucharist cannot be tolerated. The Sunday lay presider who assists in this time of need deserves the community’s prayerful respect.

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Paul Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.