Q: Nearly all Masses I see have lay readers go into the sanctuary to do the reading and Universal Prayer, then leave the sanctuary. Sometimes there are four mini processions, with readers escorted by a minister in vestments.

Rarely do they enter the sanctuary in the entrance procession, have a seat in the sanctuary and leave it in the final procession.

But this is how the Roman Missal describes what they do: GIRM 120, 193 and 195 “Then the reader takes his own place in the sanctuary with the other ministers.”

Is it impractical or inappropriate for readers to be in the sanctuary throughout the Mass? Are there instructions that permit what happens?

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A: The Latin makes no distinction between what we call “readers” and “lectors” in English. But a careful reading of the GIRM suggests that an instituted lector more fittingly vests and is seated in the sanctuary. Readers could do it, but there’s less emphasis for them. I’ve treated this at #282 in my book Let Us Pray.